Syracuse football held its annual spring game over the weekend, and the hype surrounding the program couldn’t be higher. With a crowd of nearly 15,000 people filling the JMA Wireless Dome, Fran Brown and company put on a show, sort of. Here’s everything you need to know.
The QBs showed some flashes
Unfortunately for SU fans, the starting quarterback for 2025 Rickie Collins did not play in the spring game due to a precautionary hand injury. That meant the Orange faithful got to see two interesting options for the backup position: redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams and FAU transfer Michael Johnson Jr. Getting to play with the starters, Williams made some really strong throws, as well as Johnson found Enmauel Ross for a beautiful touchdown over the middle. While the main event may not have been on display, the quarterback room certainly has some talent in it.
The defense is young and raw
To no surprise, a unit that had a lot of talent depart it from last season didn’t seem too strong in this short sample size. The most notable struggle seen by this group was in the cornerback room, which suffered four defensive pass interference penalties and allowed multiple catches in tight coverage. But it wasn’t just them. Both sides struggled to stop the backfield of Yasin Willis and redshirt freshman Jordan Montanez, who will be operating by committee this season according to OC Jeff Nixon. It’s definitely a small sample size, but it may not be sunshine and rainbows when the unit takes the field against some tough NCAA offenses.
Special teams might be an adventure again
In 2024, one of the biggest question marks Syracuse had was in the kicking room. Once again, it was a small sample size, but it seems like that’s not going anywhere for 2025. Jadyn Oh, who found himself as the starter towards the end of last season, went two-for-three on field goal attempts, cashing in for 42 and 43 yards out, and missing from 44. Iowa transfer Tripp Woody also got in on the action and went 1-for-2. Will it be one of those two taking kicks in week one or Jackson Kennedy remains to be seen, but there’s definitely no concrete answer here either.
