On Sunday, three members of Syracuse football's large 2026 class de-committed from the program and reopened their respective recruitments.
They are three-star running back D'Antae Sheffey, three-star wide receiver Zikhere Leaks and three-star athlete E'Shawn Sutton. Social media posts on Sunday confirmed the news regarding all three high school seniors.
More than anything else, Orange Nation is wishing nothing but the best moving forward for D'Antae, Zikhere and E'Shawn!
BREAKING: 3 ⭐️ (‘26) RB D’Antae Sheffey tells me he’s decommitting from Syracuse and reopening his recruitment.
— Riley Alberts (@CfbRalb) November 24, 2025
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Sheffey attends State College HS in PA. He had been committed since April.
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Where should D’Antae go? 🤔⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FxEujXdpWA
On Monday morning, the 'Cuse 2026 cycle stood at 27 verbal pledges, and it is ranked No. 26 overall, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. This Orange class includes one five-star prospect and six players who are rated four stars by at least one recruiting service.
I’m truly blessed for all the opportunities i have been given, but after further consideration and a phone call with Coach Fran brown, i’m announcing my de commitment from syracuse university, Thank you for all the opportunities you have gave me, Recruitment 100% Open! pic.twitter.com/6AfYRGY4Rd
— 3⭐️ Zikhere “Zikk” Leaks (@ZikhereLeaks3_) November 24, 2025
Syracuse football has seen its 2026 class decrease by three members.
Looking for a new home 🏠@CoachHoats @WPCatsFootball @B_Dyer2 pic.twitter.com/VtOaX3SXKn
— EShawn Sutton (@EShawnSutton) November 24, 2025
Given that three 2026 prospects reopened their recruitments on Sunday, one day after the Orange suffered a historic loss at No. 9 Notre Dame, this might concern some 'Cuse fans. That's understandable.
However, it's entirely possible that Syracuse football coaches are looking to possibly shrink their 2026 class at the high school level to free up scholarships for current players who will be returning, but that the Orange staff initially thought would hit the transfer portal.
Additionally, due to the team's struggles in the current campaign, perhaps 'Cuse coaches want to focus more on bringing in veterans via the portal. Earlier this fall, the NCAA approved a one-time-only transfer portal window that will run from January 2 to January 16.
Sheffey, a senior at State College Area High School in State College, Pa., verbally committed to the Orange in April of 2024. Leaks, a senior at Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, Pa., verbally pledged to the 'Cuse in mid-June of this year. Sutton, out of Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Fla., verbally committed to Syracuse football in late March of 2025.
I'm not overly concerned about these three players reopening their recruitments on Sunday. What would concern me, though, is if the Orange's highest-rated commits in the 2026 class started to de-commit ahead of the early signing period in December.