Class of 2026 WR Calvin Russell (FL) COMMITTED/SIGNED TO SYRACUSE (7/5/25)

[steve deberg]

I'm really curious if Calvin can get in the ears of a few guys committed elsewhere. This type of impact commitment should hopefully pay dividends beyond just Calvin.

It can maybe snowball into something that can catch fire

I’m hoping that Calvin didn’t use his OV in the summer window so that he can help lead the charge on a “super flip” OV weekend in the fall.

I know croots will have their own games on Friday’s, but a National TV Halloween game against UNC would be an incredible atmosphere for such an event.

 

[sufandu]

I don't think you're technically allowed to discuss/sign NIL deals until you are enrolled and on campus?

How does that work for players getting deals while they're still in high school then? Since NIL is independent of the school, why would someone have to be enrolled/on campus?

 

[sufandu]

Are you saying he is going to end up a DT?

Nah. He's an offensive player. With his height, I say OT.

 

[CuseMan4]

I'm hoping this is one of those, yea you can try it out deals, but then when they see the work required to play one sport he decides to dedicate himself to that. If he wants to make the NFL, which I guarantee he does, off-season workouts and conditioning are essential, especially with a frame with his that can put on a few pounds. I really hope he doesn't play 2 sports and have a feeling when it comes down to it he won't.

Not trying to overhype the kid. And I’m not one to overhype kids before they set a foot on a college football field. BUT this is going to sound like alot…he has the potential to be one of, if not the best receivers to come through Cuse.

I’m not saying that because of how rated he was as a recruit. But 6’5, athletic, runs a sub 4.5. Those guys don’t come through Cuse often, if ever. If he stays with it, is in the weight room and Fran gets even a DECENT QB for him. Then Russell will be one of the best Receivers to come through here and I don’t take that lightly. Based on physical attributes, raw talent, size and skill alone. He’ll have a hell of a career here if Fran puts him in the right spot and Calvin puts the work in

 

[RedtheGOB]

Not trying to overhype the kid. And I’m not one to overhype kids before they set a foot on a college football field. BUT this is going to sound like alot…he has the potential to be one of, if not the best receivers to come through Cuse.

I’m not saying that because of how rated he was as a recruit. But 6’5, athletic, runs a sub 4.5. Those guys don’t come through Cuse often, if ever. If he stays with it, is in the weight room and Fran gets even a DECENT QB for him. Then Russell will be one of the best Receivers to come through here and I don’t take that lightly. Based on physical attributes, raw talent, size and skill alone. He’ll have a hell of a career here if Fran puts him in the right spot and Calvin puts the work in

It's also not like he's going to be the only weapon either. The opposing coaching staff has to make a decision, do they go with height or speed or experience or hope that because he's a freshman that he won't find the spots in a zone or all of the above when covering him. Do they have to put their #1 DB on a freshman that can just run a fly every play? That's going to really sting and open up the field for everyone else.

 

[bnoro]

How does that work for players getting deals while they're still in high school then? Since NIL is independent of the school, why would someone have to be enrolled/on campus?

I believe in the "spirit" of the rule, it was supposed to be a kid could get a brand deal because of his high school prowess.

If a kid at CBA wanted to accept a brand deal from Billy Fucillo to advertise his cars because he had 1m social media followers, he could sign that deal.

Once he got to college, they could then take deals from brands around their college performance, as well as a collective.

But originally discussing any NIL with collectives in the recruiting process/before enrollment was supposed to not be allowed, because you could use those pitches to get a kid to your school and then renege on the agreement.

 

[oldpinepoint]

I believe in the "spirit" of the rule, it was supposed to be a kid could get a brand deal because of his high school prowess.

If a kid at CBA wanted to accept a brand deal from Billy Fucillo to advertise his cars because he had 1m social media followers, he could sign that deal.

Once he got to college, they could then take deals from brands around their college performance, as well as a collective.

But originally discussing any NIL with collectives in the recruiting process/before enrollment was supposed to not be allowed, because you could use those pitches to get a kid to your school and then renege on the agreement.

It depends on the State. My understanding is that in NY you can

 

[richmondcuse03]

I believe in the "spirit" of the rule, it was supposed to be a kid could get a brand deal because of his high school prowess.

If a kid at CBA wanted to accept a brand deal from Billy Fucillo to advertise his cars because he had 1m social media followers, he could sign that deal.

Once he got to college, they could then take deals from brands around their college performance, as well as a collective.

But originally discussing any NIL with collectives in the recruiting process/before enrollment was supposed to not be allowed, because you could use those pitches to get a kid to your school and then renege on the agreement.

Post July 1 that’s what NIL truly is again. So he would have had to sign a deal before July 1 for that to be the case. Anything NIL wise post July 1 has to go through the clearinghouse.

Of course it could be a revenue sharing agreement vs NIL too and I’m not sure what the rules are for those now. Everything is new.

 

[AZOrange]

Angeli is going to hit 70-75% of his passes here. And throw 12-13 tds to Russell.

 

[DoctorBombay]

Angeli is going to hit 70-75% of his passes here. And throw 12-13 tds to Russell.

 

[wfschrec]

I'm really curious if Calvin can get in the ears of a few guys committed elsewhere. This type of impact commitment should hopefully pay dividends beyond just Calvin.

It can maybe snowball into something that can catch fire

He doesn’t need to his commitment has started a ripple effect in the state that has a few rethinking where they are going.

 

[bnoro]

Post July 1 that’s what NIL truly is again. So he would have had to sign a deal before July 1 for that to be the case. Anything NIL wise post July 1 has to go through the clearinghouse.

Of course it could be a revenue sharing agreement vs NIL too and I’m not sure what the rules are for those now. Everything is new.

So reading between the lines, I'm guessing Calvin has signed whatever it is we're promising him?

 

[ImperialOrange]

Just finished re-watching Calvin’s tape from last season, and he is so much more than just a dominant outside deep route/ red zone threat (duh, he’s a 5 Star).

Kid has legit shakes and agility, especially for a 6’5 guy. He’s obviously a long strider who can can fly once he gets up to top speed, but I was really impressed with his change of direction + ball carrier vision and ability to make something happen with the ball in his hands.

Northwestern had him lined up at QB a bunch (he’s a lefty!), and he had some incredible runs - some clean one cut reads, and some where he made something out of nothing.

He’s clearly a prototypical X receiver, but Calvin is the type of athlete who can lineup at any spot, run any route, and execute just about any assignment.

Can’t wait to see what Nixon cooks up for him.

He's got some Randy Moss to him... Straight cash homie!

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

He doesn’t need to his commitment has started a ripple effect in the state that has a few rethinking where they are going.

A bookend WR by any chance?

 

[cuse702]

Amare Gough, BJ Garrett and Phoenix Henriquez are all very talented WR prospects. Russell is obviously elite, but the WR talent in the room currently and coming with him is not lacking in the slightest.

 

[CusefanATL]

A bookend WR by any chance?

gough is still pretty good.

 

[wfschrec]

A bookend WR by any chance?

No we already have Gough … but FL/GA prospects have taken note including a few who have camped with Russell down here and it’s not just 2026ers either.

 

[CbusCuse]

gough is still pretty good.

Gough compliments Russell very well IMO. Really like his potential too.

 

[kcsu]

Meh. I read here that he's ok at best and should be handed his walking papers.

JW knocked it out of the Park with Fran. The key for JW going forward is to realize that football 100% drives the bus and that he needs to support Fran at a very high level and keep his word on his commitments.
I believe strongly that Fran will stay at SU unless JW and the administration back track on commitments and or don't support his initiatives. Coach Red and BBall need to in my opinion do a much better Job of raising funds outside of the 20.3 million so that Fran and football receive an amount of the 20.3 million that is in the top third of ACC schools. Personally, this is a major concern, that if not addressed will lead to him leaving.

 

[JarHeadJim]

I appreciate this Iowa fan recognizing that Syracuse has a good football history.

At least he's not buying Rutgers Al's BS

 

[JRHEETER]

I’m hoping that Calvin didn’t use his OV in the summer window so that he can help lead the charge on a “super flip” OV weekend in the fall.

I know croots will have their own games on Friday’s, but a National TV Halloween game against UNC would be an incredible atmosphere for such an event.

bingo

 

[cardiac]

He doesn’t need to his commitment has started a ripple effect in the state that has a few rethinking where they are going.

Hughes, Bordinaux?

 

[007]

JW knocked it out of the Park with Fran. The key for JW going forward is to realize that football 100% drives the bus and that he needs to support Fran at a very high level and keep his word on his commitments.
I believe strongly that Fran will stay at SU unless JW and the administration back track on commitments and or don't support his initiatives. Coach Red and BBall need to in my opinion do a much better Job of raising funds outside of the 20.3 million so that Fran and football receive an amount of the 20.3 million that is in the top third of ACC schools. Personally, this is a major concern, that if not addressed will lead to him leaving.

You can take it to the bank that JW AND the Chancellor are well aware of which program "drives the bus" and have been acting accordingly for some time now. I'm still amazed that some people think that JW might not be aware of this. As for the b'ball allotment this cycle, that was a life raft. But, I do agree that Red needs to do a better job with fund raising. I'm certain that this has already been communicated.

 

[kcsu]

You can take it to the bank that JW AND the Chancellor are well aware of which program "drives the bus" and have been acting accordingly for some time now. I'm still amazed that some people think that JW might not be aware of this. As for the b'ball allotment this cycle, that was a life raft. But, I do agree that Red needs to do a better job with fund raising. I'm certain that this has already been communicated.

My post doesn't come from Left field

 

[oldpinepoint]

My post doesn't come from Left field

Right field?