Fran Brown talks Calvin Russell, coaching changes at Signing Day presser
In his press conference Monday, Fran Brown discussed Calvin Russell's recruitment as well as coaching changes he made earlier this week. Aaron Hammer | Staff Photographer
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If there’s something Fran Brown likes more than winning, it’s recruiting. Brown is known for building relationships and fostering connections. It’s what led him to being named National Recruiter of the Year for his work building Georgia’s 2024 class.
In the ever-changing world of college football, where player movement is constant, Brown leans on his authenticity to attract and retain talented players to Syracuse.
This season didn’t go how Brown wanted it to. Now he’s steadfast on making sure SU’s standard doesn’t drop to where it did in 2025. An important part of that is Syracuse’s incoming 2026 recruiting class. Wednesday was National Signing Day, where high school athletes sign their National Letter of Intent, officially inking their commitment to a school. With 25 players signed, Syracuse holds one of the largest recruiting classes in the country. Only one verbal commit still hasn’t signed.
Most players will arrive on campus on Jan. 10, before spring practices start on Jan. 11. Despite this, Brown said his new year started on Dec. 1, as he prepares for a crucial offseason ahead of his third season with SU.
“It’s gonna be the best offseason that I’ve ever been a part of as a football coach,” Brown said Monday. “And I’m gonna make it that way for our players, and we’re gonna enjoy it.”
Here are some takeaways from Brown’s signing day press conference:
Calvin Russell Saga
The gem of Syracuse’s 2026 class is Calvin Russell. The five-star wide receiver and the No. 23 overall player out of Miami, Florida, made shockwaves when he verbally committed to Syracuse on July 5. SU beat out programs like Michigan and Miami for Russell.
However, Russell’s recruitment has gotten complicated. He announced at Miami Northwestern High School’s signing day ceremony that he wouldn’t be signing with Syracuse. Russell could still end up with the Orange, but Wednesday’s announcement opens up a can of worms. His agent, Justin Giangrande, said on social media that he’ll make his decision Friday.
Brown couldn’t directly discuss anyone who didn’t sign with Syracuse, but was indirectly asked about Russell. Despite some late drama, Brown remains confident in retaining what would be Syracuse’s third-highest recruit ever.
“It’s the nature of the business, it’s where we are right now, final hours,” Brown said. “A lot of things happen, different pieces of it, but I have complete confidence. I’m really good at recruiting, but I’m also great at building relationships, and I got faith in the block S.”
Russell is still considering Miami and Michigan. The wide receiver was seen flashing “The U” during an Instagram Live earlier today, though 247Canes’ Gaby Urrutia said the Hurricanes won’t be involved.
For Brown, it’s a sprint to the finish line. He’s put in the work — even staying up until 1:30 a.m. last night calling recruits — but he might need one last push to bring Russell to central New York. When asked about why Russell has delayed his decision, Brown mentioned it could be a “mixture of things.”
“We got a really good relationship. That’s genuine love from me. That love isn’t fake,” Brown said of Russell. “There’s time that’s been put in and how do you show trust, through time. So I’m confident in who I am.”
Attaining a five-star recruit was foreign to Syracuse before Brown arrived. If he retains Russell, it’ll be a huge moment for the program. When talking about potential leaders for the incoming freshman class, Brown mentioned quarterback Zaid Lott and finished his statement with a subtle nod to Russell.
“When I get that one finished later,” Brown said.
Incoming recruits
Russell is the talk of the town right now, though Brown is receiving an influx of talent from elsewhere. Four-star recruits Amare Gough and Alexander Haskell both signed with the Orange, while three-stars like Tedarius Hughes, Jarius Rodgers and Jojo White did the same.
Brown spoke glowingly of Haskell, who flipped his commitment from Penn State on Oct. 22 following James Franklin’s dismissal. Brown labeled Haskell as “tough” and said he’d practice “10 hours a day if you left him.” The head coach added he could see him playing “big end” or “three tech.” According to Brown, Haskell had every school up Interstate-95 talking to him until earlier today, when he fully committed to Syracuse.
As for Lott, Brown labeled him as a big athlete that can throw the football. He also mentioned Lott was one of the only players he watched in person. Considering the Orange’s quarterback troubles this season without Steve Angeli, their backup signal caller in 2026 will be crucial. Lott is someone that people follow, Brown said, and he sees that continuing when he steps on campus, adding that he’ll be like a seasoned sophomore due to his experience being coached by Chad Grier at Providence Day School.
Gough — SU’s highest-ranked signee — reminds Brown of former Florida State standout Peter Warrick Jr. The head coach said he’s excited to see the receiver return punts and make quick passes into explosive plays.
Jimmy Gregg is also an underrated recruit for Brown. Gregg is the best punter in the country, and he made a strong impression on Brown. He explained Gregg’s confidence is similar to current SU punter Jack Stonehouse, but Gregg has “a little bit more hip to him.” Brown also joked that could see the coaching staff having to tell him he can’t have parties in his dorm room.
“This kid, he’s got some swag,” Brown said of Gregg. “Jimmy’s the man. He’s gonna make special teams it. Everybody’s gonna watch it.”
Coaching staff changes
Following Syracuse’s three-win season, Brown made a number of changes to his coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield, co-defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Robert Wright, offensive line coach Dale Williams and secondary coach Joe Schaefer were all fired.
“I got to see all the little holes in the program,” Brown said. “I needed to fix up and be able to get things done right. I can’t wait to win.”
Yet, SU’s most significant coaching change is defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson getting demoted. The 40-year-old remains with the program, but will be SU’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Robinson’s demotion leaves Brown with a search for a new defensive play caller.
An enticing hire would be Will Muschamp, who Brown worked with at Georgia. Brown said Muschamp is a “mentor, big brother and OG,” mentioning he calls the coach all the time. Brown already extended an offer to Muschamp, but he politely declined. However, the second-year head coach said Muschamp will be around the program in the spring and fall training camp.
Syracuse had one of the worst defenses in the country last season. Whoever Brown hires has a tough task of turning the unit around.
