The Syracuse Orange wide receiver room will look different in 2026 after losing its top three players. Both Johntay Cook and Darrell Gill Jr. transferred to Ole Miss, and Justus Ross-Simmons exhausted his college eligibility and entered the 2026 NFL Draft. Syracuse addressed the position in the transfer portal by landing former Glendale Community College standout Zamondre Merriweather, former Miami Ohio star Cole Weaver, former Penn State four-star Matthew Outten, and former Florida State four-star Elijah Moore.
The Orange also landed a talented dual-sport athlete in the recruiting class.
Syracuse Orange true freshman was primed for a big role in 2026
Syracuse Orange, Calvin Russell III
Jan 13, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Calvin Russell III (6) looks on prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Calvin Russell III committed to Syracuse for the 2026 season as a dual-sport four-star recruit and was rated the 6th-best recruit from Florida, the 11th-best wide receiver, and the 62nd-overall prospect according to Rivals. He played high school football at Miami Northwestern, where he played wide receiver and some quarterback, and basketball as a forward. Russell early enrolled for the Orange Basketball team in 2025 and appeared in one game.
Unfortunately, his football debut will be put on hold.
Syracuse’s highly rated recruit suffers an injury
Syracuse Orange, Calvin Russell III
Jan 13, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Calvin Russell III (6) looks on prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Calvin Russell III suffered a significant undisclosed injury during spring practice. On X, Fran Brown released a statement saying that the highly-rated wide receiver recruit will miss an indefinite period of time, potentially missing most, if not all, of the 2026 season. Brown is confident Russell will return stronger because of Syracuse’s culture, commitment to players, and the relationship between Russell, his family, and the head coach.
Orange Nation is with you @14gump_ 🧡🍊 pic.twitter.com/Dc2GUCxBP9
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) March 31, 2026
Also Read: Syracuse QB Rickie Collins Hits Portal After Starting Five Games This Season, “Cooking With Hot Grease”: Syracuse Fans Excited Over Latest Transfer