Week 3 of Orange football training camp practices started on Monday. Here's what you need to know as close in on the season opener, which is Sept. 5.
The Syracuse football team, coming off a 3-9 season in 2025, continues to ready itself for the 2026 season opener, which is set for Sept. 5 against New Hampshire at the JMA Wireless Dome.
This week marks the third week of training camp practice. Just two more practices this week will be open to the media and next week marks the final week of training camp practice before the team transitions in game week preparation starting on Aug. 31.
As we have summer, SyracuseRoundtable had live coverage from Monday's practice session, so here's what you need to know:
Physical play remains even as pads are reduced
On Monday, the Orange were back to wearing only shoulder pads and helmets with no lower pads. Over the course of the month, we have seen the team rotate between full and half-padded practices. Despite less pads on the players, the physical play continued.
Following a stretch period, the Orange quickly shifted into a 4th-and-1 challenge drill with full offense and defense.
The continued separation of jersey colors for the team
For the past three weeks, Syracuse football has used green, orange, white and black jerseys for players during practice. The projected impact and starting players for the Syracuse offense are wearing Orange. The projected starters and projected impact players for the Syracuse defense are wearing black (along with all quarterbacks).
Green jerseys are being worn by all other defensive players while white jerseys are being worn by the other offensive players.
The goal of current Syracuse players is to be able to earn the black/orange jersey and to find their way into the potential starting lineup -- or more of pivotal role for the upcoming regular season.
No Justus Ross-Simmons, but wide receivers looked strong
Cole Weaver, along with this fellow wide receivers, continued to work with quarterbacks during the session. The wide receiver unit battled through a mix of 1-on-1 drills along with receiver to quarterback timing drills.
There was no sign of former wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons on the practice field. Ross-Simmons was deemed eligible after a Colorado based ruling earlier this month. Fran Brown addressed the status of Ross-Simmons following practice. As of now, nothing about his return is confirmed, but the two sides continue to talk about a reunion.
Three stand out players: News and notes
-Edge rusher Tunmise Adeleye had some strong reps that were acknowledged by coaches during competition periods. The defensive lineman joins Syracuse after playing for UNLV, Texas State, Texas A&M and Michigan State during his collegiate career.
-David Clement continues to be used in a variety of ways during practice. Although listed as a tight end, Clement has been seen in potential fullback spots, along with typical tight end formations. Clement could be a versatile player for this year's team.
-Quarterback Steve Angeli continued to look efficient during quarterback drills. The signal- caller is scheduled to be under center Week 1 for the Orange. He started the first four games of the 2025 season, leading SU to a 3-1 record before tearing his Achilles. The Orange lost eight straight contests to finish 3-9.
