Social media and chat rooms are ablaze with speculation and prognostication this week as it pertains to Syracuse football 2026 priority target Calvin Russell lll, a five-star wide receiver and top-25 national prospect in his class.
On Tuesday, I came across an Instagram story post of Syracuse football freshman wide receiver Darius Johnson, who previously suited up at Miami Northwestern Senior High School alongside the 6-foot-5, 190-pound Russell.
The Instagram story featured a graphic about Russell's commitment announcement, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, with his decision expected to be made around 9 pm.
In the graphic, there are logos of four schools: the Orange, Oregon, Florida State and Michigan. Does this mean that Russell, who also excels in hoops and holds a Syracuse basketball scholarship offer, has whittled down his list of contenders still in the running to four teams?
Maybe. But maybe not.
The recruiting battle is almost over for Syracuse football 2026 5-star WR recruit Calvin Russell lll.
Now, Russell's recruitment is extremely tough to gauge, so take that commitment announcement graphic with the proverbial grain of salt. Still, I'd rather see the 'Cuse on it, than being left off.
Russell's official top eight from earlier this year consisted of Syracuse football, Miami, Oregon, Michigan, Florida State, Florida, LSU and North Carolina.
Interestingly enough, as I noted in my own X post on Tuesday, LSU not too long ago had some buzz for Russell, and that has included a prediction on the On3/Rivals Web site. More recently, following an official visit to Michigan, the Wolverines have possessed buzz for Russell, according to multiple recruiting analysts and insiders.
LSU, which is not listed, had buzz for him lately, including a prediction on the On3/Rivals Web site. Michigan does have buzz for Calvin these days. And Syracuse appears to be in his final four. Perhaps this comes down to the Wolverines and the Orange. 🧡 https://t.co/2g3bkxpRWp
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) July 1, 2025
As I noted in another recent column, though, I've come across so many different forecasts of late regarding Russell's unofficial smaller group of finalists, some including the Orange, and some not.
I'm not sure the top experts out there know which way Russell is leaning. Is he messing with the media? Perhaps. If he is, good for him. Russell's recruitment has been equal parts fascinating and nerve-wracking.
Media reports suggest that Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown, an ace recruiter himself, has been spearheading the Orange's recruitment of Russell, and the two have grown quite close.
Do I think that the 'Cuse will prevail on Saturday? I have no idea. But based on the commitment announcement graphic, I'm hopeful that the Orange is in Russell's final four heading toward Saturday's decision.