Four-star edge rusher Frederick Ards III, one of the most disruptive defensive prospects in the 2027 class, has narrowed his recruitment to five powerhouse programs: Alabama, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, Ards is a force off the edge for Jones High School in Orlando, Fla. He’s not just big-he’s explosive, relentless, and productive.
According to the latest rankings from Rivals, he’s among the top 110 recruits nationally, and the 247Sports Composite slots him at No. 96 overall, No. 14 among edge defenders, and No. 11 in the talent-rich state of Florida. In other words, Ards is a name every major program wants in their war room.
And for good reason. His junior season numbers are eye-popping: 102 total tackles, 18 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 30 quarterback hurries.
That’s not just production-it’s domination. He’s the kind of edge rusher who can wreck a game plan, and he’s doing it in one of the most competitive regions in the country.
Syracuse had been in the mix for Ards, extending an offer back in August 2024. Head coach Fran Brown and general manager Tommy Caporale were aggressive early, and Ards made multiple visits to Central New York, including stops in April and November of 2025. While the Orange ultimately didn’t make his final five, there’s no question the staff made a strong impression during his recruitment.
Even without Ards in the fold, Syracuse is putting together a 2027 recruiting class that’s turning heads. The Orange currently hold 10 verbal commitments and sit at No. 5 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the class. That’s a significant leap for a program looking to build long-term momentum under Brown’s leadership.
Among the recent additions are three-star athlete Sa’Nir Brooks out of Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore and offensive lineman Edwin Guzman from Erie High School in Pennsylvania. The crown jewel of the class so far is four-star athlete Tristin Hughes from Ohio, a versatile playmaker who projects to be a difference-maker at the next level.
Syracuse isn’t slowing down, either. The coaching staff has been active on the trail, targeting a mix of three-, four-, and five-star talent.
Two junior days have already been held this month at the JMA Wireless Dome, with another scheduled for this Saturday as the Orange basketball team hosts Notre Dame. That event is expected to draw more top-tier talent, including 2027 four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor from Pine-Richland High School in Pennsylvania, tight end Michael Nnabuife (another Saint Frances product), and Brooks.
While Ards may be heading elsewhere, Syracuse’s recruiting momentum is real-and growing. The Orange may not have landed this elite edge rusher, but they’re proving they can compete for top talent on a national scale. And that’s a sign of a program on the rise.