Class of 2025 QB Braden Atkinson (NC) Portal to Oregon St

[Ttk.gman2]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

https://mercerbears.com/sports/football/roster/braden-atkinson/12238

 

[CuseLegacy]

 

[CuseLegacy]

 

[CuseMan4]

Angeli, Odom and Atkinson.
That’s the room I want. Was not sure if we were gonna get involved with this kid. But was a stud as a freshman at the FCS level this year. Definitely an FBS QB, can sit a year or two here and take over after Angeli and battle it out with Odom

 

[HyattsCuse]

Angeli, Odom and Atkinson.
That’s the room I want. Was not sure if we were gonna get involved with this kid. But was a stud as a freshman at the FCS level this year. Definitely an FBS QB, can sit a year or two here and take over after Angeli and battle it out with Odom

I’m skeptical a kid would come to Syracuse, sit for a year or two, knowing he’ll then still be in a battle for playing time.

Seems guys like a Ty Simpson are few and far between.

I would see Syracuse needing to promise a QB more like a Dante Moore situation where there’s a virtually certainty he starts after sitting a year.

 

[CuseMan4]

I’m skeptical a kid would come to Syracuse, sit for a year or two, knowing he’ll then still be in a battle for playing time.

Seems guys like a Ty Simpson are few and far between.

I would see Syracuse needing to promise a QB more like a Dante Moore situation where there’s a virtually certainty he starts after sitting a year.

Well Angeli has one year left. Possibly two if he gets a waiver. Odom is only a year behind Angeli I believe. Atkinson is freshman. So you realistically could have Angeli start one more year, then Odom for a year and Atkinson then for 2. But after this season there’s no guarantee Angeli will get a waiver. So you could tell Odom and Atkinson they are gonna battle it out after this season.

 

[orangefog]

Well Angeli has one year left. Possibly two if he gets a waiver. Odom is only a year behind Angeli I believe. Atkinson is freshman. So you realistically could have Angeli start one more year, then Odom for a year and Atkinson then for 2. But after this season there’s no guarantee Angeli will get a waiver. So you could tell Odom and Atkinson they are gonna battle it out after this season.

 

[BillSU]

QB BRADEN ATKINSON (NC) PORTAL FROM MERCER/ INTEREST FROM SYRACUSE / 6' 1" 215​

NC QB Braden Atkinson (Rolesville HS) entered the transfer portal from Mercer after a standout FCS freshman season where he won the Jerry Rice Award, and Syracuse is among several FBS schools showing interest, alongside Notre Dame, ECU, Tulane, Toledo, and Baylor. Atkinson led Mercer to an undefeated SoCon regular season, setting records with over 3,600 yards and 34 TDs, making him a hot commodity for schools seeking an experienced, accurate QB for 2026.
Key Details:

• Player: Braden Atkinson (QB)
• From: Rolesville High School (NC)
• Previous School: Mercer (FCS)
• Status: Entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in December 2025.
• Accolades: Won the 2025 Jerry Rice Award (Top FCS Freshman).
• 2025 Stats (Mercer): ~3,600+ yards, 34 TDs, led Mercer to 9-3 record & SoCon title.
• Interest: Syracuse, Notre Dame, East Carolina, Tulane, Toledo, Baylor.

Why the Interest?
Atkinson's accuracy, understanding of defenses, and knack for big plays, combined with his record-setting FCS performance, make him an attractive FBS prospect.
Current Situation:
He's looking for a new home for the 2026 season, with Syracuse being one of the prominent FBS programs recruiting him.

MACON, Ga. (AP) — Mercer quarterback Braden Atkinson threw five touchdown passes and broke a school record with 538 passing yards in the Bears' 62-0 win over VMI on Saturday afternoon.https://accesswdun.com/ap_article/mercers-braden-atkinson-sets-school-passing-record-in-62-0-victory-over-vmi

 

[MSOrange]

While I am far from an expert, I've probably seen Braden play more than many on the board. He can definitely play at the power conference level, but don't think it would hurt for him to be second string for a year to further develop for this level. Somehow he wasn't even Mercer's starter to start the season. But that quickly changed after the first game and he never looked back.

But I suspect he'll have better opportunities to start than what SU can provide if Angeli is healthy.

 

[HyattsCuse]

While I am far from an expert, I've probably seen Braden play more than many on the board. He can definitely play at the power conference level, but don't think it would hurt for him to be second string for a year to further develop for this level. Someone he wasn't even Mercer's start to start the season. But that quickly changed after the first game and he never looked back.

But I suspect he'll have better opportunities to start than what SU can provide if Angeli is healthy.

What happened in his last game against South Dakota? FCS playoff game losing 47-0 with 4 ints?! I know it’s just one game and doesn’t tell the whole story (e.g. McCord vs Pitt), but that’s a rough game for someone with P4 prospects.

 

[MSOrange]

What happened in his last game against South Dakota? FCS playoff game losing 47-0 with 4 ints?! I know it’s just one game and doesn’t tell the whole story (e.g. McCord vs Pitt), but that’s a rough game for someone with P4 prospects.

That game definitely gave me pause on his prospects for the power conference FBS level. Mercer was completely overmatched in that game and it showed the difference between those two conferences. But that game was the reason I think he needs a development year to be a backup.

I may very well be overestimating his potential the more I think about that game. It was rough to watch.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

Good news

 

[Archbold44]

Good news

Saginaw Valley State is in a very good D2 conference. The one with Ferris State (Chambliss) and Grand Valley State (where Brian Kelly made a real name for himself). Looks like everyone is copying Ole Miss and Indiana...while they just buy talent from other P4 schools.

 

[sufan59]

So ND is actually interested….

 

[Cuseloyal]

 

[Ttk.gman2]

Get him to commit today

 

[Apdaly]

This is the guy I want most, glad he didn’t sign yet elsewhere and we got him to campus

 

[Ttk.gman2]

This is the guy I want most, glad he didn’t sign yet elsewhere and we got him to campus

Me too multiple years of eligibility proven production everything you want in a back up.

 

[cusefan88]

He could potentially play four and redshirt of Steve needs some ramping up as well.

 

[721Comstock]

Great we’re getting a visit here!

So… IF/WHEN we nab 2 portal QB’s, which 2 do we like the most?

This kid?
Stokes?
Dickens?
Odom?
Hedden?
Other/TBD?

It sees like we’d be in pretty good shape with any 2 of them,
but there’s probably better and worse combos.

And IF we could only land 1, which one is the Highlander?

 

[PhatOrange]

If ND wants him then so do I

 

[richmondcuse03]

Great we’re getting a visit here!

So… IF/WHEN we nab 2 portal QB’s, which 2 do we like the most?

This kid?
Stokes?
Dickens?
Odom?
Hedden?
Other/TBD?

It sees like we’d be in pretty good shape with any 2 of them,
but there’s probably better and worse combos.

And IF we could only land 1, which one is the Highlander?

Him and Dickens would be a home run combo. But not sure that’s really feasible.

I think Stokes is a backup option.

 

[JarHeadJim]

 

[orangemass]

Fran work your majik