This Syracuse defensive player continues to gain preseason recognition.
The Syracuse football program continues to gear up for the kickoff of the 2026 regular season, which is Sept. 5 against the University of New Hampshire (noon ET, JMA Wireless Dome).
As the Orange prepare for the start of the season, one defensive player continues to gain preseason recognition: Defensive back Chris Peal, who was named to the preseason All-ACC team.
What is the All-ACC football preseason team?
The All-ACC football preseason team is voted on by media members in advance of each year's regular season. The team includes 27 positions, with one representative earning the distinction as best in the conference.
This year's team included the traditional 24 positions, along with three spots all-purpose/special purpose/and one additional running back slot.
The senior defensive back was the only Syracuse player that appeared on the list.
The Miami Hurricanes led the conference with nine total selections.
Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah was selected as the ACC's Preseason Player of the Year.
Who is Chris Peal?
Entering his fourth season of college football, Peal first appeared as a member of the Syracuse team in 2025. The 6-foot-1 defensive back was a four-star recruit coming of high school in Charlotte, N.C.
Before his time in Central New York, Peal played a total of 10 games over the course of two seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs. Last fall, Peal started all 12 games for the Orange, recording 43 tackles. Syracuse went just 3-9 in Peal's junior season.
Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) catches a pass while defended by Syracuse defensive back Chris Peal (16) during the Aflac Kickoff Game between the Volunteers and Syracuse held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on August 30, 2025. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectWhat does Chris Peal's future look like?
Peal is projected to a team leader and quite possibly the best overall player on the Orange's roster this upcoming season.
If Peal has a strong individual season for the Orange, it is very likely he will be a first or second-round pick in the April 2027 NFL Draft.
Peal's name is already being featured on multiple national websites as a potential first round pick.
Plus, earlier this summer, Peal was named to the East-West Shrine Watch List, a list that features 1,000 of the top players in college football who are projected to play professionally.
What's next for Syracuse football?
The Orange will report to training camp next month. The details of practice dates and times are still yet to be announced by the program.
