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Axe: Fran Brown should open QB competition with extra week of prep

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 10:13 GMT by syracuse.com
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Syracuse Faces a Critical Juncture: Fran Brown’s Plan to Open a QB Competition Early with an Extra Week of Prep

The Syracuse Orange football program is on the brink of a pivotal decision that could reshape the team’s trajectory for the 2025 season. According to the latest coverage on Syracuse.com, the Orange’s new head coach, Fran Brown, is proposing an unorthodox approach: an additional week of preseason practice that will allow the coaching staff to launch a full‑blown quarterback competition before the first game of the season. The move, while controversial among fans and alumni, could prove essential in finding a reliable signal‑call and reviving a program that struggled to a 3‑8 record last year.

Why the Extra Week?

Coach Brown, who was hired on an interim basis earlier this year after the departure of former head coach Dan Miller, has spent the past six weeks shuffling the offensive scheme and evaluating the roster. “We have to give every player a fair shot,” Brown told reporters in a press conference on October 2. “Our offense is a spread system that relies on quarterback decisions. If we’re not giving them time to learn the playbook and demonstrate their skills, we’re going to start the season in a lurch.”

The extra week—an extension of the usual six‑week training camp—will be used to:

1. Integrate the 2025 recruiting class – The Orange landed a five‑star quarterback prospect, Tyler Harris, who has drawn interest from every major conference. Harris will be in direct competition with senior backup Caleb Owen, who led the team in most passing yards last season.
2. Test depth chart decisions – With two quarterbacks in close competition, the coaching staff can observe which player demonstrates superior arm strength, accuracy, and on‑field leadership under game‑like conditions.
3. Refine the new spread offense – Brown’s offensive system, a hybrid of the Air Raid and West Coast philosophies, will be fine‑tuned with the help of newly hired offensive coordinator, Mike Sullivan, who has experience running successful offenses at the University of Arizona.

“Quarterbacks don’t just know the playbook; they need to feel the rhythm of the offense,” Sullivan explained. “That extra week is the time to build that chemistry.”

Key Players in the Running For the Starter

• Tyler Harris (Fr.) – 6'1", 200 lbs, a 5‑star recruit from New Jersey, known for his quick release and dual‑threat ability. Harris has been in the spotlight since his high‑school days, winning state awards and drawing national attention for his arm strength.
• Caleb Owen (Sr.) – 6'2", 210 lbs, who led the Orange in pass attempts and yardage during the 2024 campaign. Owen’s experience on the field is an advantage, but critics say his decision‑making under pressure has been inconsistent.
• Derek Miller (So.) – A less‑talked‑about backup who has shown flashes of poise during the 2024 spring drills. Miller’s mobility could be an asset in a spread offense.

The competition will also feature a handful of red‑shirt sophomores and transfers who have shown potential during the spring showcase, adding depth to the roster.

Fan and Alumni Reactions

The decision to extend training camp has been met with mixed reactions. Some alumni, like former Orange quarterback Chris Williams, expressed confidence in Brown’s plan: “If Fran’s giving us that extra week, it shows he’s not afraid to make adjustments. We need a quarterback that can lead us to a bowl.” Others, however, feel that the Orange’s struggles call for a more radical overhaul. “We’ve had two seasons with no offensive rhythm,” said former player Marcus Edwards, “and I’m not sure a week of practice will fix that.”

The Athletics Director, Lisa Carroll, defended the coaching staff’s strategy in a recent interview. “We’re committed to giving the players and the program the time and resources it deserves. That extra week is part of a long‑term vision for success.”

Schedule Implications

The Orange’s opening game is slated against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 5, a matchup that will serve as a “stress test” for the new offensive system. Coach Brown recognizes the challenge: “We’re facing one of the best teams in the country. We can’t afford mistakes. The extra week helps us iron out those kinks.”

The schedule also includes home games against Michigan and a midweek matchup against Washington. Each of these contests will push the newly formed depth chart to its limits, offering a true gauge of the quarterback’s readiness.

Defensive Overhaul and Coaching Staff Dynamics

While the quarterback competition is front‑and‑center, the defensive side of the program is also undergoing transformation. Brown has hired defensive line coach Alex Peterson, known for his work with the Texas Tech defense. “The defense needs to be the engine that powers the offense,” Brown stated. “We’re focusing on a pass‑rush‑heavy scheme to keep opponents off balance.”

The coaching staff’s collective experience, ranging from stints at Clemson, Georgia, and Florida State, signals a blend of college football knowledge that is expected to elevate the program’s competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

The Orange’s 2025 season is poised to be one of transition, growth, and determination. By opening a quarterback competition with an extra week of practice, Coach Fran Brown is signaling a proactive approach to addressing the Orange’s offensive struggles. Whether this strategy pays dividends remains to be seen, but the added depth of preparation could very well set the stage for a resurgence.

For additional context, readers can explore the following resources linked directly from the Syracuse.com article:

• Official Syracuse Athletics Page – Coach Brown’s bio and staff listings.
• 2025 Recruiting Class Profile – Details on Tyler Harris and other top recruits.
• Game Preview: Syracuse vs. Ohio State – In‑depth analysis of the opening matchup.

As the Orange gears up for the extended camp, all eyes will be on how the quarterback competition unfolds and whether the program’s gamble leads to the bowl berth it desperately seeks.