Syracuse has made the cut for one of the more sought-after defenders in the 2028 class.
Four-star linebacker and edge rusher Judah Blair, a top-85 national prospect, has trimmed his list to 10 schools and the Orange are in it, according to Rivals. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Blair is a sophomore All-American who is off to a strong start to his junior season at Lakota West High School in West Chester Township, Ohio.
His top 10 also includes Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, N.C. State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
That’s a deep and competitive group, but Syracuse is still in the mix as Fran Brown and his staff continue trying to land high-end talent on the recruiting trail. No visit has been set yet, though a source told Inside the Loud House that the Syracuse staff is working to get Blair to campus at some point.
Blair has been productive this fall for Lakota West, which is 5-1 in the 2026 season, according to MaxPreps. Through his junior campaign so far, he has posted 30 solo tackles, 49 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
He was also a major name a year ago. In the 2025 season, when Lakota West finished 7-5, Blair earned sophomore All-American honors from Rivals.
His X page says he put up 25 solo tackles, 57 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception as a sophomore. He also chipped in on offense with 75 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
The rankings back up the buzz. In the 2028 class, the 247Sports Composite has Blair at No. 82 overall, No. 5 among linebackers and No. 3 in Ohio. Rivals’ Industry Ranking also slots him at No. 82 nationally, No. 6 at linebacker and No. 3 in the state.
Syracuse already has one commitment in its 2028 class: four-star offensive tackle Omari Lawson out of Zarephath Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Lawson is a top-125 national prospect in the junior class.
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Watkins already has the kind of early experience that tends to grab attention, having started as a freshman for a Belmont Charter team that finished 10-2 in 2025. For Syracuse, the pitch is simple: identify talent early, make the relationship count, and see whether the Orange can turn a camp visit into a head start in the recruiting race. [Read more 🡒]