The Syracuse football team has been somewhat spoiled at the tight end position in recent years. Oronde Gadsden is arguably the most talented tight end in program history. When he left for the NFL after the 2024 season, Dan Villari was ready to step into the starting role. However, with Villari’s illustrious college career now over, Syracuse has uncertainty at tight end for the first time in several years. Let’s take a look at what Orange fans can expect from that position during the 2026 season.
The starter
David Clement has the inside track to be the starter to open the 2026 campaign. He’s played in 36 games for Syracuse over the past three seasons, including five starts last year. Of course, the Albany native has played primarily on special teams or been used as a blocker. He has just three career catches for 30 yards, all coming last year. Whether he can become a more consistent part of the passing attack remains to be seen. But Clement will at least provide an additional blocker and an experienced presence for the Syracuse offense this season.
The backups
One of the more underrated transfers on the Orange roster this season could be Noah Meyers, who should see regular playing time as a backup tight end. The Western Kentucky transfer had 32 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns for the Hilltoppers last year. He’s very much a threat in the passing game and should help fill the void left by Villari. It’s possible that Meyers will push Clement for the starting job. But with the two having different skill sets, the Syracuse offense should find a way to use both of them.
And Finally Steve Angeli connects with Daunte Bacheyie @NunesMagician pic.twitter.com/utYpSp35ou
— Tanner Jace (@TannerJace41215) August 20, 2026
The other name to watch among backup tight ends is Daunte Bacheyie. Hailing from nearby Sylvan Beach, the CBA product played in 10 games as a true freshman last year. Bacheyie was mostly used on special teams, although he saw increased playing time late in the season, ultimately finishing with five catches for 42 yards. If he can continue to build on that, there could be an even bigger role for Bacheyie in 2026, perhaps with him and Meyers playing together to give the Orange a two-tight-end formation in which both are receiving threats.
The rest
Filling out the depth chart will be sophomore Elijah Washington-Baker and true freshman Carter Bashir. At 6’7’’ and 245 pounds, Washington-Baker will be used primarily as a blocker. He’ll play on special teams and will likely be preferred over Meyers and Bacheyie in goal-line situations, with him and Clement providing extra blockers. However, he did have a touchdown catch last season, so perhaps his size can be useful in the red zone as well.
As for Bashir, he had some notable offers coming out of high school, so he was a great pickup in this year’s recruiting class. But whether the Philadelphia product will get meaningful playing time as a freshman remains to be seen.
The skinny
At first glance, tight end doesn’t look like a huge strength for the 2026 Orange. However, this is certainly an intriguing group. Clement and Washington-Baker will provide a little extra muscle in short-yardage situations, although both could have hidden upside as pass-catchers. Meanwhile, both Meyers and Bacheyie have the potential to contribute to the passing attack. Each has potential despite not being a proven commodity in the ACC. If the Orange gets anything out of Bashir, that’ll be a nice bonus. Overall, the tight end position looks fairly stable and should be far from Syracuse’s biggest problem this year.
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