NFL fans are excited about the potential from former SU pass-catcher Oronde Gadsden II.
The Syracuse Orange football team (1-2), did not take the field this week as Fran Brown's group had a bye week for the final weekend of September. For Orange fans looking to find football players to cheer for this NFL Sunday, one in particular could be poised for a big performance.
Former Orange tight end Oronde Gadsen II has been added by more than 5,000 fantasy football managers, according to Yahoo! sports. The number is likely to increase before kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. And while that doesn't mean everything, it's at least notable.
Why fantasy football players are high on the Gadsden this week?
The Los Angeles Chargers will likely enter Week 3 without multiple offensive starters in the lineup. Tight end David Njoku and Charlie Kolar both suffered injuries in a Week 2 loss.
Ladd McConkey is also a fellow pass catcher who has been limited because of a rib injury and NFL fans are sensing a shift to Gadsden.
In two games so far this season, Gadsden has hauled in four catches for 50 yards and one touchdown. The Chargers are 0-2 and looking to secure their first win of the season when they take on the Buffalo Bills (2-0) Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET.
The Oronde Gadsden II file
A three-star prospect from Florida, Gadsden signed with then-Syracuse head coach Dino Babers in 2020.
In 2024, Gadsden had a breakout year for the double-digit win Orange. Gadsden was a Third-Team All-American and a First-Team All-ACC selection. That year, Gadsden had 73 catches for 934 yards and seven touchdowns.
He was a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Chargers.
Gadsen had multiple ties to the NFL before even beginning his professional career more than a year ago. His father, Oronde Gadsen Sr, played for six seasons in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins. HIs high school coach Patrick Surtain Sr, spent 10 years in the NFL for both the Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
His teammates at American Heritage High School included current NFL players Patrick Surtain Jr, Marvin Jones Jr, Dallas Turner, Nesta Jade Silvera, Mike Morris, and James Williams.
In his rookie season (2025), Gadsden registered 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns. Gadsden's yardage, catches and touchdowns all ranked within the top five of all NFL rookie tight ends.
What's next for Syracuse?
Syracuse football and will play its next game on Saturday when it takes on the UConn Huskies. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET in East Hartford, CT.
UConn is 2-2 after losing to Miami (Ohio) 24-21 on Saturday.
