2025 Strategy Shift?

[FrancoPizza]

I named 5 freshman that I said should see time, with ONE of them significant time(Deslauriers). That’s not unrealistic by any stretch.

This past season, Fran and the staff didn’t hesitate to play freshman that were ready such as Watson, Barnes, Willis, Kerr and others if you consider special teams. I’m not saying we are going to start a ton of freshman but some will play and contribute more than others. Not too mention Deslauriers and Pray both are early enrollees and will participate in spring ball. If the staff decides they aren’t what they hoped they’d be- there’s another portal group in April.

The reason being why I’m saying this is the pessimism on this forum regarding next season is a bit much. Talking about punting the season and playing for 2026. There’s not one player or coach that would even consider that. If you’re an athlete and a competitor that’s not in your DNA.

But if their plan is to bank NIL instead of using it now as some insiders allege, isn’t that a quick kick on 3rd down?

 

[AZOrange]

I named 5 freshman that I said should see time, with ONE of them significant time(Deslauriers). That’s not unrealistic by any stretch.

This past season, Fran and the staff didn’t hesitate to play freshman that were ready such as Watson, Barnes, Willis, Kerr and others if you consider special teams. I’m not saying we are going to start a ton of freshman but some will play and contribute more than others. Not too mention Deslauriers and Pray both are early enrollees and will participate in spring ball. If the staff decides they aren’t what they hoped they’d be- there’s another portal group in April.

The reason being why I’m saying this is the pessimism on this forum regarding next season is a bit much. Talking about punting the season and playing for 2026. There’s not one player or coach that would even consider that. If you’re an athlete and a competitor that’s not in your DNA.

The worst fan base…so fair weather. We have more pieces than we have had in 20 years. We have 33 coming in. And I’d bet $ to donuts Fran isn’t done (even at qb).

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

But if their plan is to bank NIL instead of using it now as some insiders allege, isn’t that a quick kick on 3rd down?

I don't know if their plan is to bank NIL, but that would be better than forking it over to players that are not the right fit. We've seen what happens in a... different... SU program when that happens. Fran has a plan, and he's not willing to insert square pegs into round holes to try and get it done.

 

[vegasnick]

But if their plan is to bank NIL instead of using it now as some insiders allege, isn’t that a quick kick on 3rd down?

No, because if Fran thinks he can improve he will. If he thinks what he has is what he needs then why spend. NO coach, ESPECIALLY someone like Fran is going to “quick kick on 3rd down”. There is no “Insider” on this forum that can confirm they heard that from Fran Brown! That’s people speculating because they didn’t spend like last year. It’s very possible he’s spreading NIL funds to the players on the roster to retain them. He wants specific players that fit the DART culture.

I can’t stress enough- he’s going to do what he and the staff think is best to put them in a position to win. He’s not playing to lose.

 

[SuFTW]

What type of programs are we talking about? Schools who consistently recruit at the top 20 level, or programs closer to where we typically are? Right now Syracuse is just ahead of Clemson from last place in portal recruiting rankings. We’ve had 1 decent recruiting class in the last few decades (last season). I guess i’m not as confident in our depth as others.

…

This part is the hyperbole: “We have the whole country improving their rosters by picking up plug and plays from the portal ”, so apparently all programs. This seems to violate the laws of thermodynamics.

 

[Scotch]

Talk about orange colored glasses. You plug and play with guys who have never stepped on the field against three playoff teams and two teams were playing at home who beat us last year. I hope you’re right, but freshmen defensive backs will get crushed with next years schedule.

What is your expectation? You want Fran to follow up our best season in decades (in his first year) with another 10 win season against one of the most difficult schedules in the nation? I can’t believe there is any handwringing about next year given what’s happened this year. We are Syracuse and Fran is trying to build something - we have to stay realistic. We don’t have the NIL of the big boys and there isn’t another McCord out there. Enjoy the ride - it’s the best it’s been in a LONG time.

 

[upperdeck]

who knows how good teams will be.

But Tenn in the opener. Which Tenn do we see
The one that was 23-14 middle of the 3rd vs 2-10 Miss St?
the one that had 350 yds vs 6-7 OK
the one that outgained by 100 vs 7-6 Ark and lost
the one that was 21-18 start of the 4th vs 4-8 kentucky

They started red hot but after that were just an OK team who beat Alabama

maybe we take a major step back losing a good QB. maybe we are just a bit better in other places.

 

[RMH44]

How many snaps did Perry get at DT his freshman year? I'd almost say he was a true freshman in 24 as well as playing FB was such a waste.

Speaking of the DL, last year on more than one occasion, Fran mentioned how impressed he was Xavier Miles. I don't remember him ever seeing the field but I hope he has improved enough to contribute in the rotation. 300lb/plus DL are at a premium.

 

[vegasnick]

No, because if Fran thinks he can improve he will. If he thinks what he has is what he needs then why spend. NO coach, ESPECIALLY someone like Fran is going to “quick kick on 3rd down”. There is no “Insider” on this forum that can confirm they heard that from Fran Brown! That’s people speculating because they didn’t spend like last year. It’s very possible he’s spreading NIL funds to the players on the roster to retain them. He wants specific players that fit the DART culture.

I can’t stress enough- he’s going to do what he and the staff think is best to put them in a position to win. He’s not playing to lose.

Duce made formal announcement yesterday on twitter that he was returning to Syracuse. Maybe some NIL money went to him? He could very easily been considering both the draft or transferring if he didn’t get more money.

 

[JRHEETER]

Duce made formal announcement yesterday on twitter that he was returning to Syracuse. Maybe some NIL money went to him? He could very easily been considering both the draft or transferring if he didn’t get more money.

Duce has learned his lesson on transferring.

Entering the draft was a small possibility but he grades out as an UDFA.

He was not at risk to transfer either

 

[vegasnick]

Duce has learned his lesson on transferring.

Entering the draft was a small possibility but he grades out as an UDFA.

He was not at risk to transfer either

I just used that as an example to where NIL funds may have gone. Maybe he leveraged Fran, maybe Fran just wanted to make sure he was compensated. It’s very likely

 

[Kalima45]

I just don't get where the optimism of us having at least 8 wins is coming from. We are losing a lot of senior leadership and a quarterback that let us punch above our record this year. Looking at the schedule there is only one baked in win against Colgate and every single other team went to a bowl game this year. I agree that the future looks bright, I just don't get the thought process that this season won't be a struggle.

 

[anomander]

I named 5 freshman that I said should see time, with ONE of them significant time(Deslauriers). That’s not unrealistic by any stretch.

This past season, Fran and the staff didn’t hesitate to play freshman that were ready such as Watson, Barnes, Willis, Kerr and others if you consider special teams. I’m not saying we are going to start a ton of freshman but some will play and contribute more than others. Not too mention Deslauriers and Pray both are early enrollees and will participate in spring ball. If the staff decides they aren’t what they hoped they’d be- there’s another portal group in April.

The reason being why I’m saying this is the pessimism on this forum regarding next season is a bit much. Talking about punting the season and playing for 2026. There’s not one player or coach that would even consider that. If you’re an athlete and a competitor that’s not in your DNA.

I’m certainly not wanting to punt the season. You schedule these games so you can win. However, we’ve lost a ton and haven’t replaced it with anyone as of yet besides hypotheticals.

 

[PhatOrange]

I'll believe Deslauriers gets significant playing time when I see it.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

That’s certainly wishful thinking. We have the whole country improving their rosters by picking up plug and plays from the portal but we should assume that we just have back ups waiting in the wings?

As a CNY native, I think this is the most CNY attitude ever. “If we’re doing it, it has to be terrible and everyone is doing everything better than us.”

 

[vegasnick]

As a CNY native, I think this is the most CNY attitude ever. “If we’re doing it, it has to be terrible and everyone is doing everything better than us.”

Couldn’t agree more. CNY will always be home and I will forever be an Orange fan, but the pessimism and negativity is awful.

It’s not like the season started and they’re 1-5. This team that Fran put together in a matter of weeks to months is coming off a 10 win season. The same staff has had a year to bring in this years class. I guess we should all second guess the reigning national recruiter of the year and his staff that included 3 of the top 10, because fans know more than they do. He brought in 35 players in this years class for a reason. Also if you look at the top transfer classes in both the nation and the country- they have just has many departures as they do incoming players. For example, the avg rating for Miami, FSU, and UNC is lower on players coming in than leaving. A lot of it can be smoke in mirrors. Fran knows what he’s looking for and he’s getting who he wants. There’s 8 months until the first game, IF he feels a need to get someone to improve the team, he will.

 

[Newhouser]

No, because if Fran thinks he can improve he will. If he thinks what he has is what he needs then why spend. NO coach, ESPECIALLY someone like Fran is going to “quick kick on 3rd down”. There is no “Insider” on this forum that can confirm they heard that from Fran Brown! That’s people speculating because they didn’t spend like last year. It’s very possible he’s spreading NIL funds to the players on the roster to retain them. He wants specific players that fit the DART culture.

I can’t stress enough- he’s going to do what he and the staff think is best to put them in a position to win. He’s not playing to lose.

I agree Fran deserves the benefit of the doubt after this year. Him not playing to lose...what college coach does? No draft picks for kicking the can on a season.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Well that’s reassuring, I don’t think anyone was aware this might be the strategy. Do all coaches do this?

Not Dino

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

As a CNY native, I think this is the most CNY attitude ever. “If we’re doing it, it has to be terrible and everyone is doing everything better than us.”

You can’t do that. Even if you can do it, you can’t do it here

 

[farnsworth]

I'll believe Deslauriers gets significant playing time when I see it.

Yeah I have a feeling Deslauriers might end up winning the Malachi James message board hero award for 2025. I have high hopes for him but not in 2025. He likely needs mentoring on how to read offenses.

Samuel will very likely be given every chance to start at CB, Fran loves his physical corners, and at 185 he's 20 pounds heavier than what Barnes came in at. We seem to want to play press man and mostly gave up on it last year due to personnel. If not corner then he'll get snaps at safety, we brought in a jet for the guy, he's going to play.

Gillians will probably compete for snaps at strong side DE. KJE/David O will replace Diggs at rush end, Simmons and Jacquez are a tad small for SDE. Gillians has ideal size to be a 1st/2nd down run stuffer.

One of the other DBs could see time if they can beat out Delaine for the 3rd CB spot (assuming Kerr and Samuel start) and we don't bring in any transfers. I really think that's it, barring someone coming in and just completely proving their recruiting grade was way too low the way Watson did this year.

 

[sufan59]

Couldn’t agree more. CNY will always be home and I will forever be an Orange fan, but the pessimism and negativity is awful.

It’s not like the season started and they’re 1-5. This team that Fran put together in a matter of weeks to months is coming off a 10 win season. The same staff has had a year to bring in this years class. I guess we should all second guess the reigning national recruiter of the year and his staff that included 3 of the top 10, because fans know more than they do. He brought in 35 players in this years class for a reason. Also if you look at the top transfer classes in both the nation and the country- they have just has many departures as they do incoming players. For example, the avg rating for Miami, FSU, and UNC is lower on players coming in than leaving. A lot of it can be smoke in mirrors. Fran knows what he’s looking for and he’s getting who he wants. There’s 8 months until the first game, IF he feels a need to get someone to improve the team, he will.

Yeah I think we’re just not recognizing that the roster is 99% full for next season. Actually over 100% since we anticipate 105 scholarships for next season. The recruiting is clearly not stopping as we’re starting to get 2026 players to commit and the coaches are constantly on the road. But there simply isn’t room right now for many more transfer portal signees unless some of our players portal in the spring. Also, the players they recruited here do need to produce. But if we’re constantly a revolving door before we even let the players that we recruited here and doing what they need to do for their development play on the field, our coaches reputation on the recruiting trail will fall.

 

[vegasnick]

Yeah I think we’re just not recognizing that the roster is 99% full for next season. Actually over 100% since we anticipate 105 scholarships for next season. The recruiting is clearly not stopping as we’re starting to get 2026 players to commit and the coaches are constantly on the road. But there simply isn’t room right now for many more transfer portal signees unless some of our players portal in the spring. Also, the players they recruited here do need to produce. But if we’re constantly a revolving door before we even let the players that we recruited here and doing what they need to do for their development play on the field, our coaches reputation on the recruiting trail will fall.

100%

 

[anomander]

As a CNY native, I think this is the most CNY attitude ever. “If we’re doing it, it has to be terrible and everyone is doing everything better than us.”

or were ranked 74th nationally in portal rankings. Second to last in the ACC just ahead of Clemson who notoriously doesn’t utilize the portal. Everyone was all excited last year when we were 23rd. But yea, nothing to see here.

 

[vegasnick]

or were ranked 74th nationally in portal rankings. Second to last in the ACC just ahead of Clemson who notoriously doesn’t utilize the portal. Everyone was all excited last year when we were 23rd. But yea, nothing to see here.

I don’t know what’s so hard to understand! They went in hard in the portal last year because they revamped the entire roster. They don’t have the roster spots available…..

No place for people to go here

 

[anomander]

I don’t know what’s so hard to understand! They went in hard in the portal last year because they revamped the entire roster. They don’t have the roster spots available…..

No place for people to go here

We’ve also missed out on several portal guys we wanted and we were the ones that brought in 36 HS commits. On paper this class stacks up the same as most classes over the last 20 years. Even those with the brightest outlook have to admit it’s a step down from last year and barely any of those kids contributed this season. I get it we’re focusing on player development from HS recruiting,but if you’re objective , even Clemson who brought in top 10 - 15 classes for a decade + ended up back sliding and falling off with this approach and they had some of the most talented recruiting classes in the country year after year. If you think we’re going to easily replace some of the monster contributors from last season through player development…well you may want to tamp down expectations a little.