Syracuse Football: Five unsung heroes from the Orange's 3-1 start in the 2025 season

After beating Clemson as a double-digit underdog, Syracuse football is off to a 3-1 start in 2025. Despite the season-ending injury to quarterback Steve Angeli, there are good vibes surrounding the program right now. Naturally, Angeli and the team’s wide receivers have gotten most of the credit, and for good reason. There has also been plenty of publicity for two-way freshman Demetres Samuel and bruising running back Yasin Willis, among others.

However, Syracuse’s 3-1 start has been a true team effort. With Angeli out for the rest of the season, the Orange will need it to be a team effort moving forward. That’s why now is a good time to highlight some of the unsung heroes during the early part of the 2025 season, especially since these are the players who are likely to be huge factors in Syracuse’s continued success this year.

Devin Grant

After Grant missed the UConn and Colgate games with an injury, he quickly reminded everyone why he was projected to be such a key component to the Syracuse defense before the season. It seemed like he was a part of every negative play the Clemson offense had during the Orange’s upset in Death Valley. He led the team with 10 tackles, including eight solo tackles and two tackles for loss. Grant was key in the defensive backfield, but he was also the biggest reason why Cade Klubnik wasn’t able to hurt Syracuse with his legs, rushing for just one yard on four carries. It was a defensive masterclass by Grant and a sign that he might be Syracuse’s best defensive player moving forward.

Braheem Long

With Grant missing two games, there was an opening for other players in the secondary to step up, and Long answered the call. The Camden native played in almost every game as a true freshman last season, mostly on special teams. But he’s taken a huge step forward as a sophomore, making plays all over the field. Long recorded both a sack and an interception against Colgate, following it up with eight tackles and a sack against Clemson, including a tackle on Klubnik on a key fourth down. It was such a great performance that we can even forgive his foolish taunting call that gave Clemson a first-and-goal situation. Despite that youthful error, Long has added another playmaker to an already deep defensive backfield.

Trevion Mack

Amidst all of the transfers from power-five programs along the offensive lines, it’s been Mack who has emerged as the team’s best offensive lineman. Outside of field goals and PATs, he rarely saw the field last year as a redshirt freshman. However, Mack has solidified his spot as the starting left tackle. He was one of Syracuse’s bright spots in the loss to Tennessee before missing the next two games with an injury. However, it’s no coincidence that when he returned against Clemson, the Orange offensive line played better, dominating the game on Syracuse’s early drives. In short, Mack has helped to answer one of the biggest questions facing the Orange at the start of the season.

Will Nixon

Before the season, Willis was expected to be the bell cow for the Syracuse offense, much like LeQuint Allen was last season. It certainly looked that way after Willis scored three touchdowns against Tennessee. But Nixon has been equally important to the offense. Keep in mind, he was the one who got the ball on the first play of the season. Nixon also handled the increased role when Willis got hurt. He’s been steady and productive in every game this season, while also providing a more reliable option in the passing game. Willis is still Syracuse’s best running back, but Nixon will continue to share reps with him. That will force opposing teams to keep both players in mind, especially since they are distinctly different backs.

Dan Villari

Seriously, how good has Villari been this season? Admittedly, it’s tough to get love when Darrell Gill and Justus Ross-Simmons keep making highlight-reel catches. But Villari leads the team in receptions through four games, serving as Angeli’s safety net. After Oronde Gadsden left for the NFL, Villari had some of the biggest shoes to fill of anyone on the team. Against the odds, Villari has managed to fill those shoes better than anyone could have hoped. While few tight ends have Gadsden’s physical tools, Villari has used his skill set to give the Orange a productive and consistent tight end. After some drops last season, Villari has showcased a reliable set of hands, as well as the hard-nosed running style Syracuse fans have come to love. After his excellent start to the season, Villari needs to keep being a dependable safety net for Rickie Collins in the wake of Angeli’s injury.