Expectations are rising in Syracuse, where Orange football is getting a fresh start under Fran Brown, who is already making a name for himself as one of the top recruiters in the country.
Hired in December to replace Dino Babers, the former Georgia defensive backs coach has convinced key players to stay and put together the program’s highest-rated recruiting class since rankings began. He also attracted several high-profile transfers, including former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord and ex-Texas A&M defensive lineman Fadil Diggs.
“I want to make sure that Syracuse gets back to where they belong, where it was,” Brown said. “You’re going back to Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, all those guys that played. I want to get back to those same eras.
You had (quarterback) Donavan McNabb, (receiver) Marvin Harrison, (defensive end) Dwight Freeney, (safety) Donovin Darius. All those guys are important to me.”
The Orange struggled under Babers, who couldn’t recreate the success he had during a 10-3 season in 2018. He was fired one game short of completing his eighth season, ending with a 41-55 record and 20-45 in conference play.
As a first-time head coach, Brown has several important players who could help the Orange exceed the modest expectations set by ACC media members, who predicted them to finish 12th out of 17 teams in the conference.
The offense has potential to be dynamic with McCord, a former five-star recruit who threw for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions for the Buckeyes in 2023. His unexpected decision to join Syracuse gave Brown and the program a significant boost.
Key returning players include running back LeQuint Allen, who had 1,064 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season and was a second-team All-ACC pick. Another important returnee is All-ACC preseason tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who is coming back after a season-ending Lisfranc injury and is expected to be one of McCord’s top receiving targets.
