2026 Potential Roster / Portal Entries

[Jdono927]

 

[NJCuse97]

Well he is from NJ, so…

 

[javadoc]

With the new portal rules and roster cap, classes of 30 players, and the entirety of NCAA ball being free agents, I fear our team has exceeded Dunbar’s number. I can’t follow it all any more!

 

[Ttk.gman2]

 

[OttoinGrotto]

With the new portal rules and roster cap, classes of 30 players, and the entirety of NCAA ball being free agents, I fear our team has exceeded Dunbar’s number. I can’t follow it all any more!

Any reference to Dunbar's number deserves a like.

I'm partial to referring to it as "the monkey sphere."

 

[batfactory]

chase simmons

 

[SanDiegoCuse]

 

[GHLF]

He had elite speed but no one knows if he was a talented football player. IMO he was a track kid first who was given a chance to play football. Nobody else offered him a scholarship.

Possibly, I could be mistaken however I remember his dad stating if this is what we think it is it might be for the rest of the year. You must plan for injury, but never I did not even see a definite dx, does not need to be disclosed. Cannot say for sure. Maybe he was told to give up track, idk

 

[orangeinohio]

I hope all these guys find landing spots.
Nothing is guaranteed.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Syracuse walk-on made one of his only snaps count in bowl game: ‘Do something cool with it’

Nick Armentano is one of six Syracuse players who has announced an intention to transfer this offseason.

www.syracuse.com

 

[BillSU]

FYI:
Fran Brown has explicitly stated he wants to bring in two quality quarterbacks from the transfer portal this offseason. While Marcus Stokes is the most prominent target connected to Syracuse, the coaching staff is exploring the portal for other potential additions to back up Steve Angeli and has been linked to other potential targets like Jackson Arnold.

Recruiting Strategy

• Multiple QBs: Brown's goal is to add significant depth to the quarterback room after a 2025 season where injuries exposed a lack of experienced backups. He expects the 2026 QB room to include Angeli, two transfer quarterbacks, and 2026 high school recruit Zaid Lott.
• Waiting for the Portal: The primary FBS and FCS transfer portal window opened in early January of 2026, meaning the full scope of available players is just becoming clear. While initial contact has been made with players like Stokes, the coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate options as more players officially enter the portal, potentially after conference and national championships conclude.
• Backup Competition: Fran Brown has emphasized the need for a quality backup and is open to a strong talent competition, but convincing a high-caliber transfer to accept a backup role behind a healthy Angeli (who is the confirmed QB1 when fit) might require significant NIL compensation.

Other Potential Targets
Besides Marcus Stokes, reports and speculation have connected Syracuse to at least one other potential transfer:

• Jackson Arnold: Syracuse has been discussed as a potential destination for the former 4-star prospect if he is open to a backup role, though analysts suggest he is likely seeking a starting position elsewhere. < Google

 

[BillSU]

PORTAL OPENING ANG SCHEDULE:
For the 2026 college football season, the main NCAA Transfer Portal window for experienced players opens on January 2, 2026, and closes on January 16, 2026, though player announcements and behind-the-scenes activity have already begun. This is a single, two-week window for FBS/FCS players, replacing previous multiple periods, with exceptions for coaching changes or CFP participation.
Key Details for the 2026 Window:

• Official Start: January 2, 2026.
• Official End: January 16, 2026.
• Rule Changes: This cycle features a single, shorter window, and the spring window is eliminated.
• Early Activity: Even though the portal is officially closed for entries now (Dec 2025), many players have already declared their intentions or are in negotiations, as teams prepare.

Exceptions & Nuances:

• Coaching Changes: A 15-day window opens after a new coach is hired (if after Jan 2).
• CFP Participants: Players on teams in the College Football Playoff have additional time.

 

[BillSU]

Syracuse's other 2026 QB targets, beyond freshman Zaid Lott, as Coach Fran Brown plans to use it heavily for veteran talent to support Steve Angeli, though some high school targets might surface sooner. Expect more clarity after the early December 2025 signing period and leading into January, when Portal activity peaks for one-window additions for the 2026 season.
Key Timeline & Info:

• Now (Early Dec 2025): Zaid Lott, a 2026 QB commit, signed, but SU still wants more experienced QBs.
• January 2026: This is the main transfer portal period; expect major QB recruitment news then.
• Coach's Plan: Brown wants two QBs from the portal to ensure depth behind Angeli, who's recovering from injury, plus Lott

 

[SanDiegoCuse]

FYI:
Fran Brown has explicitly stated he wants to bring in two quality quarterbacks from the transfer portal this offseason. While Marcus Stokes is the most prominent target connected to Syracuse, the coaching staff is exploring the portal for other potential additions to back up Steve Angeli and has been linked to other potential targets like Jackson Arnold.

Recruiting Strategy

• Multiple QBs: Brown's goal is to add significant depth to the quarterback room after a 2025 season where injuries exposed a lack of experienced backups. He expects the 2026 QB room to include Angeli, two transfer quarterbacks, and 2026 high school recruit Zaid Lott.
• Waiting for the Portal: The primary FBS and FCS transfer portal window opened in early January of 2026, meaning the full scope of available players is just becoming clear. While initial contact has been made with players like Stokes, the coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate options as more players officially enter the portal, potentially after conference and national championships conclude.
• Backup Competition: Fran Brown has emphasized the need for a quality backup and is open to a strong talent competition, but convincing a high-caliber transfer to accept a backup role behind a healthy Angeli (who is the confirmed QB1 when fit) might require significant NIL compensation.

Other Potential Targets
Besides Marcus Stokes, reports and speculation have connected Syracuse to at least one other potential transfer:

• Jackson Arnold: Syracuse has been discussed as a potential destination for the former 4-star prospect if he is open to a backup role, though analysts suggest he is likely seeking a starting position elsewhere. < Google

Jackson Arnold is terrible. I believe that was speculation during last year's portal.

 

[djorange1989]

Jackson Arnold is terrible. I believe that was speculation during last year's portal.

Yeah he would have to be QB3

 

[Sdot]

Did not know where else to post this. Looks like Johntay is coming back.

 

[JKinUtah]

Did not know where else to post this. Looks like Johntay is coming back.

I don't know what it mean but I'll assume MIA means Miami bound

 

[Sdot]

I don't know what it mean but I'll assume MIA means Miami bound

lol I can’t tell if your joking I think so though.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

Did not know where else to post this. Looks like Johntay is coming back.

That’s GREAT we are so loaded next year with weapons

 

[Offthedome]

You’re not the only one!

I just looked at our profiles in the successive posts from above. You joined the board one day before me and literally have 10 times the number of posts. Made me question my dedication to the group. I'm letting the team down.

 

[wfschrec]

I don't know what it mean but I'll assume MIA means Miami bound

MIA = missing in action hence the “ I right back”

 

[PAcuse]

I just looked at our profiles in the successive posts from above. You joined the board one day before me and literally have 10 times the number of posts. Made me question my dedication to the group. I'm letting the team down.

Try joining around the time people like OrangeExtreme, Cuselegacy, JarheadJim, etc
Really questions what I've done with my life

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Try joining around the time people like OrangeExtreme, Cuselegacy, JarheadJim, etc
Really questions what I've done with my life

Syracusefan.com started well over 25 years ago. We've only been on this platform since 2011.

More questions for you.

 

[PAcuse]

Syracusefan.com started well over 25 years ago. We've only been on this platform since 2011.

More questions for you.

I joined the one before this one I think in 2009 but yeah those 10ish years before I really need to figure out what the hell I did with my life...

 

[javadoc]

I joined the one before this one I think in 2009 but yeah those 10ish years before I really need to figure out what the hell I did with my life...

Arguing with Nebraska fans on rec.sport.football.college back in the early 90’s no doubt. Those were the days.