Get ready for some exciting news, Syracuse football fans! The Orange is bolstering its ranks with three new transfers, and they're bringing some serious talent to the team.
According to a report by 247Sports' Mike McAllister, Syracuse has signed three new players through the transfer portal, including a quarterback and an offensive lineman. But here's where it gets interesting... these transfers could potentially shake up the depth chart and add some much-needed experience to key positions.
Let's dive into the details and meet the new additions:
Danny Lauter, Quarterback:
Danny Lauter, a 6'3", 220-pound quarterback from Georgetown, joins the Orange with some impressive stats. In 2025, he completed 51 out of 84 passes (60.7%) for 613 yards, with five touchdowns and only one interception. Lauter's performance last year was limited to just three games due to injury, but he's expected to receive a medical redshirt, giving him two more years of college eligibility.
In 2024, Lauter started 10 games for the Hoyas, showcasing his skills with 177 completed passes out of 288 attempts (61.4%) and 11 touchdowns. His rushing stats, however, indicate that he's not a scrambling quarterback, which could be a strategic advantage for Syracuse.
With Lauter on board, Syracuse now has at least three quarterbacks with playing experience, including Steve Angeli, Amari Odom, and incoming freshman Zaid Lott. This depth at the quarterback position could be a game-changer for the team.
Oluwafunto Akinshilo, Offensive Lineman:
Meet Oluwafunto Akinshilo, a 6'5", 325-pound offensive lineman originally from Nigeria. Akinshilo brings a unique blend of size and skill to the Syracuse offensive line. He has played for both Iowa State and UCLA, and his experience will be invaluable for the Orange.
Last year, Akinshilo saw action in six games for UCLA, playing 61 snaps as a backup lineman. This was his first college action, and he received snaps at both guard positions and center. According to PFF, he was graded 31st out of UCLA's 51 offensive players, which is an impressive feat for a backup.
What's even more interesting is that Akinshilo was coached by Syracuse's new offensive line coach, Juan Castillo, during his time at UCLA. Castillo, who was the Bruins' offensive line coach in 2024, will now have the opportunity to work with Akinshilo again, which could be a huge advantage for the team.
Jai Eugene, Defensive Back:
Jai Eugene, a 6'1", 202-pound defensive back from Western Kentucky, is a versatile player who can fill multiple roles. Last season, Eugene played 289 snaps on defense, covering both safety and slot cornerback positions. He was ranked as a three-star prospect and was highly sought after by other schools, including Virginia, Purdue, Mississippi, and Mississippi State.
Eugene's addition to the Orange is a strategic move, as Syracuse aims to upgrade its performance at slot cornerback and safety. With his playing experience in both positions, Eugene brings a valuable skill set to the team. Last year, he recorded 21 tackles and five pass break-ups for the Hilltoppers, showcasing his defensive prowess.
And this is the part most people miss... Eugene played in the same defensive backfield as Nazir Ward, another transfer addition for the Orange. This could lead to some exciting chemistry and coordination between the two players on the field.
These three transfers, Lauter, Akinshilo, and Eugene, are currently unranked on On3.com's transfer portal rankings. However, Syracuse is still ranked as having the No. 43 transfer class in the country by On3.com and the No. 52 class by 247Sports. With today being the final day for players to enter the transfer portal, we can expect more exciting moves and signings in the coming days.
So, Syracuse fans, what do you think about these new additions? Will they make a significant impact on the team's performance? And for the rest of the football community, do you think these transfers will be enough to propel Syracuse into the spotlight? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss and keep the football conversation going!
