There’s no shortage of new faces on Syracuse’s roster heading into training camp, and a few of them are the kind of players who can go from anonymous to indispensable in a hurry.
That’s the question hanging over SU as the 2026 season gets set to begin: which under-the-radar name is ready to break through?
The list is a long one. Among the transfers, running backs Ahmad Miller and Ju’Juan Johnson, linebacker Chris D’Appolonia, wide receivers Zamondre Merriweather and Matthew Outten, defensive end Keyshawn Johnson, tight end Noah Myers and cornerback Nazir Ward all show up as players worth tracking.
The incoming freshmen bring their own intrigue. Punter Jimmy Gregg, ranked No. 1 at his position in the Class of 2026, looks like a natural candidate to step in after Jack Stonehouse’s departure. Wide receiver Amare Gough, defensive back Tedarius Hughes and edge Kamron Wilson are also early names to keep on the radar.
And there are a couple of returning players who already flashed and could be ready for bigger roles. Davion Kerr, who moved from cornerback to the running back room, drew some buzz during spring ball. Umari Hatcher could climb back up the depth chart now that he’s healthy again, especially with the strong connection he built with quarterback Steve Angeli while both were sidelined last season.
Syracuse Sports Insiders had plenty of ideas on who might be next.
Jim B pointed to Chris D’Appolonia, the linebacker transfer from Toledo, saying, "I think we are going to be talking about Chris D’Appolonia, the linebacker transfer from Toledo. I think he will emerge as a leader of this defense and has experience under (new DC Vince) Kehres."
Jeff L wondered whether Davion Kerr could become more of a factor as a pass-catching option out of the backfield later in the year: "One player we may be talking more about is Davion Kerr catching passes out of the backfield. Maybe not against New Hampshire but as the season progresses and our WR’s get pressured in coverage."
Jon A raised a different issue, asking who would handle the power-back role this season after Yasin Willis filled that job a year ago, though with mixed results.
Tampa Ron liked what Syracuse did at running back and singled out Ahmad Miller and Ju’Juan Johnson, saying, "(Ju’Juan) Johnson and (Ahmad) Miller will be great additions to a young group in the room. Miller was All-SWAC 1st team last year and could be the breakout player of the year."
Several others focused on the special teams battle, especially after Stonehouse’s exit. Jeff R said, "Special teams.
Specifically the punting game. Can we get the field position from Jimmy Gregg?
I think that’s going to be a key."
Christian L added, "We have not talked at all about punting and replacing Jack Stonehouse. That could be a major concern for this year."
Matt S took it a step further: "Do we have a great punter?? Punter has been an important position the last 20+ years."
And Fran F brought the discussion back to receiver, noting that the room has been completely rebuilt after a season that saw plenty of talent go untested once Angeli went down. "We aren’t talking about the WR room enough.
This team had SO MUCH talent at that position that year that got no exposure after Angeli went down. Basically everyone left and it’s a whole new crop of receivers this year.
How will they step up?"
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