Overview
- Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell announced his commitment to Syracuse on July 5, choosing the Orange over finalists Michigan, Florida State and Oregon.
- At 6-foot-6, Russell ranks among the nation’s top prospects as ESPN’s No. 28 overall recruit and its fourth-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class.
- If his signing holds, he would eclipse all previous pledges to become Syracuse’s highest-ranked recruit in program history.
- Russell’s multi-sport background includes standout performances in football and basketball, and he has indicated plans to pursue both at Syracuse.
- Syracuse coach Fran Brown’s push, built on a 10-win season, upgraded facilities and NIL support, proved decisive against resource-rich Power Five rivals.