Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell delivered a major recruiting shock Saturday by verbally committing to Syracuse, turning down powerhouse finalists Florida State, Michigan, and Oregon.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Miami Northwestern star is one of the top-rated prospects in the 2026 class and now stands as the highest-ranked recruit in Syracuse history. Russell had made two unofficial visits to the program earlier this spring.
Fran Brown Scores Historic Win as Calvin Russell Commits to Syracuse
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown secured a landmark commitment Saturday night when Calvin Russell, South Florida’s top-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, chose the Orange over finalists Michigan, Florida State, and Oregon.
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound standout announced at approximately 10 p.m., citing his trust in Brown’s leadership and vision for the program.
“Coach Fran, he’s a great leader,” Russell said following his decision. “He does everything the right way. He’s changing the culture. He’s changing everyone’s mentality. He does everything he has to do.”
BREAKING: Five-Star WR Calvin Russell has Committed to Syracuse, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’5 200 WR chose the Orange over Michigan, Florida State, & Oregon
He’s the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Syracuse in the past 20 years
“FRAN BROWN!!!”https://t.co/CicMLyvwqr pic.twitter.com/P2QPwtqCKz
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 6, 2025
Russell, who stars at Miami Northwestern High School, had made up his mind several days before the announcement.
“I’m not going to lie, I made [my decision] a couple of days ago,” he told Rivals at his commitment party. “Michigan came close, but Coach Fran, the individual he is, how he was raised, I feel it. How he carries himself, the men I was raised around are similar to him, that’s why I want to be there.”
A multi-sport athlete, Russell also plans to join Syracuse’s basketball program. His dual-sport interest played a role in his recruitment, particularly with Syracuse and Michigan, the two schools most open to allowing him to play both. As a small forward, he averaged 21.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during his sophomore season.
On the football field, Russell delivered 39 receptions for 704 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall. He helped Northwestern win a 3A state championship in December, catching two key touchdowns under the guidance of head coach and former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Russell also has state titles in basketball, highlighting his impact in both arenas. He is the son of former Miami women’s basketball player Chanivia Broussard and is considered one of the most dynamic athletes in the country.
According to On3, his commitment represents the highest-ranked football pledge in Syracuse’s modern recruiting era in the last 20 years. Brown and his coaching staff have prioritized regional talent but are also expanding nationally, especially in speed-rich states like Florida and Georgia.
Staffers Devin Redd and Tyshon Fogg are establishing key ties in the DMV area as well, as Syracuse aims to build a competitive pipeline that stretches beyond New York. With Russell onboard, Brown’s momentum on the recruiting trail continues to grow.