Amid Syracuse football's preseason camp getting underway last week, new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres spoke a bit about the team's defensive line for the upcoming 2026 campaign. He said that he likes the Orange's depth on the defensive line, including returnees stepping into larger roles, transfers coming in, and freshmen looking to make their mark.
"I'm optimistic that we'll be able to have a consistent pass rush," Kehres says.
I would like to thank every coach and recruiter that was apart of my great high school football journey these past years have been great and I’m blessed to say I have signed with Syracuse University @CuseFootball @FranBrownCuse @Coach_2CAP @CoachNickWill @Coach_E_Rob 🍊🎯✍️ pic.twitter.com/P09sAIFUKl
— Jarius Rodgers (@Not_JRod9) December 3, 2025
One of the program's freshmen on the defensive line whom SU fans should keep tabs on in the 2026 season is Jarius Rodgers from the Sunshine State. Case in point, on Sunday, ESPN published a list of 51 freshmen who are poised to make an impact in 2026.
Among the 10 college newbies from the Atlantic Coast Conference who are included in the ESPN report is the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Rodgers, who came to the 'Cuse by way of Fleming Island High School in Fleming Island, Fla.
Syracuse football edge rusher Jarius Rodgers could be a contributor as a freshman.
Within the 2026 class, ESPN placed Rodgers as a four-star prospect. Both the industry-generated 247Sports Composite and the industry-generated Rivals Industry Ranking had him as a top-500 national prospect in his cycle and a top-50 edge rusher.
From the ESPN piece: "A healthy Steve Angeli could lead to Syracuse's rejuvenation after its promising start to 2025 spiraled following his Achilles injury. The Orange will need more contributions than just quarterback, though, especially on defense. Enter Rodgers, a 6-4, 225-pound athletic freak who is a candidate to take a significant step forward in college with the right tutelage."
During his time at Fleming Island, according to Syracuse Athletics, Rodgers won a District title, was an All-County selection, was a captain as a senior and also excelled in track and field.
Andrew Ivins, the director of high school football scouting for 247Sports, published an evaluation of Rodgers last year. Among other things, Ivins noted that Rodgers has high upside, terrific length and speed, and a "promising set of tools."
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