2026 ATH Cameron Hairston-Taylor commits to Syracuse: 'It's all love'

2026 Roanoke (VA) Patrick Henry ATH Cameron Hairston-Taylor committed to Syracuse, he announced on social media.

The Rivals three-star prospect selected Syracuse over offers from Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Louisville, and App State. Hairston-Taylor cited his relationship with the coaching staff and head coach Fran Brown as a big factor for his commitment.

"Fran wants to see you develop into a great man and a great friend/husband and dad,” Hairston-Taylor said to The Juice Online. "He wants us to succeed in life not just in football but outside of football and have a plan for the outside world once football is completely over.”

Hairston-Taylor committed to the Orange after he took an official visit to Syracuse earlier in the month. The wide receiver/defensive back got to see the facilities, tour campus and meet with the coaching staff.

More on his official visit

"The visit was all love," Hairston-Taylor said. "Coach Fran and his entire staff showed me and my dad why Syracuse should be our family for the next 3 to 4 years.”

One of the highlights of his trip was getting to know Brown, defensive backs coach Joe Schaefer, and general manager Tommy Caporale better.

"Coach Fran is a motivational figure and expects nothing short of greatness intent," Hairston-Taylor said. "I got a chance to be around my position coaches and the GM, who added some knowledge to my game play and academics."

Hairston-Taylor is a two-sport athlete who also competes in track & field. He is a two-time Virginia State Class 5A Indoor Champion in the 55m (6.34) and long jump (24'5").

Hairston-Taylor's playing style

Though Hairston-Taylor plays both sides of the ball, SU is looking at him as a defensive back.

"I’m a physical DB," he said. "I like to get my hands on the receiver early and play a lot of press man. I wouldn’t mind playing on offense either because I feel I’m a factor on both sides of the ball."

He becomes the 27th commitment in Syracuss's 2026 class, which is ranked 22nd in the country by 247 Sports. It is headlined by the recent commitment of five-star WR Calvin Russell.

All verbal commitments are non-binding until the player signs a national letter of intent in December.

Syracuse football went 10-3 in the 2024 season while winning the Holiday Bowl.

The Orange returns to action to kick off the 2025 season against Tennessee on August 30th at 12 p.m. ET.

SUPPORT THE JUICE ONLINE

Chat about this story and all things Syracuse and Syracuse recruiting on our message board, Cuse Classified!