Syracuse RB Will Nixon gains year of eligibility, declares for NFL Draft anyway
Syracuse running back Will Nixon announced Tuesday that he gained a year of eligibility but will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft anyway. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
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Syracuse running back Will Nixon announced Tuesday that he gained a year of eligibility but will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft anyway. In two seasons with the Orange, Nixon tallied 739 total yards and three touchdowns.
Excited about Next Chapter! Thank You to everyone who has supported me throughout the years! pic.twitter.com/2oS9X9ULce
— Will Nixon (@william_nixonTD) January 6, 2026
The son of SU’s offensive coordinator, Nixon joined the Orange in Fran Brown’s first season following stints at Nebraska and Washington. He appeared in all 15 games for the Huskies when they made the national championship in 2023 and ran for 201 yards.
When joining Syracuse, he was a primary backup and pass-catching option to star running back LeQuint Allen Jr. Nixon played in the first three games before suffering a season-ending injury and preserving a redshirt, his third in five years. With Yasin Willis as the lead running back in 2025, Nixon scored three touchdowns.
With Willis and Nixon departing, SU has already replaced production with the addition of LSU transfer Ju’Juan Johnson.
