Syracuse Football’s Transfer Exodus: Where 29 Departed Players Landed - And Who’s Still Looking
After a whirlwind offseason, Syracuse football is staring at the aftermath of a major roster shakeup. A total of 29 players entered the transfer portal following the 2025 campaign - a mass departure that reflects the volatility of today’s college football landscape. Most have found new homes, but five remain in limbo as programs across the country begin locking in their 2026 rosters.
Let’s break down where these players ended up, what it means for Syracuse, and which names are still waiting for a landing spot.
Quarterback Shuffle: Carney Heads to Houston, Collins and Williams Drop Levels
Quarterback was a revolving door in 2025 for Syracuse, with four of six signal-callers seeing game action. Three of them have since moved on, each taking a different path.
The most notable name is redshirt freshman Luke Carney, a four-time Texas high school state champ who never got a real shot in the Orange offense. Instead, Syracuse opted to roll with walk-on lacrosse convert Joseph Filardi. Carney, looking for a fresh start, transferred to Houston, staying at the Power-Four level and giving the Cougars a young QB with pedigree and upside.
Rickie Collins, a former LSU four-star recruit, is heading to Kennesaw State in a move that essentially mirrors a trade. Syracuse picked up Amari Odom, the Conference USA first-team quarterback, while Collins seeks a reset at a lower-profile program.
Jakhari Williams, who saw limited action, is taking the JUCO route and will suit up for Southwest Mississippi Community College, hoping to climb back up the ladder.
Four Drop to FCS - Including a Surprise in the Trenches
Four players transferred to the FCS level, and while most weren’t major contributors, one name stands out.
Joshua Miller, an offensive lineman who came to Syracuse from Georgia, surprisingly landed at Austin Peay. That’s a bit of a head-scratcher considering Miller played three different positions for the Orange and saw meaningful snaps - over 30 in four of his six appearances.
Defensive players Caden Brown and Jahide Lesaine combined for just 58 snaps on defense last season, and wide receiver Ta’Ron Haile was mostly a special teams contributor, logging 91 snaps there.
Reunions Across the Map
Several players didn’t just transfer - they reunited with familiar faces.
Top wideouts Darrell Gill Jr. and Johntay Cook II, who led Syracuse in receiving, both landed at Ole Miss, where they’ll link up with former SU signee Michael Smith. That’s a big-time get for the Rebels.
Emanuel Ross (WR) and Jaden Hart (RB) both chose UConn, where former Syracuse quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile is now on staff - a reunion that could pay dividends for the Huskies.
Defensive linemen Eric Thomas and DeAngelo Thompson are sticking together as well, both heading to Memphis.
Meanwhile, Haile and Miller will continue their football journey at Austin Peay, giving the Governors a pair of FBS-tested players.
Staying Power: Eight Transfers Land at Power-Four Schools
Of the 29 transfers, eight landed at Power-Four programs - a sign that while Syracuse didn’t lose many starters, it did lose players with serious potential.
Cornerbacks Ibn McDaniels and Kaylib Singleton are heading to Penn State and Mississippi State, respectively. Running back Yasin Willis is off to Kansas, while wide receiver Jaylan Hornsby joins Purdue. Linebacker Derek McDonald, one of the few starters to transfer, is now at North Carolina.
Among this group, only Willis and McDonald started consistently in 2025, which softens the blow for Syracuse - but it’s clear these players were valued by top-tier programs.
Group-of-Six Destinations: AAC Schools Snag Key Pieces
Several former Orange players found new homes in the American Athletic Conference, one of the premier leagues outside the Power Four.
Wide receiver Gabe Daniels is now at Tulane, defensive tackle Quante Gillians heads to Temple, and the aforementioned Thomas and Thompson are at Memphis. That’s a solid showing in a competitive league.
Kicker Jaydn Oh followed his former special teams coach Ricky Brumfield to Oregon State, though the Beavers are now outside the Power Four following realignment.
Others, like Rickie Collins (Kennesaw State), Malachi James (Eastern Michigan), and Greg Delaine (Georgia Southern), landed at the lower end of the FBS spectrum. Those moves may be about opportunity - a chance to play more snaps and reset their careers.
Still Waiting: Five Players Remain Uncommitted
Five players from the 2025 roster are still on the market:
- **James Heard Jr. ** (LB)
- Fatim Diggs (LB)
- Ja’Meer Thomas (WR)
- Jalil Martin (S)
- Chase Simmons (DE)
Of the group, Heard, Martin, and Simmons logged a combined 284 defensive snaps last season. Diggs played on special teams, while Thomas redshirted and didn’t see the field.
Whether they’re waiting for the right fit or weighing offers, their next steps remain to be seen.
The Big Picture for Syracuse
Here’s the silver lining: of the 29 outgoing transfers, only five were starters. That’s a manageable number, especially considering the program also graduated 11 starters and lost backup running back Will Nixon.
Still, the Orange didn’t fully reload. They brought in 18 transfers, which ranked 11th in the ACC according to 247Sports. So while the core remains relatively intact, the depth chart has thinned out - and that could become a factor as the 2026 season approaches.
As winter workouts ramp up and spring ball nears, Syracuse will be looking to solidify a retooled roster. The portal giveth and taketh - and for the Orange, this offseason was a little heavier on the taking.