Syracuse landed Calvin Russell III, a 5-star wide receiver from Miami, late Saturday night in what represents the program’s biggest recruiting victory in two decades.
Russell chose the Orange over Michigan, Florida State and Oregon. He’s the highest-ranked recruit Syracuse has signed since the early 2000s.
The 6-foot-5 receiver brings elite size to the Orange’s passing attack.
Head coach Fran Brown enters his second season having now proven Syracuse can compete for top-tier talent nationally. The commitment signals the program’s upward trajectory under Brown’s leadership.
“It’s about trusting the process and finding the right people to grow on and off the field with. I’m thankful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I’m ready to work and give everything I got to Syracuse. This is the next step toward what I’ve been working for my entire life.”
Russell comes from a family of athletes. His mother, Chanivia Broussard, was a hall of fame basketball player at Miami.
“Watching Calvin commit to Syracuse is one of the proudest moments of my life. He’s worked so hard in both sports, and now he gets to live out both dreams at a school that truly values who he is on and off the field.”
The Class of 2026 prospect still has time before signing day arrives.
Russell’s commitment could signal more elite recruits considering Syracuse as a destination. Brown’s recruiting efforts have elevated the program’s national profile since taking over the program.
The wide receiver represents the type of talent Syracuse needs to compete in the ACC. His size and athleticism fit the modern college football game.
