It continues to be a tough stretch for the 2025 Syracuse football team. On the bright side, the Orange stars of yesteryear are having a good time in the NFL. Week 7, in particular, was a good week for some of our favorite players. Let’s check out what some former Syracuse football stars did in the NFL this past weekend.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
While it came in a losing effort, Gadsden had another big day for the Chargers. One week after setting a career-high with 68 receiving yards, Gadsden blew that mark out of the water with 164 receiving yards on seven catches. Five of those catches went for a first down, including a 53-yard grab and Gadsden’s first career NFL touchdown. He has finally worked his way to the top of the depth chart at tight end.
DART. Former Syracuse football All-American tight end Oronde Gadsden II (@Orondegii), on Sunday, hauled in seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown for the NFL's L.A. Chargers. He shattered the Chargers' previous rookie single-game receiving yardage record for a TE. More 🔽
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) October 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/WEEWPDzIva
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) October 19, 2025
Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden is announcing his NFL arrival.
6 receptions, 156 yards, first career touchdown!#boltup
Zaire Franklin, Colts
Knocking off Gadsden and the Chargers was Franklin’s Colts. While it was the Indy offense doing the heavy lifting, Franklin contributed five tackles, one defended pass, and two quarterback hits in the 38-24 win. The Colts forced the typically mistake-free Justin Herbert into two interceptions, with Franklin leading the way as team captain.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
The windy forecast didn’t bother Szmyt, who made all four of his extra-point attempts and his only field goal in Cleveland’s 31-6 win over the Dolphins. On the season, Szmyt is 10 for 12 on field goals and 11 for 12 on PATs.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins
Unfortunately, Melifonwu was also on the field during the Dolphins-Browns game. He started at safety for Miami, although he had just two tackles and appears to be losing playing time to younger players.
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars
The Jaguars didn’t have a good weekend in London, getting crushed by the Rams 35-7. Once again, Allen lagged behind Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten in snaps. He had no carries and just one catch for four yards.
Alijah Clark, Cowboys
With so many injuries to the Dallas secondary on Sunday, Clark saw extended snaps on defense in addition to his normal role on special teams. He recorded just two tackles but drew positive reviews. More importantly, Clark is potentially set up to see more playing time in the weeks to come.
It's really fun to watch Alijah Clark playing for @dallascowboys @cinco_agent #DART 🎯 @CuseFootball 🍊 pic.twitter.com/eYiSpcBCM1
— Madden🏈 Cuse🍊 (@OrangeCityNY) October 19, 2025
Andre Cisco, Jets
For the second straight week, the Jets’ defense can’t be blamed for the team’s loss. Cisco and company allowed just 13 points in a 13-6 loss to the Panthers. The former Syracuse safety had six tackles, which was tied for the third most of any Jets player, including five solo tackles.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
Unfortunately, Tucker didn’t get much of a chance to shine on Monday Night Football. The Bucs attempted just 11 rushes, with Tucker only having one of them for four yards. He also caught one pass for two yards.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
The Bucs scoring just nine points meant Dixon had a busy night in Detroit. He had six punts, including a long of 52 and four that landed inside the 20-yard line.