While they still have five more games to play in this regular season, head coach Fran Brown and the Syracuse Orange football program are continuing to stay active in building for the future. The Orange, for a second consecutive season, have played a high number of first and second-year players in game action. The 2026 roster features 27 first-year players and 33 second-year players. 

Syracuse has more second-year players than any team in the ACC and only one program has more first-year players than the Orange. With a focus on the future, Brown has continued to make recruiting high school players a part of the roster building process. The Orange are not purely built through the transfer portal.

On Wednesday, the Orange found out that one Class of 2027 recruit will not be signing with the program.

Guzman is a 6-foot-7, 310-pound guard from Erie, Pa. In January, Guzman announced his intentions to sign with the Orange. He also had offers from Charlotte, Akron, Toledo and Rutgers. 

Though he didn't give a specific reason, on Wednesday, Guzman took to "X" and posted this message:

"First, I want to thank the Syracuse coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. After talking with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from Syracuse and reopen my recruitment. I have nothing but respect for the program and wish them the best."

The Pennsylvania product was one of six offensive lineman in the Class of 2027 for the Orange.

A decommitment can mean many different things. Perhaps Guzman thinks he can play at a better program. Or, perhaps Guzman thinks he can find the field quicker somewhere else.

It is still too far away to have an accurate take on what Guzman's move may mean for the 2027 roster. At this point, there are too many variables. Syracuse needs to find out which players are returning from its current roster, and then which players it will bring in from the portal.

This Saturday the Orange will host the SMU Mustangs inside the JMA Wireless Dome, Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET. 

Nov. 7 vs Clemson 12:00 p.m. ET

Nov. 14  @ NC State, TBD

Nov. 21 @ Boston College, TBD

Nov. 28 vs Notre Dame, TBD

The Orange (3-4) will need to win three of their last five games to qualify for a bowl game. If the Orange are able to win six games in total, the bowl invitation would be extended following the regular season.