Syracuse DB Ta’Ron Haile Announces Transfer Portal Intentions Amid Growing Offseason Exodus
Another name is heading to the transfer portal from Syracuse, as defensive back Ta’Ron Haile has announced plans to explore opportunities elsewhere. Haile becomes the 14th Orange player to signal his intent to transfer this offseason, continuing a trend that’s reshaping the roster heading into 2026.
Haile made the announcement via Instagram on Tuesday, joining a wave of players across college football who are preparing to enter the portal when it officially opens on January 2. While players can’t formally submit their names until that date, the NCAA allows them to declare their intentions publicly at any time.
For Haile, 2025 was a developmental year. He appeared in 10 games, carving out a role primarily on special teams.
He logged 91 snaps in that phase of the game, compared to 46 on defense. His biggest defensive contribution came in the season finale against Boston College, where he earned a start at safety and played a season-high 24 snaps.
Statistically, Haile registered four tackles on the year. While those numbers might not leap off the page, his Pro Football Focus grade placed him 16th among 53 Syracuse defensive players - a respectable mark for someone still adjusting to the position.
Haile’s journey at Syracuse has been one of transition. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, he made the switch to defensive back after arriving on campus. At 6-feet tall and 190 pounds, he brings intriguing athletic tools and versatility, and with three years of eligibility remaining, he’s a player with developmental upside that could appeal to programs looking to bolster their secondary depth.
The Orange, meanwhile, are facing a significant reshuffle in the defensive backfield. Starting safeties Devin Grant and Duce Chestnut have exhausted their eligibility, and Berry Buxton III is also believed to be done.
Jalil Martin, another safety, has already announced his own plans to enter the portal. That leaves Cornell Perry as the top returning player at the position, with Braheem Long also bringing back meaningful experience.
Syracuse’s coaching staff has acknowledged the need to add safeties this offseason, and the portal will be a key part of that strategy. While players who enter the portal can return to their original school, it requires the program’s approval - and in many cases, both sides are ready to move on.
Haile hails from Millville, New Jersey - the same hometown as former Syracuse standout LeQuint Allen - and was ranked No. 947 in the 2024 recruiting class by the 247Sports composite. During his high school recruitment, he drew offers from Penn State, Maryland, Nebraska, and others, indicating the level of interest he may attract this time around.
As the Orange continue to navigate a busy offseason, here’s a look at the full list of players who have announced plans to enter the portal so far: Ta’Ron Haile, Jalil Martin, Kaylib Singleton, Emanuel Ross, Jahkari Williams, Jaylan Hornsby, Fatim Diggs, Ethan Stangle, Derek McDonald, Chase Simmons, Caden Brown, Ibn McDaniels, Nick Armentano, and Malachi James.
The portal era is in full swing, and for Syracuse, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining not just who’s leaving - but who’s coming in to fill the gaps.