Head coach Fran Brown’s squad keeps gaining more hype, being ranked as one of five teams in the country with an under-the-radar transfer class by On3. The other teams in the top five along with SU are NC State, South Carolina, Indiana, and California. The Wolfpack and Golden Bears play the Orange this season, so how does Syracuse’s transfer class compare to their ACC foes? Let’s look into each squad’s biggest offseason acquisition and the difference they’ll make on their respective teams this season.
Syracuse
The Orange’s transfer class is headlined by two new players, quarterback Kyle McCord and defensive lineman Fadil Diggs. McCord’s numbers from Ohio State speak for themself, with the New Jersey native throwing for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. On top of that, the rising senior only had six interceptions this season. It’s safe to say McCord will make an instant impact in SU’s offense. The defense also looks to be effective, adding Diggs from Texas A&M. The lineman recorded eight sacks with three forced fumbles in his time at College Station. Along with that, he was also a two-time captain of the team starting in 33 games. There’s a reason why Syracuse’s transfer class is in the top five, now it’s just a question of if they will live up to the hype.
NC State
Like Syracuse, the Wolfpack leveled up at quarterback bringing in Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina, and Ohio State wide-receiver Noah Rogers. McCall threw for just under 2,000 yards this past season with 10 touchdowns. The North Carolina native also threw for just six interceptions this past year. McCall is going to have weapons on offense, as he’s throwing to the number one ranked player out of high school in North Carolina. Rogers appeared in four games for the Buckeyes but was never targeted by McCord. The Wolfpack have the weapons to be a strong team in the ACC aided by homegrown talent. Inexperience with power five squads could be a point of concern going forward though.
California
Cal is another team that is upgrading across the board ahead of their first season in the ACC. Similar to NC State and ‘Cuse the golden bears brought in a new guy to take the helm under center. That being North Texas product Chandler Rodgers. Rodgers threw for 3,300 yardswith 33 touchdowns this past season. The rising senior also threw just five interceptions. Cal will get some help in the backfield to aid star running back Jayden Ott,, with former Alabama signee Kadarius Calloway making his way to the west coast. Calloway led Old Dominion with 623 rushing yards this past season.
