We've already told you that there's optimism around the program even after going 3-9 last season, but there is a glaring question.
We already gave you three reasons why we think that the Syracuse football program is primed for a much better 2026 than the 3-9 season it endured in 2025. And those three reasons don't even include the fact that the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) features no great teams outside of Miami right now.
Florida State and Clemson have both been down and teams like Duke and Virginia don't strike you as continuous powers in the league.
But even though we feel good about SU's chances to show major improvements, there are some questions for Fran Brown's group, including one big one.
Who will be the big playmaker on offense?
The Orange did see real attrition among their playmaking group from 2025. Tight end Dan Villari has graduated and moved onto the NFL while running back Will Nixon is gone as well. Darrell Gill, the team's top wide receiver, transferred to Ole Miss and receiver Johntay Cook II transferred also. Top returning running back Yasin WIllis left the program too.
The Orange have brought in some unique players, including Ahmad Miller (RB, Jackson State), who have some accomplishments to their resume, but it will be a preseason full of figuring out who team can count on for some explosion in the offense.
Elijah Moore (Florida State) and Cole Weaver (Miami OH) represent interesting additions in the receiver room, and they'll need to cover for the loss of Calvin Russell.
Russell, the freshman receiver from Florida, is one of the best recruits that Syracuse has ever landed, but he's expected to miss most or all of the season because of a torn Achilles suffered in spring practice.
Jackson State's running back Ahmad miller (27) goes down with the ball during the game against Alcorn State in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesAlso in the news for SU
Nicknamed "The Ticket," running back Elijah Kimble (Buffalo) has been on Syracuse football's radar since the start of the year. In three seasons playing high school football in Western New York, the three-star recruit has rushed for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with having nearly a nine yards per carry average.
He made his college announcement on Friday night, and he did commit to the Orange, giving them another win for the Class of 2027.
However, nothing is official until things are signed. There is an early signing period in December and an official signing day in Feb. of 2027. If he remains committed, he'll be eligible to play with the Orange for the fall of 2027 season.
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