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Brady Farkas
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Updated at Apr 26, 2026, 14:36
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The 2025 Orange only went 3-9 on the field, but there was enough talent that several players are now getting NFL looks.

The 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up on Sunday afternoon and while no Syracuse football alums were actually selected in the draft, several are getting NFL opportunities as undrafted free agents.

Almost immediately after the conclusion of the draft, Dion Wilson Jr. (Ravens), Kevin Jobity Jr. (Steelers) and Jack Stonehouse (Texans) were signed, but many teammates joined them as the night went on.

Here's what you need to know:

David Reese lands with Chargers

Reese actually spent seven seasons playing college football, and he was around the college game for eight years. He debuted in 2018 with Florida and played in only two games. He missed the 2019 season and then played in five games as part of the COVID 2020 season. He played in one game in 2021 and in 13 games in 2022 for Florida before spending two years at Cal and his final year with the Orange. With Syracuse, the linebacker had 16 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Clearly, there were multiple redshirt seasons in there and no one was charged a year of eligibility during the 2020 campaign.

Syracuse Orange linebacker David Reese (8) pressures Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel (6) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-ImagnSyracuse Orange linebacker David Reese (8) pressures Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel (6) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-Imagn

Devin Grant also lands in LA 

The safety spent two years at Buffalo before coming to Syracuse. He joins the Chargers as well after putting together 56 solo tackles for the Orange. He had six pass deflections and a fumble recovery in two years.

Da'Metrius Weatherspoon lands with Bills

Syracuse fans won't have to go far to follow Weatherspoon if they want. The offensive lineman played in 25 games over the last two seasons for Syracuse, helping them to a 10-win campaign in 2024.

Duce Chestnut headed to 49ers minicamp

Not an official contract, but an opportunity. Chestnut started his career with the Orange in 2021, getting named as a freshman All-American. The defensive back was honorable mention All-ACC as a sophomore and then transferred to LSU as a junior.

With the Tigers, he played just four games, and came back to Syracuse in 2024. He had 62 tackles as a junior and had 48 tackles as a senior. Interestingly enough, he made seven starts at safety this past season, a transition that occurred over his final two seasons.

Dan Villari also heads out West

The tight end, who was a draft possibility, has signed a deal with the Los Angeles Rams. He began his career at Michigan before spending four seasons with the Orange.

A bit of a do-everything player, he had 93 career rushing attempts and 66 career catches. As a rusher, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. As a pass catcher, he had 10.2 yards per catch and three touchdowns.

Syracuse Orange tight end Dan Villari (89) runs against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-Imagn ImagesSyracuse Orange tight end Dan Villari (89) runs against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

It's unclear how the Rams will use him - or if he'll even make the team - but the versatility should be appealing to head coach Sean McVay.

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