Syracuse's Samuel Named To National Award Watch List

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The Syracuse football team is less than a month from kicking off the 2026 regular season on Sept. 5 against the University of New Hampshire.

And while the Orange are coming off a 3-9 campaign in 2025, there is optimism around this group. For starters, the team is getting quarterback Steve Angeli back from a torn Achilles that caused him to miss eight games last season. Secondly, there is an accomplished group of transfers that have come into Fran Brown's program. And third, there is a group of players from 2025 that is ready to ascend this year.

One of those is sophomore defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr., who was added to the Paul Hornung Award watch list on Tuesday morning.

Here's what you need to know.

What is the Paul Hornung Award?

According to the award's website, the Paul Hornung Award "presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) to the most versatile player in major college football."

Past winners of the award include current NFL players Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Devonta Smith, and Travis Hunter. That's elite company for Samuel to be in.

About Demetres Samuel Jr.

A highly-touted recruit of high school, Samuel enrolled one year early and became a rarity in college football by taking the field as a 17 year old in 2025.

The sophomore defensive back was a key contributor to the Orange defense last season, playing in all 12 games. Samuel registered 31 tackles, one interception and nine pass breakups. The teenager finished fourth in the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

One of the key reasons as to why Samuel made the list was his usage on offense – and potential for more in 2026.

Samuel logged 10 yards receiving and is projected to see more time on offense this upcoming season.  

What's the future look like for Samuel?

Samuel is considered a future NFL draft prospect, but he will have to play at least two more seasons in college. NFL rules state a player must be three years removed from his high school graduating class before declaring for the league's annual draft.

Up next

Syracuse Roundtable's coverage of the Orange football camp continues Wednesday with coverage from the Ensley Center. 

More Syracuse Football News

–Two of Samuel's teammates were named to the national college football list known as the "Freak List". Find out what players' physical skills rank as some of the best in college football.

–One of Samuel's fellow defensive backs Chris Peal spoke at the end of the most recent open practice to the media. Peal revealed what position is head coach Fran Brown's favorite to coach. 

-As the Orange gear up for an improved defensive unit, hear what new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres had to say about why this year's unit is poised for improvement.

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