Syracuse LB James Heard Jr. reportedly enters transfer portal
Syracuse linebacker James Heard Jr. intends to enter the transfer portal, his agent told CBS Sports Tuesday. Leonardo Eriman | Asst. Video Editor
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Syracuse linebacker James Heard Jr. intends to enter the transfer portal, his agent told CBS Sports Tuesday. Heard Jr. played for the Orange for two years following a redshirt campaign with West Virginia in 2023.
The Camden, New Jersey, native played 221 total snaps over the last two seasons while appearing largely in a backup role. He recorded two quarterback hurries and 11 tackles in 2025 while playing behind linebackers Gary Bryant III, Antoine Deslauriers and Jamie Tremble. Heard Jr. often mixed in alongside Anwar Sparrow.
Heard Jr. chose West Virginia over offers from SEC schools Tennessee, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. He also sported offers from multiple Big Ten and ACC programs. With Bryant III and Deslauriers expected to return, as well as massive shakeups on the defensive staff, including a new defensive coordinator in Vince Kehres, Heard Jr. was unlikely to see an increased role.
