Syracuse Football Reloads Wide Receiver Room, Navigates Portal Shuffle Ahead of 2026 Season
Syracuse football is going through a bit of a transformation this offseason-and it’s happening fast. With the transfer portal spinning and recruiting classes taking shape, the Orange are reshaping their roster, especially at wide receiver.
The headline addition? Calvin Russell, a big-time recruit and one of the most highly touted prospects in program history.
That’s the kind of get that can change the trajectory of a position group.
But Russell’s not alone. The Orange also brought in a trio of transfer wideouts: Elijah Moore from Florida State, Cole Weaver from Miami of Ohio, and Matthew Outten from Penn State. That’s a lot of fresh talent injected into the offense, and it’s clear Syracuse is intent on giving quarterback Steve Angeli some real weapons to work with.
Of course, when you gain this much, you’re bound to lose a few pieces, too.
Key Departures: Gill Heads to Ole Miss
The biggest loss? Darrell Gill Jr., who made it official on Wednesday by signing with Ole Miss.
That one stings. Syracuse reportedly wanted him to stay, and for good reason.
Gill was a steady presence over three seasons, appearing in 37 games and racking up 70 catches for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. His 2024 season was especially impressive-he led the ACC in yards per reception (18.4) and helped the Orange to a 10-win campaign that included a Holiday Bowl victory.
Now he’s headed to Oxford with one year of eligibility left, joining an Ole Miss team that just reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. Hard to blame him for chasing that kind of opportunity.
Syracuse also saw Emanuel Ross head to UConn, while Johntay Cook is currently in the portal as well. It’s a reminder that roster building in college football is a constant balancing act-especially in the transfer portal era.
Who’s In: Portal Additions Bring Depth and Experience
Beyond the wide receiver room, Syracuse has been active across the board in the portal. Here’s a look at the incoming class:
- Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)
- Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)
- Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)
- Ju'Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)
- Michael Smith, TE (South Carolina)
- Chris D'Appolonia, LB (Toledo)
- Elijah Moore, WR (Florida State)
- Keyshawn Johnson, Edge (UT-Martin)
- Dillan Fontus, DL (Maryland)
- Amari Odom, QB (Kennesaw State)
- Amare Snowden, DB (Toledo)
- Tunmise Adeleye, DE (UNLV)
- Nazir Ward, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Matthew Outten, WR (Penn State)
That’s a solid mix of experience and upside, with players coming in from both Power Five and Group of Five programs. One name to watch is tight end Michael Smith, though his situation is a bit murky.
Reports suggest he’s interested in returning to South Carolina, but Syracuse isn’t making that an easy move. How that plays out could be worth keeping an eye on.
Who’s Out: Portal Losses Add Up
On the flip side, here’s who Syracuse has lost to the portal so far:
- Yasin Willis, RB (Kansas)
- Kaylib Singelton, DB (Mississippi State)
- Ibn McDaniels, DB (Penn State)
- Joshua Miller, OL (Austin Peay)
- Rickie Collins, QB (Kennesaw State)
- Jahide Lesaine Jr., LB (Monmouth)
- Luke Carney, QB (Houston)
- Emanuel Ross, WR (UConn)
It’s not an insignificant list, but when you look at the overall balance, Syracuse appears to have come out ahead in terms of depth and talent. The key now will be developing chemistry and getting everyone up to speed before fall camp.
Looking Ahead: A Rebound Season in the Making?
After finishing 3-9 in 2025, Syracuse is clearly looking to turn the page. There’s reason for optimism.
Steve Angeli, who missed the final eight games of the season with a torn Achilles, is expected to be back under center. When healthy, he showed flashes of being a capable leader for this offense.
Defensively, the hire of Vince Kehres as coordinator brings intrigue. Kehres built a top-ranked defense at Toledo, and if he can replicate even part of that success in the ACC, it could be a game-changer.
The pieces are starting to come together. The wide receiver room has been retooled, the defense is getting a fresh identity, and the portal has provided a shot of experience across the board. Syracuse might not be a finished product just yet-but the foundation is being laid for something better in 2026.
Around Campus
While football is reloading, Syracuse hoops is rolling.
- The women’s basketball team (14-3) will host Cal on Thursday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
ET.
- The men’s squad (12-5) is riding a three-game win streak and will head to Boston College for a Saturday afternoon matchup (2 p.m.
ET).
Plenty happening on the Hill-and if the football rebuild continues on this track, there could be even more to talk about come fall.