Syracuse’s offseason took a surprising turn Tuesday morning as starting running back Yasin Willis announced he’ll be entering the NCAA transfer portal when it opens next week. It’s a significant development for a program already navigating a period of transition under new leadership-and one that adds another layer to a roster in flux.
Just last month, following the end of a tough 3-9 campaign (1-7 in the ACC), Willis had publicly committed to returning to the Orange in 2026. But that plan shifted. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, the sophomore back reflected on his time in Central New York and thanked teammates and coaches, including head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, for their support and belief in him.
“After careful reflection and thoughtful conversations with my family,” Willis wrote, “I have made the decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. I will be entering the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.”
Willis was Syracuse’s leading rusher this past season, finishing with 558 yards on 129 carries and four touchdowns. He played in nine games and was one of the few consistent contributors in an offense that leaned heavily on the passing game-particularly early in the season.
His departure is notable not just because of his production, but because of how rare it is among this year’s wave of transfers. According to reports, 18 Syracuse players have now indicated plans to enter the portal.
Of that group, Willis is the only one who started last season. That’s a big hit to a backfield that’s already thin and now finds itself down a key piece on the depth chart.
And the attrition didn’t stop there. Backup running back Jaden Hart also announced his intention to transfer, making it two scholarship backs leaving the program in as many days. Hart saw limited action in 2025, rushing 15 times for 53 yards, but his exit further underscores the need for reinforcements in the backfield.
Overall, the Orange averaged 123.2 rushing yards per game as part of a 340.4-yard offensive output. The early part of the season showed promise, with veteran transfer quarterback Steve Angeli leading a high-powered attack that averaged over 329 passing yards through the first four games. But that momentum came to a screeching halt when Angeli suffered a torn Achilles in a win over Clemson-an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year.
With Angeli rehabbing and aiming for a return in 2026, head coach Fran Brown and his staff will be active in the portal-not just to replace outgoing talent like Willis and Hart, but to bolster depth across the board. Quarterback and running back are clear areas of need, and Brown has already shown he’s not shy about using the portal to reshape the roster.
For Syracuse fans, this is a moment of mixed emotions. Willis was a bright spot in a challenging season, and his departure creates a void both on the field and in the locker room. But it’s also a reminder of the new reality in college football: rosters are fluid, and programs have to adapt quickly or risk falling behind.
The Orange now face the task of rebuilding a backfield that’s lost its top two contributors in a 24-hour span. With the portal opening soon, all eyes will be on how Brown and company respond.