The Orange did a good job cementing lots of talent in the transfer portal cycle this year, and there are several exciting names to choose from.
The Syracuse football team is just under two months away (Sept. 5) from beginning its season at the JMA Wireless Dome against New Hampshire.
SU is coming off a 3-9 campaign in 2025, but we've written about why we think there's more optimism for Fran Brown's team in this year, including the depth of the transfer portal class that Brown and his staff secured earlier during the portal period.
The Orange did a good job at bringing in players that already have experience and shouldn't be overmatched by playing in the ACC. While there are a handful of "low production but high-upside" guys, there are also guys that should be more certain in their performance.
That said, there are two players that we have our eyes on with about one month remaining until the start of training camp.
Chris D'Appolonia, linebacker, Toledo
D'Appolonia appeared in 26 games over parts of three seasons with the Toledo Rockets, but he only played two games in 2024, meaning he earned a medical redshirt. As a result, he'll have two years of eligibility for the Orange.
Last season for Toledo, D'Appolonia had 36 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He also had four pass deflections and a forced fumble. He recently garnered recognition from college football insider Phil Steele as well.
Remember that Toledo is where new Syracuse defensive coordinator Vince Kehres just came from.
As Brown looks to improve this defense, Kehres's hire is critical. That means that D'Appolonia's understanding of the system, the verbiage and the expectations that Kehres has are also critical.
He will be able to act as an effective intermediary between the defense and the coaching staff. He will also be able to set an example since he already knows the standard.
Pittsburgh Panthers running back Desmond Reid (0) looses his helmet before being tackled by Toledo Rockets linebacker Chris D'Appolonia (49), during the first half of the 2024 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesAhmad Miller, RB, Jackson State
If there's one big question about the Orange heading into the season, it's about who the offensive playmakers are going to be. A lot of talent has left the locker room because of graduation and the portal, including running backs Will Nixon and Yasin Willis.
Enter Miller, who is joining SU from the FCS ranks.
Listed at 6-feet, Miller just finished his third season at Jackson State. A Memphis, Tenn. native, he was an All-SWAC selection after carrying the ball 165 times for 1,054 yards in 2025. He had six rushing touchdowns while also adding five catches out of the backfield.
Though he's appeared in games for three seasons, a season-ending injury in 2024 earned him a medical redshirt. Thus, he still has two years of eligibility left for the Orange.
Jackson State Tigers' running back Ahmad Miller (27) runs the ball during the game against the Hampton Pirates at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWhile looking at past statistics and roles is not necessarily indicative of how players will perform at Syracuse, it appears as if Miller is more of a traditional running back, and won't be as big a threat in the receiving game.
That said, 1,000-yard runners don't grow on trees, and neither do guys who averaged 6.3 yards per carry. While quarterback Steve Angeli will help drive the ship in the passing game, he appears to have a solid running back in his backfield to help keep things balanced.
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