Calvin Russell III, the freshman wide receiver who ruptured his Achilles tendon in late March amid spring practices, will play in the upcoming 2026 season, according to Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown.
Speaking on Thursday at the annual ACC Kickoff event in Charlotte, N.C., Brown said that the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Russell will "be back this season." Brown declined to provide a specific timeline, adding: "I think he’ll be out there to play for us this year. You’ll see No. 5 on offense on the field."
Russell, who hails from Opa Locka, Fla., signed with Syracuse football in late December and enrolled at SU for the spring semester this past January. A five-star, top-35 national prospect in the 2026 class, per 247Sports, Russell became the highest-ranked commit for the Orange program in more than two decades.
A standout hoops player as well, Inside the Loud House had first reported last summer that Russell would also suit up for Syracuse basketball. He joined 'Cuse hoops in January. Russell has said he expects to continue playing for SU basketball under first-year head coach Gerry McNamara.
Fran Brown says Syracuse football WR Calvin Russell III will play in 2026.
As a two-sport standout at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Russell won a state title in football during his junior season. He has said that basketball is his first love, although his talent on the football field is what got Orange fans so excited when he verbally committed to the 'Cuse last July.
At the ACC Kickoff, Brown was asked by a reporter about the criticism he received from some folks when word came out that Russell was seen at practices catching passes from the scooter he used while still in a walking boot.
Brown said that he's responsible for his players, both in terms of their physical health and their mental health. He said it was important for Russell to stay involved with his teammates. Brown said he didn't want Russell to feel like he's not wanted or needed, because he has been injured. A similar sentiment was echoed by Brown as it relates to the rehab of starting quarterback Steve Angeli.
Between returnees, transfers and incoming freshmen, Syracuse football has a deep wide receivers room, providing many targets for Angeli, who was leading the country in total passing yards last season before he got injured in the team's win at Clemson.
However, Russell's missing part of the 2026 season is a rough blow for the Orange. Hopefully, he will return fully healthy and make an impact when he sees the field at some point in the upcoming campaign.
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