The Huskies won't play the Orange until Oct. 3, but the meeting is already highly-anticipated now.
The UConn Huskies football team still has two more games to play before it battles Syracuse on Oct. 3, but that matchup is already getting more anticipation than it would normally.
Here's why:
Speaking on Tuesday night on his coach's show, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said that he's positive that superstar wide receiver Calvin Russell will be cleared to play for that matchup. That will be his first collegiate action.
About Russell
A five-star wide receiver recruit from Florida, Russell is among the best recruits that Syracuse football has ever gotten. An unbelievable athlete, he left high school last December, enrolled in Syracuse early, and joined the school's basketball team.
He appeared in one game on the hardwood but the fact that he was even out there as a "should be" high school senior was impressive in its own right.
He tore his Achilles in March during Syracuse spring practice and has not played yet. He was out at practice last week and then participated in warmups before the Orange lost to Cal, and he won't play this week at Pitt.
Syracuse has a bye on Sept. 26, but Brown says he will be cleared for the road matchup with the Huskies.
One other interesting thing to note: Assuming Russell really does play in that matchup, it will mark barely six months since he tore his Achilles, an exceptionally quick recovery from a serious injury.
For instance, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in May of 2025 and didn't return until March of 2026 (10 months). Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers tore his in June of 2025 and didn't return at all last season.
UConn Huskies linebacker Bryun Parham (6) sacks Syracuse Orange quarterback Steve Angeli (9) during the second half at JMA Wireless Dome in 2025. Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesHow Russell could make life tough for UConn
Well, he's just a dynamic athlete that gives Syracuse additional weapons. The Orange offense has major questions about its ability, but Russell helps mitigate those questions. He may not be ready to fully impact the offense in his first game, which is to UConn's benefit, but the potential is there.
One thing to think about
Just because Brown says that Russell will be cleared, doesn't mean he will actually play a significant role. The Orange could put him on a pitch count, which would also be to the Huskies benefit.
Up next
Before UConn can worry about Syracuse, they have to get ready for Southern Miss on Saturday night. The Golden Eagles are 1-1, same as the Huskies.
