Class of 2023 QB Malachi Nelson (CA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (1/16/26)

[JarHeadJim]

I’d be more excited if he was a 4x Texas state champion.

 

[PAcuse]

Someone tell him the rose goes in the front

A+

 

[grepal]

Nothing. He’s perfectly fine 3rd string QB. He would have been perfect last year. At least we know we can go 3 Qb’s deep and still be able to throw a forward pass. I just don’t think we should expect anything more than that, an emergency QB.

Can't believe ESPN number 1 recruit overall will come here thinking he is QB 3. If I were him I would mindset I am QB 1.

 

[SURules]

I will also add, there was some talk when Arch Manning was not attending the premier camps and showcases that Malachi was the best Qb prospect in that class. So much for the experts.

Let’s hope Sean Ryan, our new QB coach, can work miracles. It seems the physical abilities are there.

 

[721Comstock]

Can't believe ESPN number 1 recruit overall will come here thinking he is QB 3. If I were him I would mindset I am QB 1.

Every. Single. Player. thinks they are going to be the starter.

He tells every player they are competing for a starting spot.
Because - they are.

And Fran has shown that talented dudes will get on the field.
Even true Frosh.

IF something finally magically clicks for this dude, and he beats out Steve & Odom - disco!!

IF not (the far more likely scenario) we at least have a player with actual college QB experience and who has competed a forward pass
- to his own team -
as a backup.

 

[anomander]

Can't believe ESPN number 1 recruit overall will come here thinking he is QB 3. If I were him I would mindset I am QB 1.

That’s was 3 years and 3 destinations.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

I am sure he didn't cost much. This is likely his last shot and he is willing to do about anything to get one more chance.

 

[Ringostar57]

Shows you how off the ESPN rankings are. Wonder how their "brain trust" came up with him as the number 1 recruit. Just shaking my head.

 

[tep624]

Shows you how off the ESPN rankings are. Wonder how their "brain trust" came up with him as the number 1 recruit. Just shaking my head.

Lincoln Riley recruiting him as his only QB that year probably had some sway.

But as a HS recruit he had everything you want in a QB. Just hasn’t happened for him.

 

[AZOrange]

Is there any chance a freshman like Lott is good enough to be qb 3 or 4.

At worst 3

 

[rrlbees]

Shows you how off the ESPN rankings are. Wonder how their "brain trust" came up with him as the number 1 recruit. Just shaking my head.

this video that someone posted a couple pages back tells the story. worth the watch.

 

[orangmannc1]

this video that someone posted a couple pages back tells the story. worth the watch.

And he is coming to SU. A former 5 star QB. A few years ago, this would be impossible. Hope he shows up at SU and does well.

 

[djorange1989]

Nothing. He’s perfectly fine 3rd string QB. He would have been perfect last year. At least we know we can go 3 Qb’s deep and still be able to throw a forward pass. I just don’t think we should expect anything more than that, an emergency QB.

This

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Wasn't expected to see this upon opening up SyracuseFan after work today...

After work? Where are your priorities? Slacker!

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Bingo. He has good accuracy and smooth throwing motion which is already a step above Rickie but is a terrible decision maker… hope that can change.

His most recent decision may well be indicative of making better choices.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Is there any chance a freshman like Lott is good enough to be qb 3 or 4.

Could be a starter

 

[Blanko97]

And he is coming to SU. A former 5 star QB. A few years ago, this would be impossible. Hope he shows up at SU and does well.

Well, a former 5 star QB who got benched on a 2-10 UTEP team. This is very different from getting a McCord type guy.

I agree with other though his throwing motion is Tim Tebow length, not great

 

[Blanko97]

Shows you how off the ESPN rankings are. Wonder how their "brain trust" came up with him as the number 1 recruit. Just shaking my head.

He had offers from everyone under the sun, I think this is more a failure to translate to the next level versus an espn can’t scout type situation

 

[OttoinGrotto]

This is all wild to me.

 

[2B20Again]

I want Fran to tell Filardi to play lax full time.

Face off/get off/get out.

classy. Children behave.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

This is all wild to me.

Yeah completely. Sometimes it feels like I am learning new things about the college football landscape. Other times I’m just left scratching my head and wondering What is going on. In total it just seems like way too much effort to be spent on this - or any - sport

 

[bigmike]

His most recent decision may well be indicative of making better choices.

Nicely done.

 

[Frozen]

classy. Children behave.

Fran just told over a dozen players to get out. How is this different?

 

[JarHeadJim]

In honor of Betty Whites Birthday

 

[Niastri]

Yes. I agree. How many first round QBs actually become good starting players? These guys are studied thoroughly over and over and you just can't tell how they will play at the next level. There is no downside here since he is already coming in as a fourth stringer. The right coach, the right fit, who knows?

QB is a position, unlike most others in sports, where the physical attributes necessary to play are just a starting point. After bouncing around for three seasons, with a new QB coach, maybe Nelson figures something out.

Or maybe he never gets on the field, but gets a degree or two from Syracuse and goes on to have a nice life.