A recent court ruling has helped Syracuse potentially add some more talent to the offensive side of the ball.
The Syracuse football team is just three weeks away from the start of its 2026 season, which is Sept. 5 against New Hampshire. This year's team is hoping to improve on the three wins it recorded in 2025, and there is optimism among fans that they can do that.
In an exciting move to add talent, the Orange may be able to add wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons back to the 2026 roster.
Here's more of what you need to know:
Who is Justus Ross-Simmons?
Ross-Simmons, originally from Rochester, N.Y., played his final high school season in California. In four total seasons at the FBS level, Ross-Simmons posted 100 catches for 1,662 yards and 13 touchdowns.. In his first two seasons, Ross-Simmons played for Colorado State before transferring to Syracuse.
During his two-year tenure in Central New York, the 6-foot-3 pass catcher totaled 29 catches, 514 yards and seven touchdowns. The Orange were 3-9 last season.
Why could Ross-Simmons be able to play for Syracuse again in 2026?
A recent court ruling in Colorado granting Class of 2022 recruits a fifth year of eligibility is currently active. Ross-Simmons is able to use that ruling to play one more season of college football. Of course, the NCAA is fighting this ruling, and if they win, Ross-Simmons would be ineligible again. But for now, he is.
What type of impact can Justus Ross-Simmons have on the Orange offense?
A veteran leader and experienced player, Ross-Simmons is another offensive playmaker that can help the Orange offense. The combination of Steve Angeli at quarterback and Ross-Simmons at wide receiver could be a strong connection for the Orange offense. There's certainly a familiarity there.
What about the rest of the wide receiver group?
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 both leave via the transfer portal. Both Cook and Gill ended up at Ole Miss.
Calvin Russell III, one of the top recruits in program history, is out with a torn Achilles and could miss the entire season.
Orange wide receiver coach Josh Gattis' earlier this week spoke on what impressed him most about the wide receiver group.
"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. "
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.
Hatcher and Tyshawn Russell are both returning after suffering injuries in 2025. Included in that group are more transfers including Elijah Moore and Matthew Outten, along with local Syracuse product Darien Williams, Phoenix Henriquez, and Terrell Wilfong. Moore previously played at Florida State.
What is next for Justus Ross-Simmons?
The Orange are scheduled to be back at practice on Monday when the practice is open again to the media.
According to Syracuse.com Javon Edmonds, nothing is official with Ross-Simmons quite yet. Edmonds said via X:
"Some added clarity to the Justus Ross-Simmons situation. He will meet with Syracuse tomorrow and begin the process of rejoining the team but nothing is official as of yet."
