Writer archives: Aiden Stepansky
Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky
4 key statistics behind Syracuse men’s basketball’s stellar defensive start
Syracuse men’s basketball’s stellar defense has fueled two blowout victories. Our beat writer breaks down four key statistics that define the Orange’s defensive success thus far. Read More »
Previewing Syracuse men’s basketball vs. Drexel ahead of Philly matchup
Syracuse men’s basketball is 2-0 after beating its first two opponents by a combined 78 points. The Orange play Drexel on the road Saturday. Read More »
Orange grades: Receivers, pass rush scuffle in loss to No. 18 Miami
Syracuse’s two best wide receivers, Johntay Cook II and Darrell Gill Jr., combined for only 35 receiving yards on four receptions in SU's loss to No. 18 Miami. Our beat writer grades each position group's performance from the Orange's defeat Saturday. Read More »
Rickie Collins’ slump continues in Syracuse's loss to No. 18 Miami
After a recent benching, Rickie Collins returned as Syracuse’s starter Saturday, still struggling en route to a loss to Miami. Read More »
Observations from Syracuse’s loss to No. 18 Miami: Rickie’s return, youth movement
Miami quarterback Carson Beck completed 75% of his passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, marking the third-straight Syracuse opponent to pass over the 75% mark. Our beat writer has more observations from SU’s 28-point loss to the Hurricanes. Read More »
'SHOWTIME': Devin Grant excels in the biggest moments. He has his whole life.
Last season, Devin Grant delivered a game-changing defensive touchdown against then-No. 6 Miami. His big-play style could be crucial for SU to break its five-game losing streak. Read More »
4-star Florida prospect Tedarius Hughes flips from FSU to Syracuse
Four-star safety Tedarius Hughes has flipped his commitment from Florida State to Syracuse, he announced on social media Tuesday. Hughes is Florida’s No. 56 prospect and SU’s third commit from the state in its 2026 class. Read More »
Naithan George stars in Syracuse debut with 8 assists, career-high 5 steals
Naithan George said he took a 50-minute nap on Monday afternoon ahead of his Syracuse debut. George then produced eight assists and a career-high five assists as the Orange cruised to a season–opening win over Binghamton. Read More »
Observations from Syracuse’s win over Binghamton: Starling injured, Kiyan’s debut
Despite J.J. Starling's first-half injury, Syracuse cruised past Binghamton for its season-opening win Monday. Read More »
Stepansky: Missing March Madness shouldn’t be the end for Adrian Autry
As Syracuse enters its third season under Adrian Autry, questions remain on whether he’s the right fit for its future. Our columnist says Autry’s job status shouldn’t be based on a March Madness-or-bust mindset. Read More »
Orange grades: QBs flunk, pass-rush problems
Syracuse’s quarterbacks produced just 39 passing yards while its pass rush allowed Gio Lopez to sit comfortably in the pocket all night. Our beat writer grades each position group's performance from SU’s 17-point loss to North Carolina. Read More »
Stepansky: Fran Brown rebuilt Syracuse's standard. Friday made a mockery of it.
Column: Fran Brown elected to start a true freshman walk-on despite facing eight-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick. Our columnist says the change under center made a mockery of the new standard Brown built at Syracuse. Read More »
Observations from Syracuse’s loss to UNC: QB drama, all out mess
Syracuse’s defense allowed North Carolina running back Demon June to tally 182 total yards and two touchdowns in a 27-10 loss Friday. Read More »
RUN IT BACK: Syracuse built revamped roster around return of its 2 stars
While leading Syracuse in scoring last year, J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman played just seven games together. They’re now at the forefront of Syracuse’s attempt to snap its four-year NCAA Tournament drought this season, Read More »
THE MAESTRO: Naithan George established himself as the ACC’s top passer. He’ll now conduct Syracuse’s symphony.
After leading the ACC with 6.5 assists per game, Naithan George is the conductor of the orchestra for Syracuse in head coach Adrian Autry’s make-or-break third year. Read More »
Fran Brown details Bill Belichick matchup, young core at weekly presser
Fran Brown discussed Friday night’s matchup against North Carolina and evaluated SU’s future in his weekly press conference Monday. Read More »
Orange grades: Pass rush reverts, Collins improves slightly in loss to GT
Syracuse’s pass rush regressed from last week's seven-sack performance, while Rickie Collins found a second-half groove too late. Our beat writer grades each position group's performance from SU’s loss to No. 7 Georgia Tech. Read More »
Syracuse tests young core in 25-point loss to No. 7 GT
Fran Brown built a time machine into the future, allowing seven true freshmen and 18 underclassmen to appear in the final boxscore in SU’s loss to No. 7 Georgia Tech. Read More »
Syracuse loses 4th straight with 41-16 defeat to No. 7 Georgia Tech
After falling to No. 7 Georgia Tech Saturday, Syracuse must win three of its final four games to clinch a fourth straight Bowl appearance. Read More »
Jack Stonehouse developed into top college punter through ‘fun-loving’ personality
Often sporting pajama pants around the practice facility, Jack Stonehouse could be a typical wacky specialist. Yet he’s far from it, establishing himself as a top NCAA punter. Read More »
What to know about No. 7 Georgia Tech ahead of Saturday’s matchup
After falling to Pitt 30-13 Saturday for its third straight loss, Syracuse travels to Atlanta to match up with No. 7 Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets rank first in the Atlantic Coast Conference and are undefeated in 2025. Read More »
Syracuse lands former Penn State commit Alexander Haskell for 2026 class
Syracuse landed former Penn State commit Alexander Haskell, he announced on social media Wednesday. Haskell is a three-star recruit from Saint Joseph’s Prep in Pennsylvania, the same school as Kyle McCord. Read More »
Kevin Jobity Jr. named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week
Kevin Jobity Jr. earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after recording a career-high three sacks and six tackles against Pitt. Read More »
Orange grades: Coaching mishaps, pass rush thrives in loss to Pitt
Syracuse's coaching staff made an unforgivable mistake in the second quarter while its pass rush had its best day of the season against Pitt. Read More »