In early December 2025, rapper Toosii - real name Na’jour Grainger - made headlines with a surprising announcement: he was planning to play college football at Syracuse University in 2026. For many, it felt like a full-circle moment. Grainger, a former high school wide receiver born and raised in Syracuse, seemed set to return to his roots and chase a long-standing dream.
Grainger even shared on social media that he had another offer on the table from Sacramento State, but it was clear that suiting up for the Orange held special meaning. At 26, this wasn’t your typical high school-to-college pipeline story - this was a hometown kid aiming to write a new chapter in his life, one that blended his passion for football with his already successful music career.
But just a few weeks later, the situation took a turn.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown appeared on 'Cuse Sports Talk and offered a different perspective. Brown suggested that Grainger had been considered for a walk-on spot, but with the team bringing in a wave of new talent through the transfer portal, the roster picture had changed. Brown said he’d need to “evaluate the situation” and added that Grainger was still figuring out his next steps.
That public uncertainty didn’t sit well with Grainger. Shortly after Brown’s comments, Toosii deleted his original Syracuse commitment post from social media - a quiet but clear sign that something had shifted behind the scenes.
Then came the more direct response.
On January 22, Grainger replied to a user on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he had de-committed from Syracuse. Not long after, he posted a video on Instagram giving his side of the story. In it, he didn’t hold back - calling Brown a “bozo” and accusing the coach of trying to “save face” after Grainger had already made the decision to walk away from the program.
And now, there’s a new development: Toosii has officially enrolled at LSU. He shared a video confirming he’s on campus in Baton Rouge and attending classes. There’s no word yet on whether he plans to pursue football with Lane Kiffin’s team, but for now, he’s made his move - and it’s not to Syracuse.
While the Toosii saga has captured plenty of attention, the Orange have been busy reshaping their roster through the transfer portal. Here’s a look at the players Syracuse has added:
- Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)
- Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)
- Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)
- Ju’Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)
- 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)
- Danny Lauter, QB (Georgetown)
- Jai Eugene, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Oluwafunto Akinshilo, OL (UCLA)
It’s a deep and diverse group - from Power Five programs to mid-majors - and it reflects the aggressive approach Brown and his staff are taking to rebuild and reload the roster. Whether or not Toosii ever steps onto a college football field, Syracuse has made it clear they’re focused on the future. And with the kind of talent they’ve brought in, the Orange are positioning themselves to be a team worth watching in 2026.