Syracuse Football: In new rankings, 'Cuse has two of the highest-rated 4-star commits

The Syracuse football three-member 2026 class is well-represented in the new ESPN 300 for this cycle.

Not too long ago, ESPN refreshed its national rankings for the rising high school junior class. The Orange, currently, has two of the 15 highest-ranked verbal pledges in this updated set of ratings.

Two of these 'Cuse verbal commits also reside in the top 100 nationally of the 2026 cycle, which is awesome. Then again, let's keep in mind that it will be a while before prospects in this class can officially sign with college programs, so let's see how this all pans out.

In any event, when I wrote this article on Sunday, the industry-generated 247Sports Composite placed the Orange's three-member 2026 cycle at No. 4 nationwide, a reflection of the fast start by head coach Fran Brown and his top-flight staff in this class.

Syracuse football 2026 verbal pledges are highly ranked in the new ESPN 300.

Here are the three 'Cuse verbal commits at this juncture in the 2026 cycle:
•Four-star athlete/defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. of Heritage High School in Palm Bay, Fla.
•Four-star linebacker/edge Izayia Williams of Tavares High School in Tavares, Fla.
•Four-star running back D'Antae Sheffey of Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Pa.

Sheffey isn't included in the latest ESPN 300. However, On3 currently rates him at No. 237 around the country in the 2026 class.

ESPN has Samuel at No. 93 overall, No. 13 at cornerback and No. 18 in Florida within this cycle.

Turning to Williams, ESPN is quite bullish on him at this time, placing Williams at No. 39 nationwide in the 2026 class, No. 5 safety and No. 8 in Florida. Williams, on his X page, says that he plays linebacker and edge.

One Syracuse football 2026 recruiting target whom I'll mention here is elite wide receiver Calvin Russell of Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Miami. Russell is rated five stars by the 247Sports Composite.

ESPN's new rankings have him as four stars, No. 18 overall, No. 3 at wide receiver and No. 3 in Florida. Last month, analysts noted that the Orange staff is recruiting Russell hard, and that he's high on Syracuse football, along with several other schools.