Wide receivers coach Josh Gattis explained why he thinks the Orange don't have as many questions at the position as we initially thought.
Syracuse football has had a rich history of producing excellent wide receivers. That list includes Pro Hall of Famers Marvin Harrison and Art Monk.
Furthermore, alums like Rob Moore, Kevin Johnson and Mike Williams all saw action in the NFL. But when it comes to the 2026 squad, the unit is one of the biggest question marks for head coach Fran Brown, especially after the long-term injury to Calvin Russell III.
More on that...
The Orange wideouts are arguably the most unproven group of players on this year's roster. Following the end of the 2025 season, the Orange saw Darrell Gill Jr. and Jontay Cook are both leave via the transfer portal. Gill ended up at Ole Miss.
Again, Russell, one of the top recruits in program history, is out with a torn Achilles. While he's insistent that he won't miss the entire season, it's certainly a possibility.
The Josh Gattis file
A key factor in the Orange's wideouts finding more production this season will be Josh Gattis' coaching ability. Gattis will coach the position after serving as the team's offensive specialist in 2025. His resume includes coaching the position at multiple Power Four schools, including Maryland Miami, Michigan, and Alabama.
What did Gattis say about this year's group of Syracuse wide receivers?
"I just think the depth. When you look at the room, we got eight or nine guys that can go out and play for us. I'm used to having about four or five. So just the depth, talent in the room, the way they care and love about each other. "
What does the wide receiver group look like now?
The Orange were able to add Cole Weaver the roster after he was a standout player for Miami (Ohio). He hauled in 47 catches for 680 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Umari Hatcher is joined by fellow transfer Zamondre Merriweather. Despite getting limited playing time at Boise State the past three seasons, Merriweather had a strong junior college career. At Glendale Community College, Merriweather caught 59 passes for 961 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Hatcher and Tyshawn Russell are both returning after suffering injuries in 2025. Included in that group is more transfers including Elijah Moore and Matthew Outten, along with local Syracuse product Darien Williams, Phoenix Henriquez, and Terrell Wilfong.
Moore is a transfer in from Florida State, so certainly has ACC-caliber physicality, and his development will be exciting to follow.
