As the Syracuse Orange gear up for the 2024 football season, fans are buzzing with excitement over the latest roster updates. The team now features 107 players, showcasing new talent, including both freshmen and transfer students.
One noteworthy change is the transition of former quarterback Braden Davis, who will now play as a wide receiver. This shift comes after he demonstrated his receiving skills during the final days of spring practice. With Davis’s experience and versatility, he is sure to be a player to keep an eye on this season.
In this update, we’ll dive deeper into the roster changes and spotlight key players who are expected to make an impact on the field.
Backup Quarterback and Roster Surprises
With the 2024 season approaching, Syracuse University’s quarterback situation is shaping up with some fresh faces and interesting changes. In support of Ohio State transfer and starter Kyle McCord, the Orange will lean on Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, a promising backup, along with freshman Jakhari Williams and Michael Johnson Jr., who has moved back to quarterback after recovering from an injury. Johnson initially joined the team as an athlete but is expected to make a strong impact in his original position.
On the defensive side, linebacker Kadin Bailey is missing from the updated roster, which comes as a surprise. While his absence isn’t critical, given the team’s shift to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme that reduces the number of starting linebacker spots, it’s still an unwelcome development. Bailey demonstrated his potential during his time at SU, particularly in the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, where he recorded five tackles and a sack. With two years of eligibility left and the transfer portal closed for the season, his future on the field remains uncertain.
In a lighter update, senior tight end Max Mang has changed his jersey number from #81 to #0, marking his second number change in four years. As he continues to settle into his role with the team, fans will be watching closely to see how these roster changes affect team dynamics and performance this season.
Where is Kadin Bailey?
Kadin Bailey, once a rising star for the Syracuse Orange, has been noticeably absent from the updated 2024 roster. Fans remember him for his standout performance during the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, where he made a significant impact by sacking Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.
Despite showing great potential on the field, his future now seems uncertain. The team is adapting to a new defensive strategy with fewer linebacker spots available, which might explain his absence. Without Bailey, the Orange will need to rely on their remaining defensive players to step up.
As the season unfolds, keeping an eye on NFL odds might give fans some insight into how these changes affect Syracuse’s chances against tough opponents and their overall performance.
Notable New Numbers and Weight Changes
As the Syracuse Orange prepares for the upcoming football season, there are several player number changes that fans should take note of. Cornerback Clarence Lewis, who transferred from Notre Dame, will now wear #3, while freshman quarterback Jakhari Williams has chosen #4 for his first season. Wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons, another transfer from Colorado State, will don #12, and tight end Jamie Tremble is taking #13. Linebacker Fatim Diggs will wear #45, and offensive lineman Codie Hornsby, who comes from Grambling State, will be #54.
