Syracuse football preseason camp: Standouts, observations, injuries, news and notes

Syracuse football is wrapping up its first week of preseason camp ahead of the 2026 campaign, which commences on Saturday, Sept. 5, against non-conference foe New Hampshire at the JMA Wireless Dome.

There is a lot to digest, so let's have at it. On Monday, head coach Fran Brown held his weekly media availability session. He says the team will have a scrimmage this coming weekend, and he's looking for toughness and for his players to do their individual jobs while playing as a cohesive unit.

He mentioned that the defensive line is "doing a heck of a job." Brown added on Monday, "We won today. It was a good practice. We won today."

Both the offensive and defensive lines are vital to the Orange's success in 2026. The offensive line needs to play well to give quarterback Steve Angeli time to maneuver in the pocket, while also creating space for the rushing attack.

On the defensive line, the 'Cuse needs its tackles and defensive ends to pressure opposing quarterbacks better than last year, while also containing the edge to effectively stop the run. Brown said last week that the team's offensive linemen, led by OL coach Juan Castillo, are walking around camp with a "different sense of pride, a swagger and a humble confidence." I like that.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon also recently said that the offensive-line position group is getting after it and displaying a ton of energy in preseason camp. Keep an eye on fifth-year offensive lineman Joe Cruz.

Separately, last week, Brown was asked about five-star freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III, who is rehabbing an injury and eyes playing for SU later this season, Brown has said. Last week, Brown reiterated that Russell wants to play for Syracuse basketball again in the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Stay tuned on that.

Other observations, news and notes as Syracuse football heads into its second week of preseason camp.

Some guys who have gotten a bit banged up in training camp include sophomore offensive lineman D'Joni Scatliffe, senior defensive back Amare Snowden, senior wide receiver Cole Weaver, sophomore linebacker Trey Dudley, sophomore running back Davion Kerr, sophomore wide receiver Darien Williams, sophomore wide receiver Darius Johnson, sixth-year wide receiver Umari Hatcher, freshman wide receiver Amare' Gough and fifth-year defensive back Cornell Perry.

Most of these injuries, hopefully, are not serious. Brown did say that Scatliffe will have to undergo surgery and will likely miss several months of action.

Sophomore offensive lineman Byron Washington said his goal is to dominate in the 2026 season. He says that OL coach Castillo has a wealth of knowledge, and he "brings the fire." Washington says he expects the offensive line to surprise people this coming campaign.

Defensive coordinator Vince Kehres likes his depth on the defensive line, and he is optimistic that the Orange will have a consistent pass rush in 2026. He mentioned guys like senior linebacker David Omopariola, fifth-year defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye (a transfer from UNLV), senior linebacker Keyshawn Johnson (a transfer from UT Martin), senior defensive lineman Dillan Fontus (a transfer from Maryland), senior defensive lineman Rashard Perry and sophomore defensive lineman Nissi Ogbebor.

Kehres said last week during a media availability session that he likes the bond being formed between sophomore linebacker Antoine Deslauriers and senior linebacker Chris D'Appolonia, a transfer from Toledo. Both are freak athletes - literally. At the LB unit, I'd also monitor freshman Gemaus Sackie.

Deslauriers said last week that he believes the program has a fresh start after a rough 2025 campaign. "We're ready to show what we can do on the field and have a winning season," he says.

The secondary, led by cornerbacks Chris Peal, a senior, and Demetres Samuel Jr., a sophomore, can be a strength of Kehres' defense in 2026, the defensive coordinator says. "Our secondary has great ball skills."

Kehres continually stresses his motto, "11 as 1." To him, on defense, it's all about playing as one unit, playing with great effort, being tough and physical, playing smart, communicating and tackling well, weathering storms and overcoming adversity, and being selfless.

"If you're not giving great effort, you're being selfish, and honestly, you're not going to be on the field here," Kehres says. "I think we have a great group of players who have bought into the changes here, and I'm excited to let them loose on game day."

Peal notes how the 'Cuse practices, going all out, running a lot, "it makes you really tough" and helps with stamina on game day. It makes the actual games feel easier, so to speak, in terms of conditioning.

As Inside the Loud House detailed in a separate piece, Nixon digs his versatility on offense at the skill positions, including running back and wide receiver. One other position group that I'm watching is tight end. Who is going to get the starting nod? It's not clear yet, but senior David Clement could have a leg up.

In recent days, a few preseason accolades for various Syracuse football players:
•Cornerback Chris Peal is a preseason second-team All-American, per the Sporting News.
•Cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr. is on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Paul Hornung Award, which goes out annually to the sport's most versatile player.
•Defensive back Cornell Perry is on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Wuerffel Trophy, which is doled out every year to a player who leads through community service and excels both in the classroom and on the field.

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