Syracuse football is making a strong push for one of the top running backs in the 2027 class - and the Orange are getting a key visit this summer.
Xavier Bala, a four-star prospect out of Saint Anthony’s High School on Long Island, announced that he’ll take an official visit to Syracuse from June 12 to June 14. At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Bala brings a rare blend of size, power, and explosiveness to the backfield - and he’s already made it clear that the Orange are firmly in the mix for his commitment.
This visit isn’t coming out of nowhere. Syracuse was the first school to offer Bala back in June 2024, and since then, the relationship between the bruising back and the Orange coaching staff - including Fran Brown, Dyral Redd, and Elijah Robinson - has only grown stronger. Bala has been on campus multiple times, and his social media posts show a clear appreciation for the program and its coaches.
Bala was originally set to make his college decision during the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio, but an injury sidelined him from the event and pushed back his announcement. That delay has opened the door for more visits and extended conversations with top programs, giving Syracuse another shot to make a lasting impression this June.
And make no mistake - Bala is a big-time recruit. He’s currently ranked No. 199 nationally by ESPN, No. 15 among running backs, and No. 2 in New York.
The Rivals Industry Ranking puts him at No. 292 overall, No. 22 at the position, and also No. 2 in the Empire State. He holds 20 FBS scholarship offers, with a top five that includes Syracuse, Ohio State, Nebraska, Boston College, and Virginia.
Nebraska has generated some recruiting buzz in recent months, but the Orange remain very much in the picture.
On the field, Bala is a force. During his junior season at Saint Anthony’s, he rushed for 1,411 yards and 26 touchdowns, powering the Friars to a 7-5 record.
He added 10 catches for 82 yards out of the backfield, showing off his versatility and soft hands in the passing game. His accolades speak for themselves - MVP honors at the UA Camp, ALL22 Camp, Navy All-American Combine, and FBU Freshman All showcase.
He was also selected to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl, a nod to his standing among the nation’s elite.
Syracuse has already built a strong foundation in the 2027 cycle, with eight verbal commitments and a class currently ranked No. 7 nationally by the 247Sports Composite. Among those commits is three-star running back/athlete Sa’Nir Brooks out of Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore - another talented piece in what could be a dynamic offensive future for the Orange.
Landing Bala would be a major statement for Fran Brown and his staff. Not only would it add a top-200 national talent to the backfield, but it would also reinforce Syracuse’s growing presence in the Northeast recruiting landscape. Bala’s upcoming official visit gives the Orange another opportunity to make their case - and if they can continue to build on the relationships they've already established, they just might be in position to close the deal.
For now, all eyes are on mid-June. Xavier Bala is heading back to Central New York - and Syracuse football is ready to roll out the orange carpet.