Syracuse’s recruiting picture for the future took a hit on Wednesday, when offensive line prospect Edwin Guzman backed off his pledge to the Orange and reopened his recruitment before signing day.
Guzman, a 6-foot-7, 310-pound guard from Erie, Pa., had announced in January that he intended to sign with Syracuse. He also held offers from Charlotte, Akron, Toledo and Rutgers.
In a message posted to X, Guzman explained his decision this way:
"First, I want to thank the Syracuse coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. After talking with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from Syracuse and reopen my recruitment. I have nothing but respect for the program and wish them the best."
Guzman was one of six offensive linemen in Syracuse’s Class of 2027.
Even with the decommitment, Syracuse’s broader roster-building approach remains focused on young talent. Fran Brown and the Orange have leaned heavily on first- and second-year players again this season, with 27 first-year players and 33 second-year players on the 2026 roster. That second-year total leads the ACC, and only one team in the league has more first-year players than Syracuse.
Brown has kept high school recruiting in the mix as part of that long-term plan, rather than relying entirely on the transfer portal.
As for what Guzman’s exit means down the line, it’s too early to say. Syracuse still has to see which current players return and how the roster takes shape through the portal before anyone can get a clear read on the 2027 outlook.
The Orange have five games left in the regular season, starting Saturday at home against SMU in the JMA Wireless Dome. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET.
Syracuse’s remaining schedule also includes Clemson on Nov. 7 at 12:00 p.m. ET, a trip to NC State on Nov. 14, a road game at Boston College on Nov. 21 and a home finale against Notre Dame on Nov. 28.
At 3-4, Syracuse needs to win three of its final five games to become bowl eligible. If the Orange reach six wins, they would receive a bowl invitation after the regular season.
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