NFLCHARLOTTE, N.C. — If Syracuse football feels overlooked heading into the 2026 season, don’t expect head coach Fran Brown or his players to lose any sleep over it.
In fact, they prefer it that way.
Speaking with Team NBS Media during ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, Brown was asked what his message would be to those leaving Syracuse out of the ACC championship conversation.
His response was simple.
“Just keep overlooking us,” Brown said. “They’re overlooking us, so they obviously don’t want to talk to us. Why should I have anything really to say to them?”
Brown wasn’t interested in making bold predictions or trying to convince critics otherwise. Instead, he challenged doubters to remain consistent.
“I just like people to keep the same energy that you have. Be consistent,” Brown said. “They tell us all the time in life, whether you’re a man or woman, stand on what you say. Your name and your words. So just keep that energy.”
That confidence appears to be shared throughout the locker room.
During ACC Kickoff, Team NBS Media also caught up with Syracuse defensive back and wide receiver Demetres Samuel Jr., one of the few players in college football contributing on both sides of the ball.
Before discussing his unique role, Samuel was asked to share something fans may not know about his head coach.
His answer reinforced the authenticity players see every day.
“Everything he says, everything he does—that’s really how he is,” Samuel said. “That’s not an act.”
Samuel also discussed the challenge of playing both offense and defense in today’s fast-paced college game, saying it requires a different level of commitment.
“I feel like you just have to be a dog,” Samuel said. “It’s not made for everybody, but if you can do it, you’ve got to fulfill it to the best of your ability. You’ve got to be in good shape. If you’re going to do it, do it 100% head on.”
The two-way standout then echoed Brown’s confidence when asked what fans should expect from Syracuse this season.
“We’re going to shock a lot of people,” Samuel said. “We’ve got a lot of people here that the outside really might not know about, but they’re going to make a big wave when they’re on the field.”
Taken together, Brown’s message and Samuel’s confidence paint a clear picture of the mindset inside the Syracuse program.
The Orange aren’t asking for respect heading into the season.
They’re planning to earn it.
And if Syracuse exceeds expectations this fall, don’t expect Brown to spend much time reminding people what he said in July.
His message was already delivered.
Just keep that same energy.
