In recent days, a host of former Syracuse football four-star and five-star recruiting targets across several classes have de-committed from their college team and re-opened their recruitments.
The bevy of them are from Penn State, which fired head coach James Franklin on Sunday. But former Orange recruits have also de-committed from schools such as North Carolina, California and San Diego State.
While this list isn't meant to be exhaustive, here in alphabetical order are prospects who have held a scholarship offer or interest from the 'Cuse staff and have de-committed from their college squad (or reopened their recruitment).
Former Syracuse football recruits are back on the market.
Tavian Branch
2026 three-star defensive lineman
Riverside High School in Taylor, Pa.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on July 30, 2024
Marlen Bright
2026 four-star offensive tackle
DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on December 14, 2023, and had the Orange in his top seven
Amir Brown
2027 four-star running back
Rolesville High School in Rolesville, N.C.
De-committed from North Carolina on Wednesday
Offered by Syracuse football on February 7, 2025
Davion Brown
2026 four-star wide receiver
Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Va.
De-committed from Penn State on Monday
Offered by Syracuse football on February 17, 2024, and had the Orange in his top 5
Isaac Chukwurah
2026 three-star defensive lineman
Caravel Academy in Bear, Del.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Syracuse football is in contact with Chukwurah, I'm told
Jayden Crowder
2026 three-star cornerback
Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
De-committed from California on Wednesday
Offered by Syracuse football on April 13, 2024
Jaziel Hart
2026 four-star cornerback
North Cross School in Roanoke, Va.
De-committed from Penn State on Tuesday
Offered by Syracuse football on July 3, 2024
Gabe Jenkins
2027 four-star linebacker
Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh
De-committed from Penn State on Sunday
Offered by Syracuse football on October 1, 2024
Mathieu Lamah
2026 four-star linebacker
Patriot High School in Nokesville, Va.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on January 24, 2025
Messiah Mickens
2026 four-star running back
Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Pa.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on January 21, 2023; the Orange is currently in contact with Mickens, according to On3/Rivals
Julian Peterson
2026 three-star defensive back
Winslow Township High School in Atco, N.J.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on July 29, 2024
Jahsiear Rogers
2026 four-star wide receiver
Appoquinimink High School in Middletown, Del.
De-committed from Penn State on Monday
Offered by Syracuse football on April 30, 2025, per 247Sports
Matt Sieg
2026 four-star athlete/safety
Fort Cherry Senior High School in McDonald, Pa.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on May 14, 2024
Kemon Spell
2027 five-star running back
McKeesport Area Senior High School in McKeesport, Pa.
De-committed from Penn State on Sunday
Offered by Syracuse football on May 23, 2024; will visit the Orange for its game against North Carolina on Halloween, I'm told
Khalil Taylor
2027 four-star wide receiver
Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pa.
De-committed from Penn State last Friday
Offered by Syracuse football on May 30, 2004; will visit the Orange this Saturday for its game against Pittsburgh
Layton Von Brandt
2027 five-star offensive tackle
Appoquinimink High School in Middletown, Del.
De-committed from Penn State on Sunday
Offered by Syracuse football on February 21, 2024
Malik White
2026 three-star offensive tackle
Rancho Cucamonga High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
De-committed from San Diego State on Tuesday
Offered by Syracuse football on March 13, 2024
Terry Wiggins
2026 four-star linebacker
Coatesville Area Senior High School in Coatesville, Pa.
Verbally committed to Penn State, but has reopened his recruitment
Offered by Syracuse football on August 20, 2024