Who will be the top ball carrier for coach Fran Brown and the Orange in 2026?
Yasin Willis, the leading rusher for Syracuse in the 2025 season, has found his new football home. He signed with Kansas on Wednesday morning.
His departure leaves Syracuse potentially without a veteran back in 2026.
Will Nixon, who was second to Willis in rushing yards last season, announced Tuesday on social media that he received a waiver from the NCAA for another year of college eligibility, But he also said he had declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
He still could return to college if he withdraws from the draft before the deadline, expected to be in early February.
What Syracuse is losing
Willis was the leading rusher for the Orange last season, totaling 558 yards on 129 carries with four touchdowns in a pass-centered offense. He appeared in nine games.
He has two years of eligibility remaining
Nixon ran 107 times for 432 yards and scored three touchdowns.
His father, Jeff Nixon, is the offensive coordinator and running backs coach for Syracuse.
What Syracuse is gaining
According to 247Sports, the Orange have brought in two running backs. They are Shavane Anderson Jr. from William Penn High School in York, Pa., a three-star recruit in the 2026 class. Also on board is Ju’Juan Johnson, a transfer from LSU. He just signed on Tuesday.
In two seasons with the Tigers, Johnson gained 263 yards from scrimmage (169 rushing, 94 receiving) and scored three touchdowns. He was a quarterback in high school in Louisiana and began his college career in the secondary before moving to running back.
More Syracuse stories
The opportunity at Kansas for Willis
Willis will fill a need for the Jayhawks. Kansas lost Daniel Hishaw Jr and Leshon Williams to graduation, and they needed a running back with power-conference experience.
On a combined 221 carries, Hishaw and Williams ran for 1,147 yards and 12 scores.
Earlier this week, Kansas signed Colorado State transfer Jalen Dupree, who gained 508 yards on 102 carries with two TDs in 2025.
What Willis said
In November, after the end of a 3-9 (1-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) season, Willis said he intended to return to the Orange in 2026. In a lengthy post to X two days before Christmas, however, he said something different by announcing his intention to transfer.
“My time at Syracuse University has been incredibly meaningful, and I am thankful for the lessons learned both on and off the field," he wrote.
"To my teammates, thank you for the brotherhood, support, and memories we built together. The relationships and moments we shared will always be a part of me.
"I also want to extend my appreciation to Coach Fran Brown, Coach Jeff Nixon, Coach Devin Redd, and the entire Syracuse University football staff. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my development as a player and as a person. I have great respect for the program and everyone who contributes to its success.
"After careful reflection and thoughtful conversations with my family, I have made the decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. I will be entering the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
"Thank you, Syracuse University, for the foundation and opportunities you have provided."
We learned later that it was the Syracuse coaching staff that reportedly encouraged Willis to transfer.
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!