Syracuse OL Josh Miller Announces Transfer Plans, Becomes 20th Orange Player to Hit Portal
Another domino has fallen in Syracuse’s offseason roster shake-up. Offensive lineman Josh Miller announced Tuesday that he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the 20th Syracuse player to signal a move this winter.
Miller made his announcement on social media, joining a growing list of Orange players looking for new opportunities as the program heads into its first full offseason under head coach Fran Brown.
A former Georgia recruit, Miller transferred to Syracuse ahead of the 2024 season. While he didn’t lock down a starting role, he became a versatile piece on the offensive line, seeing time at multiple positions including left guard, left tackle, and center. He started one game at center and logged 214 offensive snaps overall - seventh-most among Orange linemen and fifth among those eligible to return in 2025.
According to Pro Football Focus, Miller didn’t allow a sack during his time on the field but did give up six quarterback pressures. His overall PFF grade placed him 22nd out of 59 Syracuse players who saw offensive snaps last season - a solid showing for a reserve lineman still developing his game.
There was some thought that Miller could be in the mix to replace outgoing starting center Austin Collins, who’s out of eligibility. But based on Brown’s recent comments about the offensive line, it appears the staff didn’t view Miller as the likely successor at that key spot.
That likely played into Miller’s decision to explore his options. With two years of eligibility remaining and experience at multiple positions, he could be a valuable addition for a program looking for OL depth and flexibility.
His departure only amplifies Syracuse’s need to find a new starting center, likely through the portal. Joe Cruz, one of the returning guards, was listed as the third-string center last season - a clear sign that reinforcements are needed.
Miller’s toughest outing came in the matchup against Pittsburgh, a game where he admitted he struggled after Collins went down with an injury on the very first play. It was a tough ask, stepping in cold and adjusting on the fly, but it also highlighted the challenges of being a backup lineman - always one snap away from being thrown into the fire.
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Miller has the size and pedigree to land somewhere with a clearer path to playing time. He was ranked as the No. 654 recruit in the Class of 2023 and began his career at Georgia before transferring to Syracuse. Interestingly, he entered the portal last offseason as well but ultimately returned to the Orange with Brown’s blessing.
This time, it looks like the move will stick. While the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, players are allowed to announce their intentions ahead of time - and Miller has made his.
With 20 players now signaling their exit, Syracuse’s offseason transformation is well underway. For Miller, it’s a chance to find a fresh start and a bigger role. For the Orange, it’s another spot to fill - and another sign that the rebuild under Fran Brown is going to be both deep and wide.