Syracuse football gets going for real this Saturday afternoon against No. 24 Tennessee in a battle of Orange-clad teams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
We should know the Orange's two-deep depth chart in the coming days, but for now, I'm taking a look into my (often wrong) crystal ball and projecting what the team's starting unit will be against the Volunteers.
Some positions are set in stone, so to speak, unless something weird transpires, while others I'm not entirely sure of at this juncture. Either way, football is almost here, and I can't wait for the Orange's upcoming 2025 season.
The projected starting group for Syracuse football in week one.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Steve Angeli, redshirt junior
Even I can't screw this one up. Head coach Fran Brown has named Angeli, the transfer from Notre Dame, as the Orange's starting quarterback.
Running Back
Yasin Willis, sophomore
While I think that redshirt senior Will Nixon will see the field a lot, I'll go with Willis as the 'Cuse starter at running back.
Tight End
Dan Villari, redshirt senior
Villari, a fan favorite for sure, has some big shoes to fill in trying to replace former Syracuse football All-American tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
Wide Receivers
Darrell Gill Jr., junior
Justus Ross-Simmons, senior
Johntay Cook II, junior
The receivers' room is stacked, and while I think the three above will start, others who will get ample reps include redshirt senior Umari Hatcher, redshirt sophomore Tyshawn Russell, redshirt freshman Emanuel Ross and redshirt freshman Jaylan Hornsby, among others.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Naquil Betrand, redshirt sophomore
Left Guard: TJ Ferguson, redshirt sophomore
Center: Austin Collins, redshirt senior
Right Guard: Zach Rice, redshirt junior
Right Tackle: Da'Metrius Weatherspoon, redshirt senior
The OL is a tricky one. It has been significantly overhauled since 2024, and current offensive linemen have competed at multiple positions throughout preseason camp. While my projected starters are above, others who will be in the mix for a lot of playing time include redshirt sophomore Joshua Miller, redshirt sophomore Trevion Mack, redshirt junior Joe Cruz, freshman Byron Washington and redshirt freshman Kam Pringle.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Defensive Tackle: Dion Wilson Jr., redshirt senior
Defensive Tackle: Kevin Jobity Jr., senior
Defensive End: Denis Jaquez Jr., senior
Defensive End: David Reese, redshirt senior
Others who will receive a lot of playing time include redshirt senior George Rooks, junior Rashard Perry and redshirt senior Chris Thomas.
Linebackers
Redshirt senior Derek McDonald and redshirt junior Gary Bryant III (or redshirt senior Anwar Sparrow)
Cornerbacks
Freshman Demetres Samuel Jr., sophomore Davien Kerr and redshirt sophomore Chris Peal
Safeties
Redshirt senior Duce Chestnut and senior Devin Grant, with redshirt senior Berry Buxton III also right there
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker
Jadyn Oh, redshirt sophomore
Honesty, I have no clue here - the battle is between Oh and redshirt freshman Tripp Woody. It could go either way.
Punter
Jack Stonehouse, redshirt senior
Easy peasy. He's an All-ACC performer each of the past two seasons, and Stonehouse resides on the preseason All-ACC team ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Kickoff/Punt Returner
Malachi James, sophomore