December 3rd was supposed to kick off a new, fresh season for Syracuse football following its disastrous 2025 which ended on an eight-game losing streak. While it wasn’t another football game or an opportunity to earn bowl eligibility, the early window for college football’s National Signing Day opened. SU secured most of its class; star players Tedarius Hughes, Carter Bashir, Amari Gouch, and Chase Geter all put pen to paper yesterday afternoon. It landed the ‘Cuse as the 30th best class in the country, however this ranking comes with a major caveat.
Enter the Calvin Russell dilemma.
Syracuse’s top commit, five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell, decided to delay his commitment to Syracuse at Miami Northwestern’s school signing day event. Russell’s Agent Justin Giangrande made a statement yesterday:
“@14gump (Russell’s Twitter handle) has decided to push back his signing this morning -as he needed a more time to pray for the final decision. He absolutely loves @FranBrownCuse (Fran Brown’s Twitter) and is committed to @CuseFootball but he just wants to make sure he is 100% certain with this decision before signing by EOD Friday”
Russell was heavily pursued by both Michigan and Miami in the summer and leading right up to his shocking July commitment to Syracuse. Michigan hosts of the largest NIL funds due to a strong alumni base; Miami offers a top-tier hometown program and a chance to team up once again with current Hurricanes freshman (Former Miami Northwestern WR) Malachi James.
Syracuse’s 2025 season should give a young offense player concern. The Orange were unable to move the ball in any capacity after quarterback Steve Angeli tore his Achillies against Clemson. There was no backup plan or pivot strategy: they came into their final games of 2025 hoping that the defense could hold f0or 60 straight minutes. What happens if Steve Angeli’s injury causes him to lose his form in 2026? This is a valid question that Russell and his family may be asking after watching 2025 ‘Cuse football.
Despite its rough season, Russell remained committed to Syracuse in the weeks and months leading up to National Signing Day. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Orange, even after flip pushes by the Hurricanes and game invites.
If Russell would’ve flipped earlier in the season, it would have created a pathway for the SU recruiting staff to shop around and find additional receiver help to fill the Russell target void. Now, during signing period, the ‘Cuse are left praying he does actually stick around: there are no more high-profile receivers still on the market.
Russell is expected to sign on Friday. While all signaling from his camp says he remains committed to Syracuse, the public eye saw the delayed signing as a look towards a flip. Recruiting analysts mentioned just how close Russell’s recruiting race was last summer, and how the 2025 SU season causes another level of panic on top of the constant courting during the fall.
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