It’s a pretty significant moment for Syracuse football
The Syracuse Orange finally landed a 5-star recruit when Calvin Russell committed to the Orange this weekend.
The Florida wide receiver had 52 offers and in the end the Orange beat out Florida State, Michigan and Oregon for the Miami native. It moves Syracuse’s 2026 class up to 20th nationally in 247’s rankings and 35th in On3’s. Russell becomes the 5th highest Syracuse commit in 247’s composite rankings bumping bast current freshman Demetres Samuel. (The top 4 are Cecil Howard, Johnnie Morant, Izayia Williams and Kyle McCord)
Fran Brown is working wonders in Upstate New York: Five-Star WR Calvin Russell commits to Syracuse. He’s the highest ranked prospect to commit to the Cuse in a generation.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 6, 2025
Landing this kind of commitment reinforces the national narrative about Fran Brown’s recruiting. He’s showing the country that he doesn’t need the SEC machine behind him, and more importantly Russell’s commitment sends a message to coaches and players across the country that Syracuse should be taken seriously.
Quick notes beyond the obvious with Calvin Russell to ‘Cuse:
1. SU wins without earning an official visit (he did visit four times unofficially over last 13 months)
2. Told Rivals his finalists on Sunday were Michigan, Oregon, Florida State.
3. Leaves the door open for…
— John Garcia, Jr. (@JohnGarcia_Jr) July 6, 2025
Dino Babers asked us to have faith, but Fran Brown is providing evidence and showing that his ability to land talent translates from Georgia to Syracuse. This is the type of commitment that Syracuse needs to capitalize on in terms of tickets sales and donations.
The Orange football program showed it is prepared for the new era of college football and the country is taking notice.