Syracuse lost a key offensive weapon when running back Yasin Willis announced he’s entering the transfer portal.
Willis made his decision public on social media Tuesday. The announcement caught many Orange fans off guard.
Allah knows best! pic.twitter.com/Xu4o2W6vtB
The departure hits Syracuse’s backfield hard. Willis rushed for 558 yards on 129 carries in 2025.
He’s got two years of eligibility remaining.
Willis brings power and speed to his running style. His athleticism shows up in highlight-reel plays like the hurdle that made waves on social media.
The timing makes this loss sting more for Orange fans. Willis told Syracuse.com late in the season that he planned to return for 2026.
Syracuse thought it had its starting running back locked up for next season. Now the coaching staff needs to figure out the backfield.
Will Nixon could return to fill the gap. He’s applied for a medical hardship waiver that would give him a seventh year of eligibility.
No decision has been made on Nixon’s waiver request.
Most of Syracuse’s transfer portal activity this offseason involved bench players. Willis represents the first significant departure from the Orange’s core contributors.
The Orange now just now that they’ll be losing a proven rusher after expecting him to anchor the running game in 2026.
