Syracuse basketball is making a strong push for one of the top frontcourt prospects in the 2026 class: four-star power forward MJ Madison. Standing at 6-foot-9 and hailing from Atlanta, Madison has drawn attention from several high-major programs, and the Orange are firmly in the mix.
Syracuse offered Madison a scholarship back in May of last year, and while he’s expressed interest in visiting campus, it’s still unclear whether that visit has already happened or is still in the works. Either way, the Orange are clearly prioritizing the versatile big man as he inches closer to a decision.
According to scouting analyst Trent Watson of MADE Hoops, Syracuse is one of three programs currently pushing hardest for Madison, alongside NC State and Duquesne. Madison is reportedly targeting a commitment announcement sometime between late February and March-a timeline that puts the pressure on coaching staffs to make their final pitches soon.
Madison’s high school journey has taken him through two of the top prep programs in the country. As a junior, he suited up for Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, N.Y., a powerhouse that also featured current Syracuse freshman Kiyan Anthony.
That connection could give the Orange a slight edge in familiarity. For his senior season, Madison transferred to Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-another elite program that’s consistently in the national spotlight.
Prolific Prep has been rolling this season, boasting a 20-3 record and a No. 3 national ranking in ESPN’s latest SC Next Top 25, per recruiting director Paul Biancardi. The team competes in the Grind Session, one of the most competitive high school circuits in the country, and recently played in the prestigious Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. Syracuse assistant coach Brenden Straughn was in attendance at the event, continuing to show the staff’s commitment to tracking Madison’s development.
On the court, Madison brings a blend of size, athleticism, and high-motor energy that makes him a constant presence on both ends. He’s the type of forward who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact-whether it’s altering shots, grabbing boards, or making the extra pass, he finds ways to affect the game every possession. Prolific Prep recently praised his ability to “make winning plays,” and that’s exactly the kind of glue guy high-level programs covet.
Recruiting rankings reflect his rising stock. Rivals lists him as the No. 119 overall prospect in the 2026 class, while ESPN has him slotted as a four-star and the No. 21 power forward nationally. His offer list includes a mix of mid-majors and high-majors, with schools like Georgia, Penn State, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the College of Charleston also in the mix.
For Syracuse, Madison would be a significant addition to a 2026 class that remains wide open. The Orange have yet to land a high school commitment in that cycle, and given the potential for nine or ten players to return next season, the class was always expected to be small. That said, landing a high-upside forward like Madison would be a big win for a program looking to build long-term stability.
Of course, the Orange aren’t putting all their recruiting chips on one player. They’re also heavily pursuing five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr., who has Syracuse in his top six and has already taken two unofficial visits to campus. Additionally, the staff is keeping close tabs on 2027 four-star wing Clyde Walters, who visited Syracuse officially last December and is a candidate to reclassify into the 2026 class.
For now, all eyes are on Madison as he approaches his decision window. With Syracuse firmly in the hunt, this recruitment could come down to which program can best pitch development, opportunity, and fit. And if the Orange can land him, they’ll be getting a player who does all the little things-and a few big ones, too.