What's Left For Syracuse in 2024 Class/Offseason?

Syracuse football added 18 players via National Letter of Intent on National Signing Day and has six players announce they are transferring into the program. Even with those 24 additions, there is still more work to do. Here is a look at the top positional priorities and players to monitor moving forward.

Positional Needs

Offensive Line: Syracuse needs help along the offensive line, preferably experienced help. The Orange will continue to look for offensive linemen in the transfer portal in order to add talent and depth to its front. That is the biggest hole on the offense right as every other position seems to be in good shape on paper.

Defensive Tackle: Syracuse has looked at defensive tackles in the portal and has added to the position through the high school ranks. Still, it has not landed a transfer defensive tackle yet. Those on the current roster were recruited for a different system while the incoming players to date are true freshmen. Syracuse could use some help in the middle of its defensive line with experience and I expect Syracuse to continue to monitor the portal accordingly.

Cornerback: Perhaps an underrated position of need, Syracuse is bringing in a couple high school recruits here. However, experience is needed. I would not be surprised if Syracuse kept a close eye on corners that enter the portal, have entered the portal, or will enter the portal at a future date.

Players to Monitor

Marcellus Barnes (4-star CB): Barnes officially visited Syracuse earlier this month and is down to three schools: Georgia, Ole Miss and Syracuse. All three will gets hats on the table when Barnes announces his decision at the All American Bowl on January 6th. Syracuse currently leads the Crystal Ball predictions (247Sports) and the Recruiting Prediction Machine (On3).

Mekhi Mews (Transfer WR): The slot receiver/kick returner officially visited Syracuse this past weekend. However, his recruitment has been very quiet since. He has not announced new offers, new visits or set a public decision timeline. He holds a Syracuse offer, Syracuse is his only visit to date, and he would bring dynamic playmaking to the return game for the Orange. Keep an eye on Mews to see how this progresses.

Naquil Betrand (Transfer OL): The Texas A&M transfer with four years of eligibility remaining announced his decision to transfer on Wednesday. Since entering the portal, Betrand says Syracuse was among the 10-15 schools that reached out. It is still very early for him, but one would have to think Syracuse would garner consideration considering his strong interest as a high school recruit.

Dominick McKinley (5-star DL): McKinley is a five star per the 247Sports Composite and the On3 Industry Average. He has been committed to Texas A&M since September, where Syracuse defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson was his primary recruiter. Robinson had an in-home with McKinley as the Orange DC and continues to recruit him to Syracuse. McKinley did not sign on signing day and is not expected to sign early (that window closes on Friday). The key for the Orange would be to get him on campus for a visit. So keep an eye here to see if he does.

AJ Harris (Transfer CB): The former five star recruit entered the transfer portal after one season at Georgia. Syracuse head coach Fran Brown was his lead recruiter for the Bulldogs, so could a reunion be in the works? This is one to monitor given his talent level, the connection to coach Brown and it being at a position of need.

Kurt Danneker (Transfer OL): The Ohio transfer offensive lineman has been popular since entering the portal. He has reported offers from Marshall, Boston College, Rutgers, Texas A&M, Syracuse, Baylor and Iowa State. Will Syracuse get a visit?

Jalen Travis (Transfer OL): The Princeton transfer offensive lineman has also received power five attention since entering the portal. He reports offers from Iowa State, Rutgers, Kansas, Duke, Houston, South Carolina, Syracuse and Arizona State. He has not posted about any visits publicly nor committed anywhere. Will Syracuse get a visit?

Oronde Gadsden (Syracuse TE): Will he stay or will he go? A decision is expected somewhat soon as the deadline to declare for the NFL Draft ends January 15th. If he returns, it would be a huge boost to the Orange.

More: Those are just names we know now. Undoubtedly, there are names Syracuse is recruiting that are not public and new names that will pop up in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

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