The Orange are working to re-make the offense in 2026 and the offensive line giving the quarterback time to maneuver will be a big part of it.
Though most of the college football transfer portal activity happened in January, the Syracuse football program scored a portal victory on Friday night by bringing in offensive lineman David Ndukwe, formerly of Houston.
Mike McAllister of 247 Sports had that information on social media, and he also added this additional information:
Ndukwe received a medical waiver back in January from the NCAA after missing 11 games due to injury this past season. That gives him one more year of eligibility, which he will use to play for the Orange. Ndukwe is listed at 6-6, 325 pounds. He was also pursued by Georgia Tech, South Carolina and others since entering the portal in January.
Important add
While signing an offensive lineman doesn't come with the gravitas that bringing in a quarterback, running back or receiver does, it can be just as important. All football fans understand the importance of the line in protecting the quarterback, opening up holes in the run game, or allowing routes to develop downfield for receivers. Most good teams are built from the inside out.
The Orange also hired offensive line coach Juan Castillo, which should further help that group grow and perform.
Furthermore, with quarterback Steve Angeli coming back from a torn Achilles, keeping him upright will be of critical importance. Ndukwe will be able to help with that.
About the offense as a whole
The Orange went 3-9 last season and the offense was a glaring issue once Angeli was lost for the season. SU started out 3-1 but lost its final eight games of the season, rotating three different underprepared quarterbacks through the role.
The Orange now have Angeli, plus three other experienced backups to choose from, and they've also made additional gains in the portal which should help the offense become more dynamic.
However, top recruit Calvin Russell just suffered his own torn Achilles, which will throw a wrench in things.
Who Syracuse has gained in the transfer portal
(with help from cfbdepth.com)
Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)
Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)
Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)
Ju'Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)
Chris D'Appolonia, LB (Toledo)
Elijah Moore, WR (Florida State)
Keyshawn Johnson, Edge (UT-Martin)
Dillan Fontus, DL (Maryland)
Amari Odom, QB (Kennesaw State)
Amare Snowden, DB (Toledo)
Tunmise Adeleye, DE (UNLV)
Nazir Ward, DB (Western Kentucky)
Matthew Outten, WR (Penn State)
Danny Lauter, QB (Georgetown)
Jai Eugene, DB (Western Kentucky)
Oluwafunto Akinshilo, OL (UCLA)
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