Five Biggest Takeaways From Syracuse Football Training Camp

Five Biggest Takeaways From Syracuse Football Training Camp

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Five Biggest Takeaways From Syracuse Football Training Camp

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — This Friday marked the conclusion of the 2026 summer training camp for the Syracuse Orange football program.

SyracuseRoundtable provided coverage all summer long, so here are my five biggest takeaways/storylines that SU fans should be following in advance of Week 1, which comes up next Saturday.

Steve Angeli ready to go Week 1

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Since leaving the field with a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 4 of last year, Orange fans have wondered about the playing status of quarterback Steve Angeli.

Angeli has been a full participant in practice this August, which is a big development considering he didn't play in the team's spring game and was limited in offseason workouts. Angeli has spoken on numerous occasions about his rehab status and believes he will be 100 percent for the start of the season. 

Angeli had the Orange out to a 3-1 record last season before getting hurt. They finished 3-9, losing the final eight games in his absence.

What's next for Justus Ross-Simmons?

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Since the beginning of August, the eligibility status of the fifth year wide receiver has constantly changed. Earlier in the month, Ross-Simmons was ineligible. Then, a ruling made Ross-Simmons eligible. Then another ruling marked Ross-Simmons ineligible. Then a separate ruling has allowed Ross-Simmons to practice with the team, and as of Friday, he is eligible to take the field on Sept. 5 against New Hampshire.

Ross-Simmons' impact could be useful for the Orange. The wide out has added over 500 total yards receiving and seven touchdowns in the past two seasons for Syracuse. 

Biggest question mark remains at running back

After losing running back Yasin Willis to the transfer portal, the question of who replaces him still remains. Malachi Coleman had a strong spring game. Tylik Hill has gained praise from the staff. Both Ahmad Miller and Ju'Juan Johnson have been projected as lead candidates to carry the bulk of the carries. Both Miller and Johnson will wait to find out where they rank on the depth chart after transferring in this season.

Dennis Thomas, running backs coach, said on Friday that the running back depth chart has yet to be solidified. 

Upperclassmen with strong performances 

Multiple players who are juniors and seniors could have strong roles for the Orange. In particular? Two players who spoke with us this month, linebackers Jamie Tremble and Gary Bryant III. Tremble has played both tight end and on the defensive line during his first two seasons. Bryant started his career at FCS South Dakota State but begins his second season in Central New York.

The experience and speed of both players could prove to be tough matchups for opposing offenses this season. 

First-years who could contribute

Three first-year players who gained praise from the coaching staff over the last month are Chase Geter, Cam Hairston-Taylor and Shavane Anderson Jr.

Head coach Fran Brown said this about Geter and Hairston-Taylor earlier this summer: “I think Cam Hairston’s got something,” He’s special. Cam’s gonna be a good player. Geter can play too. They’re the future. I can’t wait. Those two will be on opposite sides of each other. It’s gonna be fun. They’re tough, so they want to play.”

Anderson's role could range from special teams to getting carries in the backfield.  Anderson has been brought up by multiple coaches this summer. Most recently, running backs coach Dennis Thomas said this about Anderson "I absolutely love coaching Shavane Anderson."

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