What Syracuse Football Players Made New National Preseason Watch List?

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Even before training camp, the Syracuse football roster has had multiple players receive national recognition leading into 2026. Three players were selected for preseason All-ACC teams by a national magazine, and defensive back Chris Peal has already been featured on many national 2027 NFL mock drafts as a first round projection.

Peal, along with seven other teammates, received more preseason accolades earlier this week by being named to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watch List.

What is this, exactly?

Let's start here. The East-West Shrine Bowl is the oldest college football All-Star game in the country. A showcase for seniors in advance of the NFL Draft, the rosters will be selected following this year's regular season. The event is set to be played at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Feb. 4, 2027.

While the event is for seniors, it should be noted that the Watch List highlights the top 1,000 draft eligible, NFL-caliber players across all levels of college football. 

What Syracuse players made the East-West Shrine Watch list?

Eight Syracuse football players were selected for this year's. This list includes

— Tunmise Adeleye

 –Steve Angeli

–Joe Cruz

–Chris D'Appolonia

–Keyshawn Johnson

–Trevion Mack

–Noah Meyers

 –Chris Peal

What does the future hold for these honored Syracuse football players?

While the eight players are hopeful to continue playing past their college career, the group of Orange still have to compete in this season's action. The Orange roster is less than three weeks away from reporting for training camp, which opens in August. Kickoff for the regular season opener is set for Sept. 5 inside the JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange host New Hampshire at 12 p.m. ET. We will have live coverage from all Syracuse home games this season.

More Syracuse football news from the week

 – -The JMA Wireless Dome, the home of the Orange football team, was given a disappointing ranking in comparison to other ACC football venues. Do you agree with the ranking?

–Multiple former Syracuse football players were mentioned as the best players to ever wear specific jersey numbers by a national outlet. The article named the best college football players of all-time to wear each number from 0-99. Is it time for the Orange football program to restore a certain number?

— Quarterback Steve Angeli commented on his recovery process during the ACC Football Kickoff event held in Charlotte. Angeli's recent remarks should make feel Orange football fans encouraged for the upcoming season. 

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