Syracuse special teams feature key returners and new faces this season

There are several changes in the special teams from new coaches to new specialists.

Nov 29, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Chris Marable Jr. (52) attempts to block a field goal attempt by Syracuse Orange place kicker Tripp Woody (47) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Orange enter 2026 with a renewed focus on transforming their special teams unit under Fran Brown. Brown has brought in Alex Bayer to be the team's new special teams coordinator, making him the fourth special teams coordinator for Syracuse in as many years.

With the departure of the previous coordinator, Ricky Brumfield, Bayer seems to be a positive addition to an Orange team looking to put last year's results behind them. Bayer, a former NFL player for the Rams and Chargers, arrives at SU after four successful seasons as the special teams coordinator for Bowling Green.

Syracuse returns its kicker

Redshirt sophomore Tripp Woody will retain his starting placekicker role from last season. Woody was successful in 2025, when he appeared in every game, going 12-of-14 on field goals, 10-of-10 from inside 40 yards, and making all 22 of his PATs.

Syracuse also added freshman kicker Shay Barker. He the seventh-ranked kicker in the high school class of 2026 according to 247Sports and will likely back up Woody.

The Orange welcome a new punter

SU had stability at punter for the last three seasons, with Jack Stonehouse manning the position. In the 2025 season, he was named First-Team All-ACC after punting 60 times at 46.4 yards per punt, with 14 landing inside the 20.

Stonehouse is now trying to make it in the NFL, and the Orange has reloaded as a result.

In the offseason, the Orange signed 2026's No. 1 punter from West Virginia, Jimmy Gregg. Gregg had a 45.1 net punt average in his senior season and recorded zero touchbacks all year.

Long snapper will return a familiar face

Last year, Fran Brown Jr. handeld snapping duties for the final eight games of the season. And the Orange bolstered depth at that position, adding walk-on Tim Schwerha.

Both will help make up for the loss of Ethan Stangle, who departed SU via the transfer portal.

Returners also return

On the return side of things, the punt returner is expected to be cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr., and the kick returner will be cornerback Davion Kerr.

In 2025, Kerr returned seven punts for 65 yards, but he will slide over to return kicks in 2026. Samuel returned four punts for 39 yards in 2025.

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