Syracuse Football: Delving into the week-one depth chart versus Ohio at the Dome

The Fran Brown era as the new head coach of Syracuse football begins this Saturday afternoon when the Orange will host non-conference foe Ohio at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The 'Cuse fan base's anticipation and excitement over the 2024 season has been brewing for months now, and game day is nearly upon us.

As I noted in another column earlier this week, Syracuse football is a relatively large betting favorite versus the Bobcats, a Mid-American Conference ("MAC") member that won 10 contests a season ago, and a team that Brown isn't taking lightly one bit.

The week-one depth chart for the Orange has been released, per media reports from 247Sports' Mike McAllister and others. From my perspective, there are a lot of things in this depth chart that I expected, along with a few surprises. Let's discuss further.

Analyzing the week-one depth chart for Syracuse football against Ohio on the Hill.

Naturally, a lot of eyeballs focus on the quarterback position. Senior Kyle McCord, a four-star transfer from Ohio State, is of course listed as the starter, while the back-up listed is Florida Atlantic transfer Michael Johnson Jr. or returnee Carlos Del Rio-Wilson.

Brown has spoken of late about the need for his back-up quarterbacks to close the gap between where they are, and where McCord is.

At running back, junior LeQuint Allen Jr., an All-ACC performer in the 2023 campaign, is the starter. Listed as the back-up is either incoming freshman Yasin Willis, a 2024 four-star prospect, or Washington transfer Will Nixon.

The starting wide receivers and tight ends are fairly unsurprising, although listed as a back-up at wide receiver is 2024 four-star prospect and incoming freshman Emanuel Ross. Colorado State transfer Justus Ross-Simmons, a talented wide receiver, wasn't included on the depth chart. Reports state that he continues to rehab a minor injury.

On the defensive side, a few things caught my eye. Texas A&M four-star transfer Fadil Diggs, of course, is the starter at edge. One of the two listed back-ups is four-star incoming freshman KingJoseph Edwards, whom I'm really high on.

Also, listed as one of the two back-ups at cornerback is 2024 three-star commit and incoming freshman Ibn McDaniels. Braheem Long Jr., a 2024 three-star commit and incoming freshman, is also listed as one of the two back-ups at the strong-safety position.

Another starting cornerback spot will entail either Buffalo transfer Devin Grant or 2024 four-star pledge Marcellus Barnes Jr., a highly touted incoming freshman for the 'Cuse.

I also found this tidbit intriguing. Listed as the starting kick returner is either veteran Trebor Pena or ultra-fast, three-star incoming freshman Malachi James.