While there's still a month left in the 2026 Syracuse Orange football season, it isn't too early to start looking ahead.
After a rollercoaster seven games so far, fans have seen which players have stood out and boast the potential to be building blocks moving forward. The TNIAAM gathered to figure out which names are worth keeping around beyond 2026:
Kevin:I want to say a quarterback but I'm going to take Calvin Russell. He's good size, hands, and when you have a recruit of his caliber who is all in on the program that can be a big draw.
Christian:Calvin Russell. He already looks like a player who can play with any quarterback and produce. And the intangibles of his leadership as a true freshman seem to have a profound impact.
Dom:Russell. Easily the foundation for any theory of next year's offense, and recruiting the top names is important, but so is keeping them.
Max:Russell. It is a miracle how fast he got back from his injury and he has proven himself to be one of the best young talents in college football as a whole. It is a necessity that Fran Brown sways him away from bigger schools that'll come knocking with lots of money.
Tanner:Russell. His presence has already been felt big time and can transform this Orange offense for years to come. It's also important for Fran to prove he can retain talent, as Brown recruits high level talent, proving he can keep the highest rated recruit in SU's history will be a tall task if he keeps ascending the rest of the year.
Kevin:Daunte Bacheyie. He's shown an ability to be a weapon in the passing game and while he's not a full time TE, the local product makes a great compliment to Russell.
Christian:Amari Odom and/or Malachi Nelson. Someone is going to be the starter. Whoever the backup is going to be should be a keeper as well. Whoever loses the job will probably want to go somewhere to start. However, we've already seen the value of having multiple quarterbacks available.
Dom:Ahmad Miller. He's been the essential and clear No. 2 in the running-back-by-committee approach, with Tylik Hill leading the charge. But if Hill gets a bag or departs, Miller may very well be the starter next year.
Max:Odom. He was a confident starter in his one game against UConn, and unfortunately did not get to prove himself any further as he wound up being out for the season following that. He is an experienced QB that is a great player to build upon next season under center.
Tanner:Daunte Bacheyie. The CBA(Syracuse) product is currently second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. His length and size is very similar Oronde Gadsden and we now how much a skill set like that can provide.
Kevin:I'll say it's Nissi Ogbebor. There have been some ups and downs but to have an interior pass rusher like Ogbebor, it can allow you to do so much more on defense.
Christian:Antoine Deslauriers. We've seen the Syracuse defense show disappointing performances at times due to the absence of Deslauriers. His natural abilities are not just the reason to keep the leader of the defense.
Dom:Deslauriers. Has had an up-and-down year so far due to not being fully healthy, but there's a big difference between having him and not. Still think he's a vital part of the unit going forward.
Max:Deslauriers. He's the common answer but it's for a reason, the kid is talented. The defense has looked very different when they do not have him in comparison to when they do, so that should be a teller as to how important he is.
Tanner:Deslauriers. Having one of the nations best tacklers on a defense that we've seen have lapses when it comes to tackling. The communication that Deslauriers provides does not go unnoticed,plus they ability to provide big plays during key moments in games.
Kevin:Davien Kerr. Other players might be bigger names but Kerr's ability to make plays in the secondary would be great to build upon.
Christian:Nissi Ogbebor. Because I didn't mention him before, I'll give him his flowers here. I don't think fans appreciate how much attention he is commanding.
Dom:Chris D'Appolonia. Kerr is an option I would go for, but the idea of having two veteran linebackers in D'Appolonia with Deslauries, then filling out the rest of the defense around them, is a promising one.
Max:Davien Kerr. Great player in the secondary and another year of him would be a huge help.
Tanner:Chris D'Appolonia. There is something about having two linebackers that can provide stability on the defense, that Syracuse has not seen in a few years.
Kevin:From the defense: Demetres Samuel, Antoine Deslauriers, Kamron Wilson, Amare Gough, Chase Geter and Alex Haskell. On offense: Tylik Hill, Jayden Mann and Terrell Wilfong.
Christian:I'll repeat Kevin with my offense picks: Tylik Hill, Terrell Wilfong and Jayden Mann. Throw Daunte Bacheyie into that mix as well. On defense, I'd add Geamus Sackie and Javon Lawrence.
Dom:Of anyone not mentioned, I'd be okay with adding Darius Johnson and Shavane Anderson Jr. as rotational pieces for next year's offense. On defense: I'd nominate defensive linemen Jartavius Flounoy and Jaylen Pray.
Max:I think everyone has already been said by everyone above me, they all great pieces to build upon as they gain another year of experience.
Tanner:Kevin mentioned the names that stuck out above. But the one name that has not been mentioned yet is Tedarius Hughes. The freshman has dealt with injuries since Fall camp. Not sure if he sees the field in the back end of the year, and what impact the four star makes when he does.
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Which players would you like to see the Orange prioritize?
