Saturday’s Aflac Kickoff Game, taking a major week 1 TV slot on ABC, will be one of the highest-profile games in years for the Orange. They are playing in Atlanta; this has typically been SEC turf, but Head Coach Fran Brown has recently worked to push recruits towards Syracuse. Larger than the game itself, this season will ask a major question: Was last year’s 10-3 bowl-winning season with four NFL draft picks a fluke? 2018’s 10-3 team under Dino Babers went a disappointing 5-7 the following season. This year’s team looks to not only gain wins, but instill faith in the fanbase that they can consistently be a promising team. This “Promise” could come from some emerging stars in the wide receiver room:
The Wide Receiver Corps
If losing a key weapon in Oronde Gasden II to the Los Angeles Chargers wasn’t enough, Trebor Pena’s transfer portal exit to Penn State quieted any offseason attention for the receiver room. Pena was selected as a team captain and would’ve been the clear-cut top receiver for 2025. However, after becoming an All-ACC selection and putting together a strong game against Washington State in the Holiday Bowl, Pena had a $2 million NIL request that Syracuse refused to deliver for just one player. His departure meant the loss of a household name around college football, but Syracuse quickly recouped a starting receiver with former Texas speedster Johntay Cook II. Darrell Gill Jr, a reliable wide receiver who had over 500 receiving yards in 2024, has a legitimate chance to be the top receiver in his junior season. Justus Ross-Simmons is ready to roll after battling a hamstring injury for the better part of last season. Names such as Umari Hatcher and Emanuel Ross will have a greater chance to contribute with the older weapons now graduated. The individual names could make noise for ACC awards this winter; their greatest asset is their combined fit on the football field. Brown crafted this corps to play as a cohesive unit with each player running a route that plays to their strengths: Cook on play-action and deep routes, Gill working through the middle on the “Chunk” plays, Ross-Simmons as the short-route guy who can evade a defender.
Calvin Russell Is Watching
Syracuse has to fight against powerhouse schools such as Michigan, Miami, and Florida State to keep the commitment of Russell until the day he officially signs. Receiver play, especially against marquee opponents such as Tennessee, will become critical in keeping his interest in the Orange. He could become Syracuse’s best receiver talent since Marvin Harrison; any hiccups in the passing game between Steve Angeli and the wide receivers could make Russell rethink his commitment. So far, Russell sported Syracuse gloves and a towel in his first game of the 2025 high school football season. However, as fans have seen in the past, players will flip if concerns about offensive sustainability arise.
Syracuse’s wide receivers will have to beat future NFL cornerbacks in Jermod McCoy and Boo Carter among others; Steve Angeli will have to rise to the occasion in his first start with Syracuse. Brown has already told the media that his squad will take shots in the passing game, connecting on Saturday could be a game-changer.
