Syracuse football continues to hit home run after home run since head coach Fran Brown took over the program in 2024. Recruiting has been and continues to be the biggest strength, and has drawn a lot of attention from national media outlets for this year and even next. But one specific prospect has generated the most buzz: two-way player Demetres Samuel.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound freshman had an extremely interesting path to the 2025 Orange roster. In April 2024, Samuel announced his commitment to the ‘Cuse for the Class of 2026. In July, Samuel decided to switch his decision to the University of Florida, this time to reclass and be a part of the Class of 2025. Samuel visited SU again in September and then decided to flip back to the Orange for the Class of 2025. Truly bizarre stuff, but the first choice is always the best choice, I guess.
Anyway, Samuel has been all the talk in the college football sphere. As he continues to dominate in training camp as both a wide receiver and defensive back, you can assume who Samuel’s been drawing comparisons to. You guessed it, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was recently drafted second overall in the NFL Draft by Jacksonville. It might be crazy to say Samuel will live up to that hype, but the 16-year-old did record two tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, 343 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in his senior season at Heritage High School down in Florida.
Coach Fran Brown has even said there’s a chance the young buck could start as a true freshman (at only 17 years old!) at corner as well as rotate into a depleted receiver room. But don’t worry, the kid has all the confidence in the world to live up to the media.
“This is nothing new for me,” Samuel said when asked about being compared to Travis Hunter in an interview. “You all will see soon.”
