Syracuse basketball reportedly pushing hard for 2026 4-star big man MJ Madison

Syracuse basketball is among the schools in pursuit of 2026 four-star power forward MJ Madison, according to a report.

The 6-foot-9 Madison, who is from Atlanta, picked up a scholarship offer from the Orange staff in early May of last year. He has expressed an interest in visiting the 'Cuse, although it's unclear to me if he has already visited the program or set an upcoming trip to the Hill.

MADE Hoops scouting analyst Trent Watson recently said on X that among the schools pushing the hardest for Madison these days are the Orange, N.C. State and Duquesne. He's eyeing a potential commitment announcement in late February or March, per Watson's reporting.

Syracuse basketball is apparently in the mix for 2026 four-star big man MJ Madison.

As a junior, Madison played at the powerhouse Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, N.Y., which in the 2024-25 season was among the top prep programs nationally. Orange freshman shooting guard Kiyan Anthony also suited up for Long Island Lutheran last season.

For his senior campaign in the 2025-26 term, Madison transferred to another elite high school team, Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to MaxPreps, Prolific Prep is 20-3 overall in 2025-26. The Crew plays in the prestigious Grind Session. In his latest top 25, ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi had Prolific Prep as the No. 3 team around the country.

This past Monday, Prolific Prep competed in the annual Hoophall Classic on the campus of Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. Syracuse basketball assistant coach Brenden Straughn was in attendance at this loaded showcase, although I'm not sure if he watched Prolific Prep's game or not.

Within the 2026 class, Rivals rates Madison as the No. 119 national prospect. ESPN has him as a four-star player and the No. 21 power forward. According to recruiting services, Madison's full scholarship offer sheet includes schools such as the College of Charleston, Georgia, Kennesaw State, Penn State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech.

The 'Cuse staff remains on the hunt for its first 2026 commit at the high school level. The team's 2026 prep class was always likely to be small, given that nine or even 10 players on the current roster could return. The uncertainty over the Orange coaching staff is also a factor here.

Besides Madison, Syracuse basketball continues to recruit 2026 five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr. hard. He has the 'Cuse in his top six and has unofficially visited the program twice. Last December, 2027 four-star wing/small forward Clyde Walters took an official visit to Syracuse basketball, and the SU staff is eyeing him as a potential re-class candidate into the 2026 cycle.