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Syracuse’s running backs have a nickname for themselves: The Seal Squad. Whenever they’re with each other and someone’s in trouble, all they have to do is yell out “Seal.”

Soon after, someone calls out “Squad,” and the group eventually convenes. It’s their calling card.

So when Will Nixon fumbled on his fourth touch of the game, Yasin Willis, a key member of the squad, was right by Nixon’s side. Willis — who was ruled out with an injury — gave Nixon words of encouragement. Nixon said Willis is his hype man. Typically a mild-mannered individual, Willis’ high energy provides good balance.

When Nixon needed it Friday, Willis was there.

“I love those guys, man,” Nixon said. “It’s just, it’s all heart for us.”

Though Willis was sidelined, Syracuse’s (2-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) rushing attack thrived, spearheaded by Nixon’s career-high 66 rushing yards. The Orange totaled a season-high 173 yards on the ground — after just 150 through their first two games — in their 66-24 blowout win over Colgate (0-3, 0-0 Patriot League). Eight different players received carries in what was SU’s most proficient rushing day since 2023.

Despite being a pass-happy offense, Syracuse showed it has a bit more balance within its offense.

The support for Nixon was plentiful after his fumble. Nixon couldn’t believe Kenny Langston jarred the ball loose. It was his first time in college putting the ball on the ground. He labeled it as “something that can’t happen.” When he came to the sidelines, SU head coach Fran Brown told him they were going right back to him.

“Everybody will make mistakes,” Brown said. “Mistakes are made in life. It’s how many times you’re gonna get up. You fall eight times, you better get up nine.”

Brown even forgot about the play by the time Syracuse went into the locker room at halftime, until someone reminded him after recapping the first half. Even though Brown told Nixon he’d get the ball soon, the running back remained on the sidelines for the ensuing drive. Sophomore Jaden Hart was inserted as Syracuse went down the field to go up 14-3.

Once Nixon returned, Brown stuck to his word. Nixon got the ball on four out of next SU’s five plays, capping off a 36-yard drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown, just the fourth of his career and first since Sept. 30, 2023, when he was with Washington.

“He’s a vet and a leader on our team,” SU quarterback Steve Angeli said. “I didn’t even bat an eye for a second. I didn’t even have to say much to him. I said ‘Let’s do it. Let’s keep going. He gave me a great response, and he was ready to roll.”

Will Nixon carries the ball during Syracuse’s win over Colgate Friday. The running back finished with a career-high 66 rushing yards and a two-yard touchdown. Lars Jendruschewitz | Senior Staff Photographer

Even with LeQuint Allen Jr. last season, the Orange passed the ball 40.2% of the time, due to Kyle McCord leading the most potent passing attack in the country.

That approach didn’t change two games into the season. Against Tennessee and UConn, Angeli threw 94 passes. A lot of that came down to Syracuse trailing by double digits for most of the game, so passing was the obvious option to potentially mount a comeback.

Friday was a different story. Though Angeli tied Syracuse’s single-game program record with five passing touchdowns, he had a season-low 32 attempts (backup Rickie Collins Jr. had five after replacing Angeli in the second half).

The Orange trailed by double digits for most of their first two games against Tennessee and UConn. The situations called for passes. With a sizable advantage against Colgate, Syracuse turned to the run game.

Yes, it’s not going to play Colgate — an average Football Championship Subdivision program — every week, though having a stable rushing attack could offset SU’s shaky offensive line and keep Angeli out of harm’s way.

“The key to a great offense is having a balanced attack,” Angeli said. “We have a great offensive line and a great group of backs.”

Nixon said he doesn’t focus on the balance aspect, but whatever Syracuse is doing, “it’s working,” with the Orange averaging well over 400 yards per game.

Since Sean Tucker burst onto the scene in 2021, Syracuse typically uses one workhorse back. After Tucker, it was Allen Jr.’s time. The now Jacksonville Jaguars running back produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In 2024, he accounted for 57% of SU’s carries. That might’ve been lower if Nixon was healthy, but a Lisfranc fracture in his foot ended his season after just three games.

Nixon is still a backup, behind Willis, who’s seen as the heir to Allen. Though Nixon’s usage is still present. He got 26 touches through Syracuse’s first two games.

This is his fifth year in college. He’s never had more than 33 carries or 201 yards in a season, previously spending time at Nebraska (2021) and Washington (2022-2023).

Friday was the first time Nixon was listed as a running back since being at Washington. He almost blew his chance with the fumble, but eventually, the senior settled in.

Syracuse’s offensive line isn’t elite by any stretch of the imagination. Rarely are there gaps to run through, but Nixon remained patient. Late in the second quarter, he burst through an opening for a 28-yard rush. Three plays later, Angeli found Jaylan Hornsby for a 25-yard touchdown to put Syracuse up 38-3 at halftime.

After the break, Nixon only had one rush before the backups entered. Hart received a few carries, while Tylik Hill provided some excitement with a few jukes during his two carries.

Brown said Hill ran off the field after his second run, which left him confused.

“What the freak are you doing, man?” Brown questioned.

“I gotta let my boys eat,” Hill responded.

“That’s the love that they have for each other,” Brown said. “Most people wouldn’t do that.”

Going forward, Willis and Nixon are the likely running back tandem. Nixon hinted that the sophomore will be back for Syracuse’s showdown with Clemson in Death Valley. Willis definitely has the edge due to his pedigree as the best running back out of New Jersey in the 2024 recruiting class.

But Friday showed that Nixon is ready whenever his name is called.

Published on September 13, 2025 at 2:00 am
Contact Zak: zakwolf784254@gmail.com | @ZakWolf22