Zaid Lott, a talented three-star quarterback in the 2026 class, has verbally committed to Syracuse football, he revealed via his X account on Tuesday.
A huge congrats and welcome from Orange Nation to Zaid!
I am forever grateful to finally say that I am officially HOME🍊🍊🍊!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/EDhDqqPQeI
— Zaid Lott (@lott_zaid) March 25, 2025
Previously, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Lott was verbally pledged to fellow Atlantic Coast Conference school North Carolina and its head coach, NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick.
After much reflection, I have decided to forgo my commitment to the University of North Carolina. This choice was tough, but I believe it’s the best step for my future. I’m grateful for the support and understanding from everyone involved. I’m excited for what comes next.
— Zaid Lott (@lott_zaid) March 25, 2025
According to his X page, he recently visited Syracuse football, disclosing a scholarship offer from head coach Fran Brown and his top-flight staff on March 23. He had verbally committed to the Tar Heels in late June of last year.
After a great weekend, I am grateful to say I have received an offer from Syracuse University! pic.twitter.com/SbUnPKUr4a
— Zaid Lott (@lott_zaid) March 23, 2025
Syracuse football's 2026 class continues to expand.
Lott is a standout at the Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C. Per his bio on the MaxPreps Web site, as a junior in the 2024 campaign, Lott threw for 2,869 yards and 29 touchdowns, against just six interceptions.
On the ground, he rushed for 285 yards and seven more scores.
When I wrote this article, the industry-generated 247Sports Composite placed Lott, within his class, at No. 890 nationwide, No. 60 at quarterback and No. 38 in North Carolina. Over at the industry-generated On3 Industry Ranking, he was No. 765 overall, No. 53 at quarterback and No. 34 in North Carolina.
The Orange's 2026 cycle now stands at 12 verbal pledges. Other recent additions include three-star athlete EShawn Sutton of Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Fla., and athlete Darnell Stokes Jr. of Indian River High School in Dagsboro, Del.
At the time of this writing, the 247Sports Composite listed the Syracuse football 2026 class at No. 15 around the country. Lott is the first quarterback to verbally commit to the 'Cuse in this cycle, and he's also the team's first pledge from North Carolina.
So far, in 2026, the Orange has four verbal commits from Florida, three from Delaware, and one each from North Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.
With Lott's pledge, I'll be curious to see how this may impact the recruitment of other 2026 quarterbacks by the 'Cuse coaching staff. Other QB targets in this class to potentially monitor include four-star Gavin Sidwar, four-star Brodie McWhorter, four-star Derek Zammit, four-star Luke Fahey and three-star Brogan McNab.
I don't know this for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if Orange coaches are eyeing two quarterbacks in their 2026 cycle.