Syracuse’s 2026 ACC opener against Cal brought more than just a game to the JMA Wireless Dome. It also gave a handful of recruits a live look at the Orange, with more than a dozen prospects in attendance and three visitors sharing what stood out most from the trip.
For Richland, N.J., St. Augustine Prep wide receiver/defensive back Maddox, the visit lived up to expectations. Syracuse was one of the first schools to offer him in 2024, and since then his offer list has grown to include Boston College, UNC, Penn State, Rutgers and Washington, among others.
“The visit was great overall,” Maddox said. “Everyone made me feel welcome it was a great experience.”
The trip also gave him a chance to connect with some of Syracuse’s new defensive staff for the first time, including defensive backs coach Perry Eliano.
“I spoke with coach Eliano about how the defense did,” Maddox said. “And about my development on the next level and what my next steps will look like.”
Burlington, N.J., City High two-sport athlete Corry also left with a stronger impression of Syracuse. The Orange were his first offer, and at 6-foot-8 and 205 pounds, he’s drawn attention as both a football and basketball prospect. Saturday was his first time seeing the campus.
“Visit went great,” Corry said. “It made me look at Syracuse even higher than I already did.”
What stuck with him most was the energy inside the Dome.
“The fans were into it,” Corry said. “I definitely can see myself playing in that atmosphere in the future.”
Sullivan had already been to Syracuse once before, coming to Franchise Camp in June and winning the snapping competition. This time, he got the game-day version of the experience, and the second trip made an impression of its own.
“I definitely enjoyed the experience,” Sullivan said. “Being able to come back to Syracuse for a second time at a different time of year and see more of the campus was a great experience.”
He also came away with a clearer sense of how tightly Syracuse football is tied to the city around it.
“The visit most impacted my understanding of how important Syracuse football is to the city,” Sullivan said. “The pregame celebration the massive crowd and overall atmosphere really showed a lot about what the team stands for and means to the city.”
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