The summer isn’t quite over yet, but the Syracuse football program continues to make waves under head coach Fran Brown. For the second year in a row, the Orange are poised to secure a top-40 football recruiting class, as the Syracuse 2027 class currently ranks 37th in the nation, per 247. Last year’s stumble hasn’t seemed to have an effect on the program’s ability to get prospects, and that’s a good thing. Yet while the microscope may be on their head coach, there’s a lot to like for the team’s upcoming class.
Syracuse Football: 2027 Recruiting Class
Judging a recruiting class can be tricky. After all, many of the top recruiting sites work together (and were all created by the same person). And, there’s evidence of recruits losing (or gaining) a star based on where they commit. However, the general gist of a team’s class can be analyzed if properly viewed. And for Syracuse, there’s a lot to like about the team’s 2027 recruiting list.
Syracuse currently has three prospects in the top-500 overall players from the 2027 class. They also have a lot of highly-rated state prospects, and players who fit positions of need within the team. We’ll highlight the top prospects for fans to know, and detail the rest of the class.
Elijah Kimble, Running Back
For many Syracuse football fans, adding Elijah Kimble has been the icing on the cake for the 2027 recruiting class. Kimble is the top prospect in the state of New York, and the 24th-highest running back prospect in the country. With the Orange facing a mass exodus from 2025, adding an elite playmaker at the position in 2027 will be massive for the program.
Kimble comes out of Buffalo, New York, playing at Canisius High School. There, he’s put on a show. Through his first three seasons, the running back has surpassed 1700 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. He has 73 touchdowns in three years, with 26 games of 100+ yards. This past year, Kimble showed he can be a receiver out of the backfield, securing 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown.
At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Kimble has the frame to be an electric runner for Syracuse. He boasts incredible speed and agility with added ability to grow muscle. In fact, his commitment to the program is arguably one of the biggest feathers in Fran Brown’s cap. If Cuse can keep Kimble’s commitment, the program will have a workhorse in its stable for years to come.
Absolutely massive get for @CuseFootball. The top recruit in NY State almost never stays home for SU. Fran Brown is a wizard. Elijah Kimble is sensational. pic.twitter.com/hn2tNaCOTk
— Orange Fizz (@OrangeFizz) July 4, 2026
Jalen Welch, Safety
A four-star safety out of Grayson, Georgia, Jalen Welch is a dynamic playmaker in the secondary. In 10 games last year he totaled 36 tackles, 4.0 TFLs, two interceptions and five pass deflections. The stats may not jump off the page, but that’s because teams would actively avoid going in his direction.
With a new defense operating in Syracuse, Welch would fit what the Orange are trying to do. An attacking zone defense that can disguise coverages pre-snap are the perfect recipe for a player like Welch to have success. Not only that, it’s Welch’s mindset that will be a boost to the Syracuse defense.
The safety discussed that a rebuilding program was one he purposefully targeted, looking to build something rather than join a well-oiled machine. And, considering the pitfalls of Cuse’s 2025 season, the Orange currently fit that bill. However, with players like Welch expected to come in, that ship could be steering in the right direction sooner than later.
Chanin Harris, Wide Receiver
Syracuse has been looking to continue recruiting high-profile wide receivers, and Byrnes High School’s Chanin Harris is in prime position to keep that going. Harris is a three-star recruit from South Carolina, currently ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the state. Last season, Harris posted 648 yards on 44 receptions while scoring seven times. He also showed prowess as a returner, averaging 33.6 yards per attempt last season.
Harris is a big-play receiver who always seems to keep himself upright when it matters most. He does a good job fighting through hand contact on his stems, and showcases breakaway speed and separation in his routes. At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, Harris has the build to develop into an elite receiver for Syracuse.
Byrnes (SC) WR Chanin Harris with the 78-yard TD reception🔥
Harris is a 4-star recruit in the 2027 class.
(via @GreerNewsSports)https://t.co/oIWZyil87w
— Rivals High School (@RivalsHS) August 23, 2025
Botond Varga, Offensive Lineman
Botond Varga may be the most underrated football recruit of the 2027 class for Syracuse. At 6-foot-8, 310 pounds, Varga is a mammoth of a human being. The highest-ranked commit for Cuse from 247, Varga is the No. 3 recruit in the state of Massachusetts and No. 42 at his position.
The offensive lineman has shown an ability to play throughout the line, but this past season he primarily played at right tackle. There, he dominated competition. Repeatedly, Varga would block his player off the screen – and out of the play. He has no problem getting to the second level and attaching himself to his assignment with ease. He currently projects as a solid right tackle, with footwork and speed being the only limiting factor of him being truly elite. However, that’s something that can easily be worked on as he continues to develop.
Offensive linemen aren’t the “sexy” selections for fans, which is why Varga may be the most unheralded of the 2027 class. However, his role could be the most important for the program in the coming years.
Syracuse Football: Complete List of 2027 Recruiting Class
- Jason Lewis, Defensive Lineman – Kissimmee, Florida
- Travis Miles, Safety – Hillside, New Jersey
- Tylek Lewis, Running Back – Zachary, Louisiana
- Braylon Otis, Edge Rusher – Orlando, Florida
- Dylan Northcutt, Cornerback – Sherman Oaks, California
- Marcus Small, Offensive Tackle – Jacksonville, Florida
- Nico Ramos, Offensive Lineman – Plantation, Florida
- Noah Collins-Heard, Athlete – Henrietta, New York
- Tank White, Athlete – Melbourne, Florida
- Masiia Acrey, Cornerback – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Connor Long, Offensive Lineman – Matawan, New Jersey
- Bradyn Paulozzi, Edge Rusher – Lakewood, Ohio
- Edan Richardson, Defensive Lineman – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Josh Barr, Athlete – Rochester, New York
- Edwin Guzman, Offensive Lineman – Erie, Pennsylvania
- Jamel Griffin, Cornerback – Opelika, Alabama
- Mikey McQueen, Wide Receiver – Mount Holly, New Jersey
- Matthew Schienhardt, Linebacker – Park Ridge, Illinois
- Ben Sakyiama, Offensive Lineman – Warminster, Pennsylvania
- Charlie Foulke IV, Quarterback – Glassboro, New Jersey
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
