Syracuse QB race too close to call and the 2nd-most important competition in camp (podcast)

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 6:58 GMT by syracuse.com
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Syracuse QB Race Too Close to Call: Insights from Training Camp and the Battle for the Backup Spot

In the midst of Syracuse Orange football's preseason training camp, the quarterback competition has emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines, with head coach Fran Brown describing it as "too close to call." The battle isn't for the starting position— that's firmly held by Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, who has been turning heads with his arm talent and leadership. Instead, the focus is on the backup role, where a trio of signal-callers are vying for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. This race has implications not just for the immediate season but for the future of the program, as Syracuse looks to build depth behind McCord in a conference as competitive as the ACC.

Leading the pack in this backup quarterback derby is redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams, whose athleticism and quick decision-making have impressed the coaching staff. Williams, a local product from nearby Rochester, has shown flashes of brilliance in scrimmages, particularly in his ability to extend plays with his legs while maintaining poise in the pocket. Coaches have noted his improvement in reading defenses, a skill honed during his time on the scout team last year. However, he's not without challengers. Sophomore transfer from UMass, Brady Olson, brings a different flavor to the competition. Olson, who started games for the Minutemen, offers experience and a cannon arm that can stretch the field vertically. His familiarity with high-pressure situations has been evident in camp, where he's connected on several deep balls that have energized the offense.

Rounding out the trio is true freshman sensation Mia Thompson, a dual-threat quarterback who was a highly touted recruit out of Florida. Thompson's raw potential is undeniable— her speed and elusiveness make her a threat in designed runs, and she's been quick to pick up the nuances of Syracuse's pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon. Yet, her inexperience shows in occasional turnovers during 7-on-7 drills, which the staff is working to iron out. Brown has emphasized that the competition is fluid, with daily evaluations based on performance in team periods, red-zone work, and simulated game scenarios. "It's not about who looks good on paper," Brown said in a recent presser. "It's about who can step in if needed and keep this team moving forward."

This QB race is unfolding against the backdrop of a revamped Syracuse offense that's aiming to blend McCord's precision passing with a more dynamic running game. McCord himself has been a model of consistency, completing over 70% of his passes in camp drills and building chemistry with wideouts like Oronde Gadsden II and Darrell Gill Jr. The starter's poise has set a high bar, pushing the backups to elevate their games. Analysts suggest that the winner of this battle could see meaningful snaps in blowout games or if injuries arise, making it a critical piece of Syracuse's quest for bowl eligibility after a disappointing 6-7 finish last season.

Shifting gears to what Brown has dubbed the "second-most important competition" in camp: the fight for starting spots along the offensive line, particularly at left tackle and right guard. This battle is pivotal because Syracuse's offensive success hinges on protecting McCord and opening lanes for running backs LeQuint Allen and Yasin Willis. At left tackle, veteran incumbent Joe More is being pushed hard by junior transfer from Pitt, Enrique Cruz. More, a two-year starter, brings size (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) and experience, having anchored the line during Syracuse's upset win over Clemson two seasons ago. His technique in pass protection is solid, but coaches have noted inconsistencies in run blocking that Cruz aims to exploit.

Cruz, who redshirted last year at Pitt, has impressed with his agility and footwork, attributes that could make him a better fit in Nixon's scheme, which incorporates more zone-blocking concepts. In scrimmages, Cruz has held his own against Syracuse's talented defensive ends, including Fadil Diggs and Kevin Jobity, rarely allowing pressures. The competition has been fierce, with both players rotating reps with the first-team unit. Brown has praised the intensity, noting that it's fostering a "next-man-up" mentality across the line.

Meanwhile, at right guard, the race features redshirt sophomore Kalan Ellis and true freshman sensation Darius Washington. Ellis, who saw limited action last year, has bulked up and shown improved strength in the weight room, translating to better push in the run game. His understanding of the playbook gives him an edge, but Washington, a four-star recruit from Georgia, brings explosive athleticism and a nasty streak that has turned heads. Washington's ability to pull and block in space has been a highlight of camp, though his youth means he's still learning the intricacies of pass sets against ACC-level rushers.

This offensive line battle is especially crucial given Syracuse's schedule, which includes early tests against Ohio and Georgia Tech, teams known for their defensive fronts. Brown has indicated that the starters might not be finalized until the week of the opener, allowing more time for evaluation. The coaching staff is using advanced metrics from practice— like pressure rates and yards before contact— to inform decisions, ensuring the line can support an offense projected to average over 30 points per game.

Beyond these competitions, camp buzz includes positive developments on defense, where new coordinator Elijah Robinson is instilling a aggressive, turnover-forcing mentality. Standouts include linebacker Marlowe Wax, who's mentoring younger players, and cornerback Duce Chestnut, back from the transfer portal with renewed focus. Special teams have also seen upgrades, with punter Jack Stonehouse booming kicks consistently.

Overall, Syracuse's camp reflects a program on the rise under Brown, who took over amid high expectations. The QB backup race and O-line battles underscore the depth-building efforts, with players buying into a culture of competition. As the team prepares for its season opener against Ohio on August 31, these unresolved position fights add an element of excitement and uncertainty. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the outcomes could define Syracuse's trajectory in a wide-open ACC landscape. With McCord at the helm and emerging talents pushing the envelope, the Orange appear poised for a bounce-back year, provided these key competitions yield the right victors. (Word count: 928)

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