Syracuse football 2026 position preview: defensive line
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The Syracuse Orange are hoping for significant improvement on the defensive side of the field. The defensive line will be critical to achieving that.
Part of the reason Syracuse gave up the most points per game (34.9) in the ACC last season was a lack of success in the interior. The Orange were tied for the third-fewest sacks (20) in the conference. On the ground, Syracuse also gave up the second-most rushing yards per game (174.9).
While what was going on in the trenches wasn’t the sole cause behind Syracuse having one of the worst defenses in college football last year, it was a substantial component. Looking ahead to 2026, what’s changed, and which players could help turn that around under new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres?
Here is a look at the current depth chart of Orange players on the defensive line heading into the upcoming year (in alphabetical order):
- Tunmise Adeleye
- Clark Calloway
- Elijah Crawford
- Jartavius Flounoy
- Dillan Fontus
- Walt Frazier Jr.
- Alex Haskell
- Isaiah Hastings
- Kordae Houston
- Nathan Nyandoro
- Nissi Ogbebor
- Rashard Perry
- Jaylen Pray
- Jarius Rodgers
- Kamron Wilson
Breaking down Syracuse’s DL depth chart should start with some of the newer names.
Tunmise Adeleye and Dillan Fontus are the headliners of the notable offseason additions on the 2026 team. Both have been in college football for several years and are now joining the Orange coming off the best single-season campaigns of their careers.
Adeleye is entering his fifth collegiate season after a career year at UNLV. He finished with 48 total tackles (19 solo, 29 assisted), six sacks, and three pass deflections. Adeleye’s play earned him an All-Mountain West honorable mention nod in 2025.
As for Fontus, he’s entering his senior season after a three-year stint at Maryland. Fontus recorded 28 total tackles (14 solo, 14 assisted), two sacks, and one pass deflection.
Fontus ranks as a top-25 defensive line transfer this past portal cycle. Adeleye was No. 71. Of note, they are Syracuse’s highest-rated transfer portal additions at defensive line, according to 247Sports.
Given all that, Fontus and Adeleye likely project as starters heading into 2026.
Another pair of additions to watch for is Jartavius Flounoy and Keyshawn Johnson.
Flounoy, a transfer from Georgia State, played one season there and ended with 22 total tackles (13 solo, nine assisted), three sacks, and one pass deflection. Flounoy will very much be in the mix for playing time in the interior.
As for Johnson, he’s coming off a productive year at EDGE with UT Martin, recording 54 tackles (29 solo, 25 assisted), 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Johnson is especially a name Orange fans could see plenty on the field. He’s previously gotten some attention from national outlets like ESPN over his potential impact, labeling Johnson a “missing piece” for the ’Cuse defense.
Shifting to the defensive linemen returning from the 2025 roster, Rashard Perry has the best chance to be a full- or semi-starter.
Perry has played 26 games across three seasons at Syracuse. He started four games in 2024 and played five in 2025 before missing the rest of the year with injury. Like Fontus, Perry will be entering his senior season.
Isaiah Hastings will also certainly be on the field plenty with the Orange, predominantly as a backup on the interior. Hastings has made appearances in every Syracuse game for the last two seasons and at the very least brings experience to the table.
Beyond that, the depth chart consists of younger options like Jaylen Pray, Nathan Nyandoro, and Nissi Ogbebor.
Broadly speaking, this year’s defensive line brings plenty of reps and time on the field at the college level. Maybe Kehres can unlock a career year or two from some of the veteran options he will have to work with. There also feels like there’s a tad more depth, especially at defensive tackle, which could keep the Orange running defense viable as the season progresses.
Getting to the quarterback is still probably the biggest concern. Of Syracuse’s most productive additions, they’re coming at a lower level of play, like Johnson at the FCS and Adeleye from the Mountain West.
Whoever the key players at EDGE and defensive line end up being, it must be a collective effort to disrupt the pocket, put more pressure there, and shore up last year’s poor rushing defense. If ‘Cuse can just get even a little better there, it could go a long way to helping out the rest of the defensive players outside of the trenches.
Which Syracuse defensive linemen do you think will be the key names for this season?
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