More than a McCord decision looming on this side of the ball
As we get ready for the newest Syracuse Orange to arrive on campus this month, we want to do our best to recap the roster and the arrivals and departures so far. Let’s look at what the 2025 Orange offense looks like by position:
Quarterback
Departing: Kyle McCord (maybe?), Carlos Del-Rio Wilson, Braden Davis
Returning: Jakhari Williams, Michael Johnson, Jr., AJ Miller, Patrick Grusser
Incoming: Rickie Collins (transfer from LSU), Luke Carney (HS) and Rich Belin (HS)
Early Outlook:
Well the McCord waiver decision will result in a huge swing for the QB room. If he is granted another season and decides to come back to Syracuse, the Orange will have one of the top QB’s in the country. If not, then they might be trusting the offense to a first-time starter against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2025 opener. Collins has the HS pedigree and Williams has the year in the offense, but we suspect that if McCord departs for the NFL that Syracuse will add another QB from the spring portal period. A lot will depend on how the rest of the group looks in spring practice. Carney’s experience in Texas probably gives him a chance to push for a travel spot right away and he and Belin will be ones to watch in 2026.
Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Running Back
Departing: LeQuint Allen (NFL Draft)
Returning: Jaden Hart, Yasin Willis, Will Nixon, Malachi James, Max Runyon, Jordan Montanez, Tyler Chandler, Nick Armentano
Incoming: Tylik Hill (HS), Malachi Coleman (HS)
Early Outlook:
Seems like Willis will get the first shot at the top of the depth chart. He showed some speed and power, but it’ll probably take more players to try and replace all that Allen did for the offense. Before getting injured Nixon showed his versatility as a runner and receiver and his experience will be important as he’s the only returner with more than 40 career carries. Jaden Hart was a part of the travel roster this season and we’d anticipate that he’ll take on a larger role in 2025. James saw time as a returner but we haven’t seen his elite speed in action yet.
Wide Receiver
Departing: Jackson Meeks
Returning: Trebor Pena, Jaylan Hornsby, Umari Hatcher, Zeed Haynes, Darrell Gill Jr., Ta’Ron Haile, Justus Ross-Simmons, Emanuel Ross, Ja’Meer Thomas, Kyle Acker
Incoming: Darius Johnson (HS), Chris Long (transfer from Rutgers), Tyshawn Russell (transfer from South Carolina), Darien Williams (HS), Terrell Wilfong (HS), Julian McFadden (HS), Gabe Daniels (HS), Darius Johnson (HS)
Early Outlook:
Pena’s return could make this group the strongest one for the entire Syracuse team. Gill, Haynes, Ross-Simmons all flashed big-play potential in 2024, so they should be able to help if the Orange are breaking in a new quarterback. The big question- can they take the next step forward and replace the departing production of Meeks, Allen and Gadsden? Behind them will be a group of talented youngsters and that group seems in good enough shape that the incoming freshmen can be brought along slowly. Receiver could see some post-spring attrition based on the numbers, but speculating on position switches to defensive back is premature.
Tight End
Departing: Oronde Gadsden II (NFL), Max Mang (Eligibility)
Returning: Dan Villari, Jamie Tremble, Elijah Washington-Baker, David Clement
Incoming: Duante Bacheyie (HS), Wyatt Bowman (HS),
Early Outlook:
Losing Gadsden is a major blow to the passing game as he was a matchup nightmare for opponents. Both Villari and Clement saw action as blockers this year, and it would seem that their ability to fill that role gives them the inside track to snaps. Can these two along with Tremble and Washington-Baker offer the Orange something in the passing game in 2025? Bacheyie and Bowman are in that hybrid mold of Gadsden, but their impact might not be felt until 2026.
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
Offensive Line
Departing: Savion Washington (maybe?), J’Onre Reed (TBD), Mark Petry (maybe?), Jakob Bradford (maybe?), Josh Ilaoa (eligibility), Noah Rosahac (Delaware), Lysander Moelolo (TBD),
Returning: Da’Metrius Weatherspoon, Enrique Cruz Jr., Trevion Mack, Joe Cruz, David Wohlabaugh Jr., Josh Miller, Travis Brown-Miller, Codie Hornsby, Willie Goodacre, Vito Shevchenko, Patrick Alberga, Carter Clark, Adam Boeheim, Ted Olsen,
Incoming: Naquil Betrand (transfer from Alabama), Jaylen Pray (HS), Kahlil Stewart (HS), Jayden Mann (HS), Skylar Harvey (HS), Byron Washington (HS), Kardiear Shepherd (HS), Matthew Hawn (HS), Djoni Scatliffe (HS),
Early Outlook:
Reed entered the transfer portal this week so the Orange could be losing both centers. No word on either Petry or Bradford pursuing the extra season offered to JUCO players, and we’re trying to determine if Washington is actually out of eligibility, or is just going to declare for the NFL Draft. Even if all three starters depart, the Orange can return at several players who saw significant time this season on the line.
Something to watch this spring will be which younger players are pushing up the depth chart as well as who gets the first crack at the center spot. There’s a chance for a real veteran starting group in the fall, which could help if the quarterback is inexperienced.
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Check back tomorrow when we look at the defense and special teams.