Monday Musings: Assessing the Likelihood Weekend Visitors Pick Syracuse

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Syracuse football hosted more than a dozen recruits over the weekend. Three have already publicly committed. What are Syracuse's chances with the rest of them?

Marcellus Barnes, 4-star DB

Barnes is set to announce his decision at the All American Bowl on January 6th. Syracuse will have a hat on the table with Georgia and Ole Miss. Fran Brown was Barnes' lead recruiter at Georgia and the two have a strong relationship. Ultimately, though, I think Barnes stays in the south. Syracuse has a shot and will continue to recruit him between now and then, including a likely in-home visit. However I put the likelihood of him coming to Central New York at four out of 10.

Koy Beasley, 4-star DB

The Purdue commit was legitimately blown away by his official visit to Syracuse. He specifically said he did not expect it to go as well as it did despite having a good relationship with Fran Brown prior to the trip. I think Syracuse pulls off the flip here, though it is not guaranteed. Put the likelihood at eight out of 10.

KJ Bolden, 5-star DB

This one may be a long shot, but Syracuse is not out of it.

“I’m always impressed with how Coach Fran is a family man, man of God and just a great leader," Bolden told 247Sports after the visit. "Coach Fran is a great recruiter and one that is going to always be upfront about everything. Syracuse has something special in the making and Coach Fran is the one that will have Syracuse in playoff talks in years to come.”

Those are some strong words for the nation's top ranked safety prospect. Bolden is also close friends with KingJoseph Edwards, who also visited over the weekend and several predictions on 247Sports and Rivals have projected Edwards to pick Syracuse. That would certainly help the Orange, but a player of this caliber likely commands a hefty NIL situation.

I will put the likelihood at two out of 10, but Syracuse remains under consideration and a flip from Florida State would not be the shock many think.

KingJoseph Edwards, 4-star Edge

This is one I feel very confident about. Edwards absolutely loved his official visit to Syracuse. He loves Syracuse coaches Fran Brown, Elijah Robinson and Nick Williams. He has an official visit to Florida State this weekend and then will announce on the 19th. If I had to predict, I'd say he is Orange on that day. I put the likelihood at nine out of 10.

Jackson Meeks, WR Transfer

The former Georgia Bulldog entered the portal and has taken one visit. To Syracuse. He is not expected to take any other trips and I would not be surprised if we heard some news soon. Meeks was coached by Fran Brown on special teams the last two years and thinks very highly of him. I put the likelihood here at nine out of 10.

Whit Muschamp, 3-star QB

This is an odd one. He was originally slated to visit, but I have not been able to confirm that he actually made the trip. In fact, rumblings are that he did not. For now, I put the likelihood at one out of 10 unless he makes it up this coming weekend. For now, I do not see this happening.

Josh Philostin, 4-star DB

This is a tough one to read. The Indiana commit is dealing with a coaching change at the school he has been pledged for two months. Syracuse certainly made an impression this weekend, but he may stick with the Hoosiers or look elsewhere with another visit. I put the likelihood at five out of 10.

Emmanuel Ross, 4-star WR

The Stanford commit is one of the top players in New Jersey. His visit went well, but rumors are he is leaning towards sticking with the Cardinal. Expect the Orange to continue to recruit him and try for an in-home this weekend. For now, put the likelihood at three out of 10.

Cole Snyder, Transfer QB

The Buffalo transfer quarterback visited over the weekend but still does not have an offer. If Syracuse offered, I think Snyder would jump on it. The chances an offer is extended seem low at this point. I put the likelihood he joins the Orange at one out of 10.

Maraad Watson, DT

Watson's teammate, Jahide Lesaine, announced his flip from Kent State Sunday evening. Could Watson be next? Pittsburgh and Tennessee recently offered and both want him to visit. That does cloud things a bit here, though I would put Syracuse as a sight favorite after the visit. Put the likelihood at six out of 10 for the time being.