Fran Brown returns for his third season after Syracuse finished 3-9 overall and 1-7 in ACC play in 2025. Jeff Nixon also returns as offensive coordinator, while Steve Angeli returns as the starting quarterback after recovering from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season. At running back, Tylik Hill has emerged as the leading option following the departures of Yasin Willis and Will Nixon, while Jackson State transfer Ahmad Miller and LSU transfer Ju’Juan Johnson add depth to the backfield. Syracuse must also replace its top six receivers from last season, although Umari Hatcher returns after missing 2025. Cole Weaver and Darius Johnson have taken on prominent roles in the receiving corps, while David Clement provides another option at tight end. Glendale Community College transfer Zamondre Merriweather also joins the receiving corps. Up front, the offensive line returns full-time starters Trevion Mack and Joe Cruz after making 10 and 12 starts, respectively, while Byron Washington provides additional returning experience.
On defense, Vince Kehres arrives from Toledo as coordinator, and Syracuse returns seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top three in Gary Bryant III, Antoine Deslauriers, and Braheem Long Jr. Bryant and Deslauriers return after making 10 and 11 starts, respectively. In the secondary, Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel Jr. return after each made 12 starts, while Cornell Perry adds significant experience after making seven. Maryland transfer Dillan Fontus joins after making nine starts last season, while Toledo transfer Chris D’Appolonia follows Kehres to Syracuse.
On special teams, Alex Bayer takes over as coordinator, with Tripp Woody returning at placekicker after making 12 of 14 field-goal attempts last season. Freshman Jimmy Gregg takes over at punter following the departure of First-Team All-ACC selection Jack Stonehouse, while Tylik Hill and Davien Kerr bring experience to the kickoff-return game. Overall, Syracuse enters 2026 with significant turnover at running back and receiver but considerable continuity on defense. The Orange return seven of their top eleven tacklers, including all three top tacklers, while the offensive line provides an experienced foundation up front.