Syracuse Football: Where 2026 4-star commits, targets reside in new Rivals rankings

Recruiting service and media outlet Rivals.com, this week, refreshed its 2026 national rankings of the top-250 prospects in the rising high school junior cycle, and Syracuse football recruiting enthusiasts will recognize a bunch of names here.

To date, the Orange coaching staff has secured verbal commitments from at least three 2026 players, while the 'Cuse pursues numerous other highly ranked prospects in this class.

When I wrote this article, in the wake of the Rivals.com update, the Orange's three-member 2026 class checked in at No. 4 around the country, which is a fabulous start for head coach Fran Brown and his assistants.

Here are where Syracuse football commits and targets landed in new 2026 rankings from Rivals.com.

Verbal Pledges
•Athlete/defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. of Heritage High School in Palm Bay, Fla.
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 232 overall and No. 38 at athlete

•Linebacker/edge Izayia Williams of Tavares High School in Tavares, Fla.
New Rivals.com rankings: Three stars

•Running back D'Antae Sheffey of Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Pa.
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 16 at running back and No. 9 in Pennsylvania

Recruiting Targets (this list isn't meant to be fully exhaustive)
•Running back Savion Hiter of the Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Va.
Re-offered by 'Cuse on February 16, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 26 overall, No. 1 at running back and No. 1 in Virginia

•Quarterback Dia Bell of the American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla.
Offered by 'Cuse on January 20, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 39 overall, No. 2 at dual-threat QB and No. 7 in Florida

•Quarterback Brady Hart of Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Fla.
Offered by 'Cuse on April 24, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 42 overall, No. 4 at pro-style QB and No. 9 in Florida

•Wide receiver Calvin Russell of Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Miami
Re-offered by 'Cuse on January 20, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 43 overall, No. 10 at wide receiver and No. 10 in Florida

•Offensive lineman Darius Gray of the St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Va.
Re-offered by 'Cuse on March 17, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 93 overall, No. 3 at offensive guard and No. 3 in Virginia

•Edge Zion Elee of Joppatowne High School in Joppatowne, Md.
Offered by 'Cuse on February 16, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 95 overall, No. 7 at weakside defensive end and No. 2 in Maryland

•Running back Javian Mallory of West Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Fla.
Re-offered by 'Cuse on February 16, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 140 overall, No. 7 at running back and No. 19 in Florida

•Defensive back/wide receiver Ayden Pouncey of Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Fla.
Offered by 'Cuse on May 6, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 156 overall, No. 9 at safety and No. 26 in Florida

•Linebacker Adam Balogoun-Ali of The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla.
Offered by 'Cuse on February 1, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 174 overall, No. 9 at outside linebacker and No. 29 in Florida

•Defensive back Jaydin Broadnax of West Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Fla.
Offered by 'Cuse on February 17, 2024
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 221 overall, No. 15 at safety and No. 40 in Florida

•Wide receiver/athlete Dyzier Carter of the Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Va.
Offered by 'Cuse on October 29, 2022
New Rivals.com rankings: Four stars, No. 186 overall, No. 29 at wide receiver and No. 4 in Virginia