The Syracuse Orange are coming off their third ten-win season since 2000, where they led college football in passing yards and defeated Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.
Despite their success in 2024, the Orange lost a lot of their production, like quarterback Kyle McCord, tight end Oronde Gadsden, defensive end Fadil Diggs, and more. So, who can Syracuse rely on next season? Read on to find out the top ten returning players for Syracuse football heading into 2025.
10 Best Returning Players for Syracuse Football
1) Duce Chestnut, S, RS Senior
Duce Chestnut is returning for his final year of college football after a great 2024. He returned to Syracuse after leaving for LSU for one season and was a key part of their defense. He should be a vocal leader and make plays for Syracuse all year long.
2) Yasin Willis, RB, Sophomore
Yasin Willis had a good freshman campaign, returning kicks and punts for the Orange, rushing for 130 yards, and a touchdown on limited carries. He will be the lead back for Syracuse in 2025 and should have a very productive season.
3) Darrell Gill Jr., WR, Junior
Darrell Gill was in a stacked receiver room last season but still managed to stick out. He racked up over 500 yards and now looks to the Orange’s X receiver come fall. If he can continue to develop, expect big things out of him in his junior year.
4) Devin Grant, S, Senior
Devin Grant comes back for his second year with Orange after transferring from Buffalo last offseason. Grant was versatile for Syracuse last season, playing safety, nickel, and boundary corner. I expect him to return to his more natural position of safety next season and to make a big impact for this Syracuse defense.
5) Davien Kerr, CB, Sophomore
Davien Kerr only played in eight games during his true freshman season but ended up starting the final four of the season. He showed major promise at cornerback, intercepting a pass against Cal and consistently running with power four wideouts. With another offseason of development under his belt, he should be one of Syracuse’s best corners.
6) Mark Petry, OG, RS Senior
Mark Petry started every game for the Orange last year, only allowing three sacks on 678 drop-backs. He’s their best returning offensive lineman and will need to be the leader of that unit next year.
7) Derrick McDonald, LB, Senior
Derrick McDonald is a great run-stuff linebacker. He has a firm understanding of the game and will be the leader of this Syracuse defense next fall. I expect him to play an even bigger role than he did last year for the Orange.
8) Dion Wilson Jr., DT, Senior
Dion Wilson Jr. was playing great as Syracuse’s nose tackle before getting injured in week five. If he can return to his pre-injury self, he should be a key piece for the Orange defense next fall.
9) Dan Villari, TE, Senior
Dan Villari has been a solid player for Syracuse for the past two years. His production hasn’t been insane, but he’s a reliable receiving threat and a solid blocker. I expect his role to grow with the Orange this season with Gadsden gone.
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10) King Joseph Edwards, DE, RS Freshman
King Joseph Edwards has the chance to be one of the best players on Syracuse next season. The former four-star only appeared in five games last year but racked up three sacks against Holy Cross. If he continues to develop, expect big things out of the young pass rusher.
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