Syracuse Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Players who plan to depart the program

The transfer portal for Division I programs will be open from January 2 to January 16. Syracuse football went 3-9 during the 2025 campaign, a disappointing season after the team sported a 10-3 mark in 2024.

However, the future looks bright on the Hill. Key players from this past term are expected to return. The Orange's 2026 class at the high school level is the highest-ranked cycle for the team in the modern recruiting services era. And we'll have to see what the 'Cuse coaching staff, which is undergoing a major overhaul, does in the transfer portal when the window opens early next month.

Syracuse football will see current players enter the transfer portal, while the Orange also secures commitments from players who are transferring into the 'Cuse from other squads.

Tracking which Syracuse football players plan to enter the transfer portal.

Caden Brown
On December 8, Brown said that he planned to enter the portal. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker is a sophomore out of Queen, N.Y., and his dad played for the Orange in the late 1980s. In the 2025 term, Brown appeared in two games, registering one total tackle.

Malachi James
James said on December 7 that he would enter the portal once it opens. His statement was telling. James said that he had hoped to stay at the 'Cuse, but circumstances beyond his control made it best for him to depart the program. Hmmm. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound James, a sophomore running back/return man out of Willingboro, N.J., only played in two games this past stanza due to injury.

Ibn McDaniels
McDaniels said on December 9 that he plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound McDaniels, a redshirt freshman defensive back from Elizabeth, N.J., appeared in 11 games this past term but only collected two total tackles.

Derek McDonald
McDonald, a redshirt senior linebacker from Atlanta, said on December 9 that he plans to enter the portal. He is expected to apply for a medical redshirt for the 2025 season after only appearing in four games due to injury. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound McDonald, in 2025, produced four solo tackles, eight total tackles and 0.5 tackles for a loss.

Chase Simmons
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Simmons, a redshirt senior defensive lineman/tight end, hails from Little River, S.C. He said on December 9 that he plans to enter the portal. In 2025, Simmons played in six contests. He had three solo tackles, seven total tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and 0.5 sacks.

Orange Nation wishes all these players the best of luck with their future endeavors!