We’re all so caught up in the storylines surrounding the basketball team and roster turnover right now that silently, Fran Brown and his staff continue to make some big moves on the recruiting front for the second straight year. This time around, it’s flipping a commit in the class of 2026 from a conference rival in North Carolina.
A week ago today, three-star quarterback Zaid Lott announced his decommitment from the Tar Heels. Over the weekend, Lott made an unofficial visit to the 315 and officially announced that he is joining the Orange today. Lott is the 67th-best quarterback in the Class of 2026 according to 247 Sports, as well as the 41st-best player in the state of North Carolina.
Lott measures in at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds from the Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to MaxPreps, the junior threw for 2,869 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in 2024-25. Lott is also a threat with his legs, which he rushed for 285 yards and seven touchdowns as well.
Lott committed to North Carolina under its old coaching staff last June. With the infamous Bill Belichek taking over the reins, it makes sense that Lott may not see the opportunities he was presumably promised. With Syracuse having some question marks surrounding its quarterback room with Rickie Collins being brought in and Jakhari Williams, it’s not surprising to see another signal caller being added.
With the add, Fran Brown and Syracuse now have the 15th-best recruiting class for 2026 with twelve players added. The best part? It’s only March 25th. The football program continues to impress with its ability to bring in talent, no matter what obstacles come with being Syracuse University. Only time will tell how the rest of the class for 2025 and 2026 play out, but you can’t complain every time a new player wants to don the orange and blue.
