Syracuse football is making serious moves on the 2027 recruiting trail, and one of their top targets is starting to take notice.
Michael Nnabuife, a three-star tight end out of powerhouse Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, has locked in his first official visit - and it’s to the Orange. The 6-foot-5, 242-pound playmaker announced via social media that he’ll be on campus from May 29 to May 31, a key window that could shape the next phase of his recruitment.
Nnabuife is no stranger to the Syracuse staff. He’s been on their radar for a while now, and the Orange have been recruiting him aggressively.
They extended an offer back on April 30, 2025, and by November, Syracuse had earned a spot in his top six schools - joining heavy hitters like Alabama, Florida, Maryland, N.C. State, and Michigan State.
That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about how far the Orange have come in building relationships with top-tier talent.
The visit news comes not long after Nnabuife was on campus for a junior day on January 31, when Syracuse basketball hosted Notre Dame at the JMA Wireless Dome. That trip clearly left a strong impression. Following the visit, Nnabuife told 247Sports that Syracuse was “on top” in his recruitment - a significant development for a program looking to stack talent in its 2027 class.
Nnabuife’s profile is already impressive. He stars for Saint Frances Academy, one of the top high school football programs in the country.
The Panthers went 9-1 during the 2025 season and finished ranked No. 2 nationally, according to MaxPreps. That kind of pedigree matters - especially when you’re evaluating how a player might translate to the next level.
And Nnabuife isn’t just riding the coattails of a successful program. He made his presence felt on the biggest stage of the high school season.
In December, Saint Frances captured the inaugural Overtime Nationals title in Baltimore, knocking off Corner Canyon (Utah) 37-20. Nnabuife contributed with an 18-yard touchdown reception - a small but meaningful flash of his red-zone ability in a high-stakes game.
Syracuse’s connection to Saint Frances runs deeper than just Nnabuife. The Orange recently landed a verbal commitment from another 2027 three-star prospect at the school - running back/athlete Sa’Nir Brooks.
And linebacker Maurice Medley, who had a standout senior season at Saint Frances, is already part of Syracuse’s 2026 recruiting class. Medley racked up 87 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a pick-six, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 2025 - a stat line that reflects the kind of high-level production the Orange are targeting.
That 2026 class, by the way, is already making history. With 27 signees, it ranks as the highest-rated Syracuse recruiting class in the modern era, according to national services.
As for the 2027 cycle? It’s off to a strong start.
Syracuse currently holds eight verbal commitments, and the class sits at No. 7 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. If they can keep that momentum rolling - especially with top-tier prospects like Nnabuife - the Orange could be laying the foundation for a new era in the ACC.
There’s still a long way to go in Nnabuife’s recruitment, but Syracuse has positioned itself well. An official visit in late May gives the Orange a prime opportunity to showcase their vision, facilities, and coaching staff - and to make a lasting impression on one of the top tight ends in the 2027 class.
For now, Syracuse fans have every reason to keep a close eye on this one. Nnabuife is a name to know - and he might just be the next big piece in a class that’s already turning heads.