Last season’s 10-3 bowl-winning season brought plenty of “MVP” caliber players: Kyle McCord broke ACC records, and LeQuint Allen and Oronde Gadsden solidified themselves as future NFL contributors. After an offseason filled with transfers, including potential-MVP players in wide receiver Trebor Pena and defensive tackle Maraad Watson heading for other programs, Syracuse opted to use NIL money in more of a team sense rather than bringing in a few impact star players. This approach has docked the Orange points in both individual player award watchlists and Syracuse’s team preseason rating; contrary to the analysts beliefs, there are some stud players that will be stuffing the stat sheet this fall. Here are five MVP candidates for Syracuse football:
Duce Chestnut
Chesnut is the leader of Syracuse’s defense as a redshirt senior and one of the main carryover players from last year’s standout squad. The Orange will face many top end quarterbacks throughout the course of 2025: Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Duke’s Darian Mensah, SMU’s Kevin Jennings, Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, and Miami’s Carson Beck. If Syracuse can hold up opposing offenses, Chesnut could carve out more noise for himself in NFL Draft conversations. He will also play a critical mentorship role with true freshman Demetres Samuel Jr, as well as bringing transfer defensive back Chris Peal into the D.A.R.T culture. Chestnut is a notable name among the ACC, and some upset wins that stem from defensive heroics could push him towards MVP status.
Yasin Willis
Willis has the tall task of filling Allen’s shoes. He is a dynamic back who can have an impact in both the run and pass game. With the quarterback scenario still somewhat up in the air, Syracuse’s offense could favor a heavy run game compared to the air raid offense with a proven Kyle McCord last season. He is expected to be a power back with Will Nixon also playing a role. Willis will be accompanied by a bolstered offensive line that will open up holes in the run game. Other than their opening game against Tennessee and road game against Clemson, Syracuse doesn’t face any top tier defensive lines that erase opposing running games. The RB1 will always be in the mix for team MVP.
Steve Angeli
Head Coach Fran Brown announced on Monday that Angeli will be the Orange’s starting quarterback for week 1. Similar to other players on this list, Angeli will be the successor to now-Philadelphia Eagle Kyle McCord. While the offense may lean more towards a ground attack with two strong running backs compared to last year’s aerial assault, Angeli will have to make plays with his arm to get Syracuse through a tough 2025 schedule. He has veteran experience as a backup to high-profile quarterbacks at Notre Dame; Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard were exceptional for the Irish and went on to the NFL. He will immediately face a star-studded Tennessee secondary in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Angeli’s biggest question for this season will be progression: does the Orange staff see enough in him to carry over as a starter in 2026, or will they have to look to Rickie Collins or others in the transfer portal?
Johntay Cook II
Cook, after facing various issues at both Washington and Texas, comes to Syracuse as the shiny new offensive toy. Trebor Pena, Jaxson Meeks, and Oronde Gadsden II are all gone; Syracuse needs a producer to keep defenses honest, with Cook trying to fill the hole of a field-stretching speedster. He has shown out in practice, with his long-ball connections with both quarterbacks catching the media’s eyes and camera lenses. His style combines well with returning receiver Darrell Gill; Cook is more of the big-yardage plays, and will set up the rest of his offenses. Opposing defenses will have to keep a safety back when Cook is on the field.
Dan Villari
Villari’s college experience has been an absolute whirlwind: From changing schools from Michigan and Syracuse, to changing positions from quarterback to tight end. After taking a depth role and a “Gadget guy” to Gadsden in 2024, Villari will be the starting tight end once again. Angeli, while a veteran in age and seasons, hasn’t had much in-game experience. He will want his security blanket tight end for checkdowns and broken plays: Villari will be that guy. He will provide continuity both with the offensive coaches and in the locker room: in a new era of college football with rapidly changing teams between freshman and the transfer portal, Villari’s experience is a welcomed anomaly for Syracuse.
Regardless of the notable names on the roster heading into week 1, the “MVP” of 2025 will be whoever delivers memorable moments in the clutch.
