Jun 10, 2026 6:45 PM

The Orange got some bad news at the running back position this week, but maybe it's not that bad after all.

Earlier this week, it looked like the Syracuse football program got some bad news at the running back position with regards to its recruiting for the Class of 2027, but it turns out that the news might not be that bad after all.

As noted by our own Tom Goslowski, running back Sa'Nir Brooks has decommitted and running back Xavier Bela has as well.

However, as reported by Mike McAllister of 247 Sports, that may not be as detrimental as it appears, with McAllister saying the departures are mutual and SU has its eye on different talent at the position for the 2027 class.

Remember, as fun as it is to get commitments done early, nothing is official until actual signing day in Feb. of 2027.

Featured stories

How SU lines up at running back in 2026

Before we can get to the 2027 season and the 2027 recruiting class, we have a 2026 season to play.

As it stands right now, the Orange have six running backs on the roster. They are: redshirt freshman Malachi Coleman, sophomore Tylik Hill, sophomore Davion Kerr, freshman Shavane Anderson Jr., junior Ju'Juan Johnson and redshirt junior Ahmad Miller.

Johnson is a transfer from LSU while Miller is a transfer from Jackson State.

While there's always room on a roster for talent, it's notable that all six running backs are eligible to return in 2027, potentially impacting the recruiting class.

Looking at the upcoming 2026 season

Even despite a 3-9 record last year, Syracuse should be much better given the return of quarterback Steve Angeli from a torn Achilles. Beyond him, the Orange have strengthened the quarterback room as a whole through the transfer portal. Should Angeli go down again, SU has experienced options to go to, including former No. 1 overall recruit Malachi Nelson, who previously played at USC, Boise State and UTEP.

Syracuse will begin the season on Sept. 5 at home against the University of New Hampshire.

Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown on the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesSyracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown on the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Also on campus

We already knew that former Syracuse men's basketball sharpshooter Buddy Boeheim was going to suit up for the SU alumni "Boeheim's Army" team at this year's version of the "TBT."

Now, we know another member of the Orange squad that will try to take home the $2 million prize: Elijah Hughes, who was announced as playing on Monday.

There are rumors of another high-profile former player announcing his intention to play next week. Who could it be? We don't know, but recent comments indicate it won't be Carmelo Anthony.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Remember to join our SYRACUSE on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Orange fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy