Syracuse RB Jaden Hart Enters Transfer Portal Amid Roster Turnover
Another name is heading into the transfer portal from Syracuse, as running back Jaden Hart announced Monday on Instagram that he plans to explore his options elsewhere. Hart becomes the 17th Orange player to signal a move this offseason, continuing a wave of roster reshuffling under the new college football landscape.
Hart arrived at Syracuse as part of the 2024 recruiting class, a three-star prospect with a solid list of offers that included Nebraska, Minnesota, Kentucky, Iowa State, and Duke. At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Hart brought a physical frame and upside to the Orange backfield. But after a limited role in his freshman campaign-15 carries for 43 yards-he now looks for a new opportunity to carve out a bigger role.
Late in the season, Hart appeared to fall behind true freshman Tylik Hill on the depth chart, effectively losing the third-string spot. It’s not uncommon for young backs to find themselves in a crowded room early in their careers, especially when the top of the depth chart is already spoken for.
Syracuse’s lead backs, Yasin Willis and Will Nixon, both still have eligibility and have stated their intentions to return. That continuity at the top of the rotation likely played a role in Hart’s decision to move on, as he looks for a clearer path to playing time.
Despite the volume of players entering the portal from Syracuse this offseason, it's worth noting that none of the departures had locked down starting roles by the end of last season. Still, the turnover is significant, and it reflects the broader trend across college football, where roster fluidity has become the norm.
Among the outgoing players, defensive back Kaylib Singleton stands out as the most impactful loss, according to On3.com. Singleton is currently ranked No. 203 among players expected to hit the portal-a notable exit, even in the context of a team largely losing rotational or developmental pieces.
As for Hart, he leaves Syracuse with two years of eligibility and a chance to reset his college career. He’s got the physical tools and a recruiting pedigree that earned him multiple Power Five offers coming out of high school. Now, it’s about finding the right fit-somewhere he can contribute and grow.
For Syracuse, the focus turns to retention and reload. With their top backs staying put and a new crop of recruits on the way, the Orange will look to stabilize the roster and build on the pieces they’ve kept. But in today’s game, the portal is part of the process-and Hart’s exit is just one more move in a rapidly evolving offseason.