Syracuse DB Jalil Martin Enters Transfer Portal After Two Seasons with the Orange
Syracuse’s secondary is undergoing a major shakeup this offseason, and redshirt-junior defensive back Jalil Martin is the latest name to hit the transfer portal.
Martin announced his decision with a message of gratitude, thanking Syracuse University, his coaches, teammates, and the Orange community for their support. “I’ve built bonds and memories that will last a lifetime,” he said, “and I’ll always be thankful for my time here.”
Martin’s journey to Syracuse began with promise. A three-star recruit and All-State selection out of Kenwood Academy in Illinois, he initially committed to Nebraska in 2022. After redshirting his freshman year in Lincoln, Martin transferred to Syracuse in 2023 and immediately found his way onto the field.
Under then-head coach Dino Babers, Martin appeared in nine games as a redshirt freshman, showing flashes of potential and earning valuable reps in the Orange’s defensive backfield.
But 2024 brought change. With Fran Brown taking over as head coach, Martin’s role diminished. He played in just five games that season, though he made a memorable impact in the Holiday Bowl by snagging the first-and only-interception of his college career in a win over Washington State.
In 2025, Martin again saw limited action, appearing in five games and finishing with six tackles. While he remained a depth piece in the rotation, he never quite carved out a consistent role in Brown’s revamped defense.
Now, Martin is ready for a fresh start. “After much prayer, reflection and conversations with those closest to me, I’ve decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal with two years of eligibility remaining,” he said. “This decision wasn’t made lightly, but I believe God is leading me into the next chapter he’s prepared.”
Martin becomes the third defensive back from Syracuse to enter the portal this offseason. On top of that, the Orange are set to lose four more defensive backs to graduation, leaving the secondary in a state of transition heading into 2026.
Over his time at Syracuse, Martin totaled 16 tackles, one interception, and one pass deflection. While he stated in his announcement that he has two years of eligibility left, he’s played in at least five games in each of the past three seasons. That means a waiver would be required for him to be granted a sixth year.
Martin’s next stop remains to be seen, but he’s clearly looking for an opportunity to reset and reestablish himself on the field. For a player with Power Five experience and a solid foundation, he could be a valuable addition to a program looking to bolster its secondary with a versatile, experienced defender.