We knew that Calvin Russell III was injured, but now we know exactly what's wrong.
After reportedly suffering an injury in spring practice the other day, Syracuse University freshman football sensation Calvin Russell III has suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a report from Pete Thamel of ESPN.
It's the same injury that caused quarterback Steve Angeli to miss the final eight games of the season in 2025. Angeli is still working back from that injury seven months later.
Per Thamel:
Sources: Syracuse star freshman football/basketball player Calvin Russell had successful surgery on a torn Achilles in New York City today. Doctors gave a positive prognosis for his return – likely somewhere mid-season to late season.
He added the following:
Dr. Martin O'Malley performed the surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He also operated on Jayson Tatum's and Kevin Durant's Achilles injuries.
If Angeli is still working back from the injury more than six months later, then that means that Russell is looking at least November 1 to reach that benchmark. Considering the athleticism and explosion needed to play wide receiver, it's plausible that he misses the entire season, or at least plays in the fewer than four games required to keep a full year of eligibility.
Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in May and returned in March, 10 months later.
About Russell
A standout athlete from Florida, Russell is one of the best recruits in Syracuse football history and was scheduled to be an integral part of the SU football program immediately in 2026. He graduated high school early, enrolled in Syracuse for the second semester, and immediately joined the basketball team. He has planned on being a two-sport athlete all along. He appeared in one basketball game, joining the football program at the conclusion of the hoops season.
How this impacts SU
Without one of the best playmakers on offense, the offense is already projected to look different. Wide receiver Elijah Moore, who transferred in from Florida State, could have a bigger impact, as we wrote about on Wednesday morning.
Angeli is scheduled to come back from his injury and be the starter, which would certainly help the Orange. Syracuse went 3-9 last season, losing all eight games after Angeli's injury.
Miami Northwestern's Calvin Russell Jr. takes a selfie with his state medal after his team won the Class 3A championship against Raines on Dec. 14, 2024.Elsewhere in Syracuse news
The Orange welcomed men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara back to campus on Monday in front of thousands of people. McNamara, who played four years for the Orange, spent 15 years as a Syracuse assistant as well.
After two years at Siena University, he's back to help get the program back on track.
Our own Tom Goslowski was there in person at the JMA Wireless Dome and shared his takeaways and impressions here.
Syracuse went 15-17 this season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight campaign.
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