Syracuse Football: 4-star WR, a top-50 overall prospect who visited SU, names final 4

Ultra-talented wide receiver and return man Vernell Brown III from Florida, who had taken a trip to Syracuse football, is down to four finalists, according to social media posts.

The Orange, unfortunately, didn't make the cut. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Brown, a 2025 four-star prospect, will choose from a final four of Florida State, Miami, Florida and Ohio State. He's also locked in upcoming official visits to all of those schools.

Given that Brown hails from the Sunshine State, it's not a surprise that his final list includes the Seminoles, the Hurricanes and the Gators. Plus, as we've noted in the past, the Buckeyes have gotten some analyst buzz on recruiting Web sites for Brown, so Ohio State's inclusion makes sense.

In early March, Brown went on an unofficial visit to Syracuse football, which went well, according to a report from 247Sports at that time. Throughout his recruitment, Brown has picked up more than 40 offers, with the Orange staff offering him a scholarship in late January of this year.

Previously, Brown had a top 11 that included Syracuse football, but the 'Cuse is now out of contention as he released a final quartet of suitors. The rising senior at Jones High School in Orlando, Fla., is an elite player in the 2025 cycle, ranked as high as No. 46 overall by On3 and in the top 70 nationally, according to both the industry-generated 247Sports Composite and the industry-generated On3 Industry Ranking.

Syracuse football missed on Vernell Brown III but has positive things going on with 2025 receivers.

When I wrote this column, the Orange had at least 19 verbal commitments in its 2025 class, a cycle that is ranked in the top 10 nationally by multiple recruiting services.

Among these 2025 pledges are several wide receivers, including three-star Darien Williams of the Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, three-star Terrell Wilfong of West Orange High School in West Orange, N.J., three-star Julian McFadden of La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pa., and three-star Daunte Bacheyie of the Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse.

A few more tidbits to pass along on this topic. Isaiah Mizell, a 2025 three-star wide receiver out of Boone High School in Orlando, Fla., will take an official visit to Syracuse football from May 31 to June 2.

Gabe Daniels, a 2025 three-star wide receiver out of the Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Ga., has a top three of the 'Cuse, N.C. State and Kansas. Per 247Sports analyst Mike McAllister, Daniels will also officially visit the Orange during the weekend that begins on May 31.

Carl Jenkins Jr., a 2025 four-star wide receiver with St. Augustine High School in St. Augustine, Fla., in late April named a top six that includes Syracuse football. He visited the SU campus in mid-April.

Tyler Williams, a 2025 four-star athlete/wide receiver out of Sumner High School in Riverview, Fla., has the Orange in his top 13 and will officially visit the Hill from June 14 to June 16.

Vernon Allen III, a 2025 three-star wide receiver from Baltimore City College High School, also has set an official visit to Syracuse football from May 31 to June 2.

You'll see that a bunch of the high school prospects we just discussed come from Florida. With their recruiting efforts in the 2025 and 2026 classes, 'Cuse head coach Fran Brown and his staff are definitely hitting the Sunshine State hard.

While I'm bummed that the Orange isn't going to prevail for Vernell Brown III, I'm wishing this talented young man nothing but success as his recruiting process carries onward.