The Syracuse football team, along with the Orange fan base, received some encouraging news on Tuesday when wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons was officially added back to the team roster for the upcoming season. 

Ross-Simmons has been granted a fifth year of eligibility via a recent court ruling that grants athletes from the high school Class of 2022 another year.

In four previous seasons during his collegiate career, Ross-Simmons has posted 100 catches for 1,662 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his first two seasons, Ross-Simmons played for Colorado State before transferring to Syracuse ahead of the 2024 campaign.

He helped Syracuse win 10 games that year.

During his two seasons in Central New York, the 6-foot-3 pass catcher has hauled in 29 catches for 514 yards and seven touchdowns. The Orange were 3-9 last season, but are looking to ascend again this season.

On Monday, head coach Fran Brown was asked about Ross-Simmons and his chance at re-joining the program, but was non-committal. 

"He is in the process. We are trying to just see what is the best thing to help our football team and how that works out with our school. ... just weighing our options out."

Less than 24 hours later, the wideout was back on the practice field. It appears as if all the questions have been answered, and Ross-Simmons has figured out the academic part of everything as well.

While the team did not explain why Ross-Simmons was wearing a red jersey over his white jersey at practice, it is likely to identify his restrictions during certain drills. 

As for the potential for Ross-Simmons in the offense? Well, he needs to get caught back up to speed and make sure he is in proper game shape, but familiarity in a system and familiarity with a quarterback is always helpful. And Ross-Simmons has both.

Ross-Simmons is projected to be back wearing his his new No. 86 when the Orange start their regular season at home at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday Sept 5. versus New Hampshire. Kickoff is set for noon ET.

Earlier this offseason, we expressed some questions at the SU wide receiver group, especially after Calvin Russell III went down with a torn Achilles.

However, the room has performed well this offseason and features some exciting new transfer pieces, including Cole Weaver of Miami (OH) and Elijah Moore (Florida State).