SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse football program has gone through some changes over the past decade plus. From head coaches Doug Marrone to Scott Shafer to Dino Babers and now Fran Brown in his third season, each coach has brought their unique style and flair to the program as a whole.

And that flair extends to how each coach has handled spring practices. I have covered spring ball going back to the 2013 season in Central New York and here in 2026, there are certainly some things occurring on campus that are for the better.

To my observations from Wednesday's session:

Established in 2015, Plaza 44 features the statues of legendary Syracuse football players Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little. Now that more than a decade has passed since its development, Syracuse deserves credit for how well-kept these statues are. The description of the athlete, along with their significance and likeness, is still a sight to behold after a decade outside the team's facility. 

Plus, the upgraded indoor football facility is a strength for Syracuse. The Orange took reps both inside and outside during practice on Wednesday, a luxury that team's in the past did not have. 

Brown has made it clear that he wants to have an impact in the Central New York community. Before practice, Brown was greeting players, coaches, alumni, recruits and even media members. In my career, I have seen coaches talk to media members during a practice, but to seek them out and have a conversation with each and every one is rare.

This is something I've never seen covering any level of football. I have gone to practices where quarterbacks may be wearing numbers that are not traditionally 1-19, but Brown has said players need to "earn their numbers."

Although the phrase is likely a motivating tactic for his team, it may in fact be an easier way to evaluate talent. The potential of having multiple numbers on the field wearing the same numbers while competing can certainly get confusing.

Evaluating each player with their own unique number makes that process easier and offers flexibility to switching players on offense and defense as needed. 

Quarterback Steve Angeli was in uniform with his teammates during Wednesday's practice. After suffering a season ending injury in 2025, it was good to see Angeli leading drills for the Orange. He'll understandably take this spring slow, but he's in the drivers seat for the starting QB position in 2026.

This weekend, Syracuse will host a coaches clinic on Friday and Saturday. The event will feature former Orange players Keith Bullock and Dwight Freeney, along with Brown, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron. The camp is open for registration to coaches who are looking to gain knowledge and preparation tips on improving their abilities at all different levels of the game. 

The team will hold six more practices before the annual spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 11. 

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