Syracuse University has made headlines with the signing of Calvin Russell, who has become the program’s highest-ranked recruit in the past two decades. This announcement marks a significant moment for Syracuse football, as Russell, a four-star recruit according to the 247Sports composite rankings, has been listed as high as a five-star and is the No. 23 recruit nationally. His commitment, confirmed on Thursday, underscores the progress Syracuse has made under Head Coach Fran Brown.
Russell’s signing also highlights a remarkable recruiting class for Syracuse, which is the highest-ranked in the last 20 years, achieving a national ranking of No. 30 in the 247Sports composite. The last time Syracuse signed a recruit of such prominence was in 2001 with quarterback Cecil Howard, who was ranked No. 13 by Tom Lemming. Unfortunately, Howard never played for the Orange, transferring to Northeastern after his freshman season.
Highlighting Top Recruits Over Two Decades
This year’s class features three recruits who rank among the top 20 in Syracuse’s history. Calvin Russell, a wide receiver out of Miami Northwestern in Florida, has had an impressive high school career, recording 32 receptions for 517 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season. Brown’s recruiting efforts have brought in seven of the top 20 players on this list during his three years as head coach.
The second recruit, Lavar Lobdell, a wide receiver from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, ranks as the No. 152 prospect in the Class of 2025. Lobdell was part of a successful high school team that won three state championships and includes former Syracuse players like Greg Paulus and Bruce Williams.
Another notable recruit is Averin Collier, a running back from 2008, who was ranked as the No. 1 player in New York. Collier’s time at Syracuse was marred by injuries and academic issues, limiting his impact on the field.
Additional Future Stars for the Orange
Defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr., the highest-ranked defensive player on this list, also joins Syracuse as part of the 2025 class. Samuel reclassified to play in the previous season, demonstrating his capabilities by ranking among the team’s leaders in defensive snaps and finishing fifth in the ACC in passes defended.
Another promising addition is Emanuel Ross, a wide receiver from the Class of 2024, who originally committed to Stanford before switching to Syracuse. Despite facing injuries during his first two years, Ross aims to make a significant impact moving forward.
The recruiting landscape at Syracuse has certainly evolved, with Fran Brown successfully attracting talent that could shape the future of the program. The emphasis on securing top-tier recruits like Calvin Russell and others reflects a renewed commitment to competitiveness in college football.
As the Orange prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of these recruits will be crucial for their aspirations in the competitive landscape of college sports. The infusion of talent from both local and national recruits positions Syracuse for potential success in the coming years.
