Can a rebuilt defensive line fuel a Syracuse football turnaround?

With a new D-Line coach in place, the Orange look to improve the DNA of this defensive unit.

Sep 12, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Colgate Raiders tight end Mason Mozo (87) is tackled by Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Rashard Perry (92) and others in the third quarter at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Syracuse defense in 2025 was the worst in the ACC, allowing 35 points per game. These struggles began at the defensive line, where they gave up 175 rushing yards per game (second-worst in the ACC) and their pass rush only achieved 20 sacks on the year (tied for third-worst in the ACC).

Facing significant departures, including Dion Wilson Jr. and Kevin Jobity Jr., Fran Brown brought in a new face to rebuild the defensive line. John Scott Jr. was hired to coach the Orange D-line in January, as well as act as co-defensive coordinator. Syracuse was fairly aggressive in the offseason portal as Scott Jr. and defensive coordinator Vince Kehres look to bring the defense up to speed.

Syracuse reloaded through the portal

To bring the defensive line up to a competitive standard, the Orange need an instant injection of senior-level size paired with Power 4 experience. SU recruited four defensive linemen in total, three of whom are expected to start.

Syracuse's biggest get in the portal was Tunmise Adeleye. Adeleye is a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end, having stops at Texas A&M, Michigan State, and UNLV. Adeleye was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school. Last season he had an All-Mountain West honorable mention year at UNLV (6.0 sacks, 7.5 TFLs). Adeleye will add a jolt to the pass rush.

The Orange picked up defensive tackle Dillon Fontus. Fontus is 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. A true senior, he brings over 30 games of Big Ten experience from playing for Maryland. In his last season at Maryland, he recorded 2 sacks. Fontus will look to excel in his elevated role with the Orange.

The last of the newcomers expected to start is Keyshawn Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound EDGE. Johnson is coming to Syracuse off of stints with UT Martin and Grambling State. He looks to be a swing from the coaching staff as they hope to help unleash his full ability.

Jartavius Flounoy is also a new face to Syracuse. Joining the team from Georgia State, Flounoy will play backup snaps at nose tackle.

Syracuse also returns several defensive linemen

The D-line core will be reliant on some returning faces as they look to improve their identity.

Returning senior Rashard Perry will be a player to watch all season. Perry becomes the de facto anchor of the defensive line, taking a massive jump in role and importance. Perry was on track to log a significant number of snaps before suffering a season-ending injury before game six. Perry will be relied upon heavily as a fourth-year Orange.

Returning redshirt senior Isaiah Hastings will also play a crucial part in this new D-line identity. Hastings is a 6-foot-4, 310-pound D-tackle. After a cup of coffee with Alabama, Hastings joined Syracuse for the 2024 season. Hastings has appeared in every game for two seasons with the Orange, and his reliable availability will be key this season.

Nissi Ogbebor should expect to see an elevated role this year. The sophomore is 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, a great build for a D-tackle. Ogbebor appeared in just seven games in his rookie season, but should be a bigger factor in year two.

Finally, the X-factor of the defensive line unit is David Omopariola. While technically a true linebacker, Omopariola lines up as an edge on occasion and will be crucial to the D-line identity. He appeared in every game last season as a redshirt sophomore and led the team in TFLs with 8.5. At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Omopariola has a very agile frame and can wreak havoc as an edge rusher.

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