Syracuse adds NJ recruit Zaiden McDonald to 2026 class
Three-star recruit Zaiden McDonald has committed to Syracuse football’s 2026 class, he announced on social media Monday. Leonardo Eriman | Asst. Video Editor
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Three-star 2026 recruit Zaiden McDonald has committed to Syracuse football’s 2026 class, he announced on social media Monday. McDonald is a linebacker and safety and became the second-highest ranked player in SU’s class.
Hailing from Syracuse head coach Fran Brown’s home state of New Jersey, McDonald has emerged as a star for Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He’s the 12th best player in New Jersey in 2026 and stands 6-foot-1, 190 pounds.
McDonald chose the Orange over Atlantic Coast Conference foes North Carolina, Boston College and Duke as well as highly-ranked Big Ten and Southeastern Conference schools like Ohio State, Tennessee, Illinois and Kentucky. He visited UNC and Bill Belichick in February but ultimately went with SU.
McDonald became the 14th commit in Syracuse’s 2026 class and the second from the Garden State. SU ranks 10th in the country for its 2026 class and third in the ACC. Brown and Co. have room to grow as only five of the top 20 recruits in New Jersey’s 2026 class are committed, with two already committing to join the Orange.
