Syracuse’s linebackers have gone from question mark to one of the more interesting parts of the defense heading into 2026.
That shift matters because the Orange spent last season chasing answers everywhere. The defense had trouble against the run, couldn’t consistently pressure the quarterback and didn’t create enough turnovers. This time around, the linebacker room gives new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres a chance to change that picture.
The group is built around two returning starters in Gary Bryant III and Antoine Deslauriers, and it also includes a few players who give Syracuse some real schematic flexibility: Chris D’Appolonia, Trey Dudley, Keyshawn Johnson, Maurice Medley, Zyian Moultrie-Goddard, David Omopariola, Gemaus Sackie, Garvin St. John and Jamie Tremble.
Bryant and Deslauriers both opened last season with strong work against the run. The concern was what happened when they had to handle pass coverage, especially Bryant.
That’s where D’Appolonia comes in. Kehres brought him over from Toledo, and he posted a PFF coverage grade of 85 last season.
If Syracuse settles into a 4-3 look, Bryant, Deslauriers and D’Appolonia look like the most natural fit for the starting group. That would give the Orange a steadier spine and, at least on paper, a chance to firm up the defense. With an unproven defensive line and a pair of dynamic corners, the linebackers may be asked to play more aggressively against the run instead of spending so much time worrying about zone coverage.
There’s more than one way Kehres could use this unit, though. If he wants to mix in 3-4 looks, Syracuse can keep Deslauriers and Bryant inside while using Johnson, Tremble or Omopariola off the edge. Any of those three could also slide down to defensive end in passing situations, while D’Appolonia handles coverage on tight ends or running backs.
Tremble and Omopariola each finished with 11 QB pressures last season in reserve roles, and that kind of production hints at a pass rush that could grow if the Orange improve on early downs. Better first and second downs would let that pressure show up more often and, in turn, help create turnovers.
Syracuse could also lean into a 4-2-5 look, using the two “freaks” to cover the width of the field while adding another defensive back to deal with spread offenses.
Depth was another problem for last year’s linebacker group, and that’s where Moultrie-Goddard and Sackie matter. Both have drawn praise from the coaching staff, and if they can give the starters a real breather, Syracuse may avoid the kind of second-half fade that showed up last season.
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