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

[ImperialOrange]

and if you do hit big on 30 of 65 in a year at least 20 of them will get poached the following season for bigger checks than Cuse will ever be able to offer.

 

[CbusCuse]

I truly hope I'm wrong but it hasn't clicked with 3 different staffs, so what would make us unique? In earnest I think a school like Syracuse needs to stop adding players and trim the roster ... get under 85 and get more juice out of NIL. In the NFL you work with a roster of 53, why not get down around 65 and spread the revenue share deeper and land more impactful players, you also can get more bang for your buck. It also allows a more focused coaching effort for the staff where you are literally now only coaching lets say 65 players vs 85 ... if the NCAA is going to behave more like the NFL we should get in front of that trend and operate in kind IMHO.

I posted earlier in this thread about his stops at USC and Boise State. Those were situations where he had established QB's on the roster ahead of him that were successful. It don't think it necessarily means things didn't "click" for him. He may just not have had an opportunity. Also according to two 2024 depth charts for Boise State that I could find, I want to note that it looks like he was QB2 for them when he was just a redshirt freshman. That means something as well.

I don't think you can operate that way with that few of players on a college roster. First off, the talent isn't as even across the board with your roster like it is in the pros. Many of your players are developmental. If you drop the ones lower on the projected depth chart, i don't think you gaining much NIL to spread around that it will make enough of a difference in what you can bring in starter wise. Those players are not getting much to begin with.

 

[kcsu]

I truly hope I'm wrong but it hasn't clicked with 3 different staffs, so what would make us unique? In earnest I think a school like Syracuse needs to stop adding players and trim the roster ... get under 85 and get more juice out of NIL. In the NFL you work with a roster of 53, why not get down around 65 and spread the revenue share deeper and land more impactful players, you also can get more bang for your buck. It also allows a more focused coaching effort for the staff where you are literally now only coaching lets say 65 players vs 85 ... if the NCAA is going to behave more like the NFL we should get in front of that trend and operate in kind IMHO.

I agree with your take and believe that other schools including SU should look at something less than 105. Syracuse and Fran are going to continue to rely on HS players to come in and compete on the two deep as true frosh. It is a cost-effective way to manage the roster. Money is going to go to retention 10-fold over acquisition and although scholarships do count against available funds bringing in a large talented hs class is a cost-effective way of finding the handful of starters and players that you want to retain. It's a different strategy than others have especially those with super deep pockets. Time will tell but I like what this staff is doing and believe that it is going to pay off with a team that can compete year in and year out.

 

[wfschrec]

I posted earlier in this thread about his stops at USC and Boise State. Those were situations where he had established QB's on the roster ahead of him that were successful. It don't think it necessarily means things didn't "click" for him. He may just not have had an opportunity. Also according to two 2024 depth charts for Boise State that I could find, I want to note that it looks like he was QB2 for them when he was just a redshirt freshman. That means something as well.

I don't think you can operate that way with that few of players on a college roster. First off, the talent isn't as even across the board with your roster like it is in the pros. Many of your players are developmental. If you drop the ones on the lower side from the roster, i don't think you gaining much NIL to spread around that it will make enough of a difference in what you can bring in starter wise. Those players are not getting much to begin with.

You are looking at it strictly from what a player is paid. There are a lot of auxiliary expenses that would be saved on that could better enhance the roster. As for Nelson again I hope I am wrong but he couldn't beat our Miller Moss who isn't a worldbeater and his UTEP stint just wasn't good statistically. A sub 50% completion percentage vs LA Tech, LA Monroe, and Liberty doesn't scream a situation problem .. that screams a Nelson problem. It was Ricky Collins level production at a lower level, I want Nelson to work out but I don't have high confidence. We have no idea how the Georgetown kid will translate to this level but I feel good with Odom and Angeli ... I just hope unlike 2025 we don't have to go 3 deep ... I don't like our odds.

 

[CbusCuse]

I agree with your take and believe that other schools including SU should look at something less than 105. Syracuse and Fran are going to continue to rely on HS players to come in and compete on the two deep as true frosh. It is a cost-effective way to manage the roster. Money is going to go to retention 10-fold over acquisition and although scholarships do count against available funds bringing in a large talented hs class is a cost-effective way of finding the handful of starters and players that you want to retain. It's a different strategy than others have especially those with super deep pockets. Time will tell but I like what this staff is doing and believe that it is going to pay off with a team that can compete year in and year out.

I understand maybe not going to 105, but even 85 seems a bit lite to me with how their really aren't any walk ons now. And it seems like the players that are later in the slots that would be dropped from the roster would be more developmental freshman. Those are really players you are not giving much money to, and if you can develop them you can hopefully get a good year out of them being productive before they would be expecting NIL money.

 

[CbusCuse]

You are looking at it strictly from what a player is paid. There are a lot of auxiliary expenses that would be saved on that could better enhance the roster. As for Nelson again I hope I am wrong but he couldn't beat our Miller Moss who isn't a worldbeater and his UTEP stint just wasn't good statistically. A sub 50% completion percentage vs LA Tech, LA Monroe, and Liberty doesn't scream a situation problem .. that screams a Nelson problem. It was Ricky Collins level production at a lower level, I want Nelson to work out but I don't have high confidence. We have no idea how the Georgetown kid will translate to this level but I feel good with Odom and Angeli ... I just hope unlike 2025 we don't have to go 3 deep ... I don't like our odds.

Miller Moss was QB2 for USC in 2023 as a redshirt Sophomore. Malachi Nelson was a true freshman. That doesn't seem like too much of an indictment to me. I'm certainly not saying Malachi is "likely" to be a starter for us or anything. But I certainly could see it happening and don't think its a real long shot at this point.

 

[wfschrec]

I understand maybe not going to 105, but even 85 seems a bit lite to me with how their really aren't any walk ons now. And it seems like the players that are later in the slots that would be dropped from the roster would be more developmental freshman. Those are really players you are not giving much money to, and if you can develop them you can hopefully get a good year out of them being productive before they would be expecting NIL money.

Why do you even need 85? How many total players saw the field in a really bad 2025? Maybe 60? Why not save the upfront cost and go after the higher end high school kids and use a bigger pay bucket to compete? Treat like the NFL ... plan to add roughly 10 a year through recruiting and use portal for the rest bringing in players trained and prepped at the collegiate level by other staffs. Don't become the farm team be a parent club.

 

[Archbold44]

This is a great add. No pressure. He comes in as QB#3, but with upside to be QB#1. If Angeli is slow to heal, we have Odom/Nelson as QB#1/QB#2 for first month or so. Maybe Odom plays 4 games, suffers his own "injury," and gives way to Angeli for the reason of the season. With Nelson as QB#2 for Angeli, and playing only 4 games, neither Odom or Nelson burn up a year. And then you have Lauter, Lott, and even Filardi to ensure that 4 games is the max for all of them. Perpetual redshirting!!! 5D Chess!

 

[BillSU]

QB Malachi Nelson (CA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (1/16/26) ​

Kevin Borba|Jan 16, 2026

Texas El Paso Miners quarterback Malachi Nelson (7) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
In this story:

USC TrojansSyracuse OrangeBoise State BroncosUTEP Miners

Add us on

---

Kristy Curry's opening statement after losing to Tennessee

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with.

In line with a common trend over the past few years, a slew of former five-star quarterbacks entered their names into the transfer portal. The heavy hitters included names like DJ Lagway (Baylor), Deuce Knight (Ole Miss) and Husan Longstreet (LSU).


While those three quarterbacks are looking for an opportunity to have a clear path to the field or revive their respective careers with a fresh start, not every former five-star quarterback is the same.

As revealed on Friday, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, Malachi Nelson, announced that he'd be committing to Syracuse.

Source: Former UTEP/Boise/USC quarterback Malachi Nelson has committed to Syracuse. He's ESPN's former No. 1 overall recruit from the Class of 2023. He's preparing to compete for the starting job there. pic.twitter.com/JZG3DULdWU

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 16, 2026

For Nelson, the move not only marks a return to the Power 4 level, but it also marks the fourth school of his college football career.


As a recruit, Nelson was committed to play for Lincoln Riley while he was still at Oklahoma. Once Riley bolted for the USC job, Nelson flipped his commitment to the Trojans in November of 2021. Unfortunately for the Southern California native, a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm led to him being behind in workouts, and ultimately led to him falling on the depth chart.

With Riley known for bringing in transfer portal quarterbacks, Nelson opted to leave,

He sought out a clear path to the field, landing at Boise State ahead of the 2024 season. He was beaten out by Maddux Madsen, who, along with Ashton Jeanty, led the team to the College Football Playoff. With Madsen returning in 2025, Nelson ended up at UTEP.

UTEP’s Malachi Nelson (7) throws the ball during a game against Louisiana-Monroe at the Sun Bowl. | Gaby Velasquez / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nelson won the Miners' starting quarterback role at the beginning of the year, but found himself benched in favor of Skyler Locklear.

In his lone year in El Paso, Nelson threw for 1,163 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, while completing 54.7% of his passes.

He marks the third transfer quarterback that the Orange have added, as they also brought in Danny Lauter from Georgetown and Amari Odom from Kennesaw State.

While Nelson has yet to show he can consistently produce at the FBS level, he did have a game against Louisiana-Monroe in which he threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Odom is the likely favorite to win the quarterback battle for the Orange, but considering Brown started a former blue-chip lacrosse recruit who was a walk-on, it's clear anyone has a chance if they earn it.

Former No. 1 QB commits to fourth college football program

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with. In line wit

www.si.com

Former five-star recruit QB Malachi Nelson transferred to Syracuse (the Orange) on January 16, 2026, a move confirmed by ESPN's Pete Thamel. He's expected to compete for the starting job, bringing significant talent but also seeking stability after previous stops at USC, Boise State, and UTEP, marking his fourth college program with two years of eligibility remaining.
Key Details:

• Commitment: Announced January 16, 2026, during the transfer portal window.
• Previous Schools: Began at USC, transferred to Boise State, then UTEP.
• Recruiting Status: Was the #1 overall recruit in the 2023 class by ESPN.
• Expectation: To challenge for the starting QB role for Syracuse in the upcoming 2026 season.
• Previous Performance (UTEP 2025): Started six games, throwing for 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
  Google Search

 

[Archbold44]

QB Malachi Nelson (CA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (1/16/26) ​

Kevin Borba|Jan 16, 2026

Texas El Paso Miners quarterback Malachi Nelson (7) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
In this story:

USC TrojansSyracuse OrangeBoise State BroncosUTEP Miners

Add us on

---

Kristy Curry's opening statement after losing to Tennessee

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with.

In line with a common trend over the past few years, a slew of former five-star quarterbacks entered their names into the transfer portal. The heavy hitters included names like DJ Lagway (Baylor), Deuce Knight (Ole Miss) and Husan Longstreet (LSU).


While those three quarterbacks are looking for an opportunity to have a clear path to the field or revive their respective careers with a fresh start, not every former five-star quarterback is the same.

As revealed on Friday, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, Malachi Nelson, announced that he'd be committing to Syracuse.


For Nelson, the move not only marks a return to the Power 4 level, but it also marks the fourth school of his college football career.


As a recruit, Nelson was committed to play for Lincoln Riley while he was still at Oklahoma. Once Riley bolted for the USC job, Nelson flipped his commitment to the Trojans in November of 2021. Unfortunately for the Southern California native, a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm led to him being behind in workouts, and ultimately led to him falling on the depth chart.

With Riley known for bringing in transfer portal quarterbacks, Nelson opted to leave,

He sought out a clear path to the field, landing at Boise State ahead of the 2024 season. He was beaten out by Maddux Madsen, who, along with Ashton Jeanty, led the team to the College Football Playoff. With Madsen returning in 2025, Nelson ended up at UTEP.

UTEP’s Malachi Nelson (7) throws the ball during a game against Louisiana-Monroe at the Sun Bowl. | Gaby Velasquez / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nelson won the Miners' starting quarterback role at the beginning of the year, but found himself benched in favor of Skyler Locklear.

In his lone year in El Paso, Nelson threw for 1,163 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, while completing 54.7% of his passes.

He marks the third transfer quarterback that the Orange have added, as they also brought in Danny Lauter from Georgetown and Amari Odom from Kennesaw State.

While Nelson has yet to show he can consistently produce at the FBS level, he did have a game against Louisiana-Monroe in which he threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Odom is the likely favorite to win the quarterback battle for the Orange, but considering Brown started a former blue-chip lacrosse recruit who was a walk-on, it's clear anyone has a chance if they earn it.

Former No. 1 QB commits to fourth college football program

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with. In line wit

www.si.com

Former five-star recruit QB Malachi Nelson transferred to Syracuse (the Orange) on January 16, 2026, a move confirmed by ESPN's Pete Thamel. He's expected to compete for the starting job, bringing significant talent but also seeking stability after previous stops at USC, Boise State, and UTEP, marking his fourth college program with two years of eligibility remaining.
Key Details:

• Commitment: Announced January 16, 2026, during the transfer portal window.
• Previous Schools: Began at USC, transferred to Boise State, then UTEP.
• Recruiting Status: Was the #1 overall recruit in the 2023 class by ESPN.
• Expectation: To challenge for the starting QB role for Syracuse in the upcoming 2026 season.
• Previous Performance (UTEP 2025): Started six games, throwing for 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
  Google Search

"Odom is the likely favorite to win the quarterback battle for the Orange, but considering Brown started a former blue-chip lacrosse recruit who was a walk-on, it's clear anyone has a chance if they earn it."

Do they know something we do not?

 

[kcsu]

Former number 1 recruit in the entire nation a few years ago and people complain we are bringing him in and providing him with a shot. Inreal

 

[Archbold44]

Former number 1 recruit in the entire nation a few years ago and people complain we are bringing him in and providing him with a shot. Inreal

Who is complaining? I think it is cool.

 

[bnoro]

QB Malachi Nelson (CA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (1/16/26) ​

Kevin Borba|Jan 16, 2026

Texas El Paso Miners quarterback Malachi Nelson (7) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
In this story:

USC TrojansSyracuse OrangeBoise State BroncosUTEP Miners

Add us on

---

Kristy Curry's opening statement after losing to Tennessee

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with.

In line with a common trend over the past few years, a slew of former five-star quarterbacks entered their names into the transfer portal. The heavy hitters included names like DJ Lagway (Baylor), Deuce Knight (Ole Miss) and Husan Longstreet (LSU).


While those three quarterbacks are looking for an opportunity to have a clear path to the field or revive their respective careers with a fresh start, not every former five-star quarterback is the same.

As revealed on Friday, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, Malachi Nelson, announced that he'd be committing to Syracuse.


For Nelson, the move not only marks a return to the Power 4 level, but it also marks the fourth school of his college football career.


As a recruit, Nelson was committed to play for Lincoln Riley while he was still at Oklahoma. Once Riley bolted for the USC job, Nelson flipped his commitment to the Trojans in November of 2021. Unfortunately for the Southern California native, a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm led to him being behind in workouts, and ultimately led to him falling on the depth chart.

With Riley known for bringing in transfer portal quarterbacks, Nelson opted to leave,

He sought out a clear path to the field, landing at Boise State ahead of the 2024 season. He was beaten out by Maddux Madsen, who, along with Ashton Jeanty, led the team to the College Football Playoff. With Madsen returning in 2025, Nelson ended up at UTEP.

UTEP’s Malachi Nelson (7) throws the ball during a game against Louisiana-Monroe at the Sun Bowl. | Gaby Velasquez / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nelson won the Miners' starting quarterback role at the beginning of the year, but found himself benched in favor of Skyler Locklear.

In his lone year in El Paso, Nelson threw for 1,163 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, while completing 54.7% of his passes.

He marks the third transfer quarterback that the Orange have added, as they also brought in Danny Lauter from Georgetown and Amari Odom from Kennesaw State.

While Nelson has yet to show he can consistently produce at the FBS level, he did have a game against Louisiana-Monroe in which he threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Odom is the likely favorite to win the quarterback battle for the Orange, but considering Brown started a former blue-chip lacrosse recruit who was a walk-on, it's clear anyone has a chance if they earn it.

Former No. 1 QB commits to fourth college football program

With over 10,000 college football players across every level in the NCAA transfer portal, there were quite a few names that fans were familiar with. In line wit

www.si.com

Former five-star recruit QB Malachi Nelson transferred to Syracuse (the Orange) on January 16, 2026, a move confirmed by ESPN's Pete Thamel. He's expected to compete for the starting job, bringing significant talent but also seeking stability after previous stops at USC, Boise State, and UTEP, marking his fourth college program with two years of eligibility remaining.
Key Details:

• Commitment: Announced January 16, 2026, during the transfer portal window.
• Previous Schools: Began at USC, transferred to Boise State, then UTEP.
• Recruiting Status: Was the #1 overall recruit in the 2023 class by ESPN.
• Expectation: To challenge for the starting QB role for Syracuse in the upcoming 2026 season.
• Previous Performance (UTEP 2025): Started six games, throwing for 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
  Google Search

In no way shape or form is this dude competing for the starting job.

 

[rvandertx57]

In no way shape or form is this dude competing for the starting job.

You know that for a fact? Maybe preface your statement with IMHO.

 

[orangefog]

You know that for a fact? Maybe preface your statement with IMHO.

Tell me you're new here without telling me you're new here.

 

[baggerbob]

In no way shape or form is this dude competing for the starting job.

With a new QB coach coming in no one really can have a good opinion except about Steve. It's obvious Nixon has no clue he brought in last years group in which none could play. McCord doesn't count because he was more Fran's recruit. This kid is coming in after our new coach arrived so let's let him decide.

 

[CbusCuse]

In no way shape or form is this dude competing for the starting job.

Well considering we don’t have a returning QB who is healthy at the moment I’d say he is. Until Angeli is out there on the practice field running the offense I would consider this guy to be competing for QB1.

 

[kcsu]

Who is complaining? I think it is cool.

Too many. Read the thread

 

[CbusCuse]

One other little bonus to bringing him in is that he should definitely help to accelerate the improvement of the WR’s in the spring when Angeli will definitely not be available. Really giving that bump to the QB room in the spring.

 

[jgeorge322]

Does malachi have 3 years left? If so, maybe hes thinking ahead.

 

[SuFTW]

Does malachi have 3 years left? If so, maybe hes thinking ahead.

Two years of eligibility left.