With Syracuse firing Dino Babers, there’s some uncertainty surrounding the program. Who they hire next will have a huge impact on the future of the program, and that includes determining which players stick around.
With firings come player departures, and we look at a handful of players who could put their names into the portal this offseason.
Syracuse Players Who Could Enter the Transfer Portal
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, QB
With Garrett Shrader returning, we knew that Carlos Del Rio-Wilson would have to wait his turn. Injuries thrust him into the starting role, but inconsistent play hampered his season. He completed just 51% of his passes while throwing for 282 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
The raw tools are there to be developed, but it’s going to take the right system to get the most out of him. Maybe that’s coming with the new staff coming in, but he’s more likely to find it elsewhere.
LeQuint Allen, RB
Staying on the field has been an issue for LeQuint Allen, but he’s an explosive weapon when he’s on it. Finally given his chance to start after backing up longtime starter Sean Tucker, Allen showed off his speed frequently. He led the team with 918 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground this year.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE
This is one of the more intriguing situations in college football this offseason. Gadsden lost his season due to a Lisfranc injury, and many are wondering if he’ll return to college or go pro. The 6’5″, 210-pound hybrid tight end was a matchup nightmare on the field, but the injury kept him off it for most of the year.
MORE: Five Candidates to Replace Dino Babers
If he comes back, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him hit the portal. The Orange star would get a ton of attention in the portal, and the only thing holding teams back would be his recovery.
Damien Alford, WR
Another big Syracuse pass catcher who would get plenty of attention in the portal. At 6’6″, Damien Alford provides his quarterback with a big target downfield. In the past two seasons, he’s averaged 21.5 and 16.0 yards per catch, respectively — that’s a big play threat many teams want to add to their roster.
Marlowe Wax, LB
After a big 2022 season in which he recorded 91 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, Wax is set to beat those numbers in 2023. He’s already an extremely productive player with 275 tackles and 35.5 tackles for loss to his name, so teams looking for a veteran playmaker get one if he hits the portal.
Justin Barron, S
It’s hard to find size at the safety position, and Justin Barron gives another team that with his 6’4″ frame. He played a much bigger role in the Syracuse defense this year, and the results followed.
He produced 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven passes defended, and one interception. He’s showing the range to cover receivers deep, but he’s also reminding everyone that he can be a physical force for his defense at the line of scrimmage.
Leon Lowery, LB
Syracuse isn’t a stranger to having talent purged from its roster, but at least this year it would be understandable. They have several players with great frames and the potential in their game would garner a ton of attention in the portal.
Leon Lowery comes in a 6’4″, 225 pounds, and would be coming off his best season with the Orange. Just a redshirt sophomore, he’d have multiple years to give to another team that wants him at linebacker in the future.