NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
With a 10-3 record to end the 2024-2025 season, the Syracuse Orange brought its football program back to life. That was last year. It’s time to turn the page on the season as the new one approaches. With a comeback win for the ages against the Miami Hurricanes to close out their season, it’ll be hard for Syracuse to avoid high expectations this season. After all, fans have been waiting for a turnaround in the program for years. What does SU need to tackle to continue to improve in 2025?
Player Turnover
The Orange lost several key players on both sides of the football. Who will step up in the loss of key contributors? On offense, how quickly can someone step into the big shoes of Kyle McCord, LeQuint Allen, Oronde Gadsden II, or Jackson Meeks? On defense, who will be the next Fadil Diggs, Marlowe Wax, or Alijah Clark?
Between developing players into NFL-caliber players and transfers, Syracuse lost key contributors. Recruiting was reportedly one of the primary reasons Syracuse hired Fran Brown. Now we’ll see in his second year with some momentum where it truly pays off. Player turnover is going to happen with the transfer portal taking over college sports. Who will make a name for themselves for the Syracuse Orange and keep the success of the program rolling?
More Physical Football
Syracuse was explosive last season. No one can challenge that. Yet, at times, they seemed to get pushed around, especially in the run game. The Orange often lets running quarterbacks have their way. More often than not, this would keep games closer than they should’ve been. What happens if this year the team can’t pick apart opposing defenses to march down the field?
If their offense comes out slow or with a different dynamic that takes time to develop, will they still get pushed around on defense? The Orange needs to come out of move the immovable objects. On defense, they have to get up in the quarterback’s face so he’s uncomfortable throwing the football. When on offense, can their front line give 1-2 extra yards of untouched rushing to their running back? Can they wrap up and bring down ball carriers so they don’t get the extra 2, 3, 5+ yard plays?
Last season, Syracuse was able to take over with explosive plays. This season, will they be able to control the game against tougher teams by upping their physicality? Big, clean hits that stop momentum should be a staple.
Quarterback Competition
There’s no avoiding it: Syracuse has a QB competition that will be the focus of the offseason for fans. Everyone knew who would be starting for Syracuse when Kyle McCord transferred last season, but this year were thrown a curveball. Initially, Syracuse landed Rickie Collins Jr. before landing Steve Angeli shortly after. Fran Brown quickly named Collins the starter in the spring, but quarterbacks are rarely successful if not pushed. Competition brings out the best at any position, but it is especially significant at quarterback.
Collins and Angeli have two different styles, and that will force coach Brown to decide which style fits the offense better as a whole. Angeli is more of the traditional quarterback with a similar play style to McCords, and Collins is the more mobile quarterback with explosiveness. It’s not a battle that will be decided by skill set alone, however. Who will have the better on-field chemistry with their teammates, and who has the better command of the offense? Syracuse plays a fast-paced offense, and whoever steps in will need to be able to keep up.
You don’t finish your previous season 4th in the ACC and not go into the following season with expectations. How will the Syracuse Orange respond now that fans are excited about the program again? With 2025 setting them up with some tough competition, the Orange better bring their “A game” all season long.
