Syracuse University quarterback Jakhari Williams is set to enter the transfer portal when it opens up after the first of the year. He announced his decision on social media.

"I want to sincerely thank Syracuse University and the entire coaching staff for the opportunity to be part of the program. I'm incredibly grateful for the relationships I've built, the lesson's I've learned, and the growth I've experienced on and off the field.

Representing Syracuse has been an honor, and I will always appreciate the support and belief the coaches and university showed in me.

After careful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal to explore new opportunities for the next chapter of the athletic and academic journey.

I wish nothing but continued success to the program and everyone associated with Syracuse University. Thank you again for everything."

About Williams

Williams redshirted in the 2024 season and did not see any game action in 2025. 

The following appeared from a portion of his recruiting profile in 2023 (via 247 Sports).

A dual-threat talent with a stronger arm that can whip the ball to all different levels. Owns an athletic build and is pushing 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. Tested in the upper percentile spring before senior season, which isn’t surprising as he can also attack the rim on the hardwood. Ability to extend plays and evade pressure is without a doubt one of his biggest strengths at this stage in his development. So is his vision as a runner in the open field.

How this impacts Syracuse

It's hard to say that this really impacts the Orange since we didn't see Williams play at all, but it does just speak to a bigger issue for the program within the landscape of college football. We discussed it a few weeks ago and it's still true today.

--In previous iterations of college football, you would bring in players, and they would stay for 3-4 years. That meant that your quarterbacks all grew in a system and you usually ended up with multiple quarterbacks on your roster that had an idea of the way things work. While your backup was not usually as good as your starter, there was at least a chance that the drop-off wasn't catastrophic.

--Now? Because of the transfer portal, the old rules are out the window.

Given that Syracuse is not a power, it likely isn't bringing in ready-made quarterbacks in bulk. The Orange had one this year in (Steve) Angeli, but behind him? A group of young and inexperienced players. How many of those young and inexperienced players will stick around next year to show another year of growth? Maybe all of them, but given the frequency with which players bounce around now, there's certainly a chance that all of them leave, leaving the Orange in the exact same situation next year.

And if the Orange do bring in a solid group of quarterbacks that are closer to ready to play, what's to say they don't leave after 2026, re-starting the cycle? Angeli has two more years of eligibility left. If he uses them, will this group really be waiting to sit for two years?

Unfortunately, this is the reality of college football, and it's the job of (Fran) Brown to find answers to these very difficult questions.

*Angeli was hurt in the fourth game of the season, leaving the Orange undermanned at the position. And if more quarterbacks leave the roster, they'll be undermanned and underprepared again in 2026 should Angeli get hurt. We further explain in the video player above.

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