Syracuse has lost significant offensive talent this off-season to the pros and the transfer portal. Still, what they’ve lost can be replicated with new and familiar faces. Here are three potential breakout stars that can propel the offense in 2025 and beyond.
Potential Breakout Stars
Yasin Willis, RB
With only one year of college football experience, Willis has made an instant impact. Recruited out of St. Joseph Regional, Willis’ play helped him become a top running back in New Jersey. In high school, he put up 600-plus yards and 13 touchdowns. Originally committed to Pittsburgh, he would later flip to the Orange.
Standing at 6’-1” and weighing 226 pounds, Willis brings significant strength and balance. As a true freshman, Willis ran for 130 yards and one touchdown. He also returned kickoffs during last season.
On top of Willis’ play, former Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen is in the pros. Now, with Syracuse not acquiring a running back in the portal, it looks like it’s Willis’ position. Expect the Orange to run the ball a lot more this season, due to the change at quarterback.
Darrell Gill Jr., WR
The most underrated player in the nation has now become the number one receiver for the Orange. Gill, originally a three-star prospect per ESPN, received only two FBS offers out of high school. From Humble, Texas, Gill was a two-sport athlete, football and track. With incredible speed and agility, Gill was able to receive an offer from Coach Dino Babers.
As a freshman in 2023, Gill was immediately thrown into action. He played in all 12 regular-season games and their bowl game against South Florida. He totaled 60 receiving yards and 262 return yards. By the end of the season, Coach Fran Brown was hired, ushering in a new era of Orange football, and Gill wanted in, deciding to stay in Syracuse.
As a sophomore last season, Gill once again appeared in 12 games. This season, he became the number four option out of the passing game, rallying in 500 500-plus yards and two touchdowns. His most impressive performances came against UCONN on November 23, totalling 185 yards, and against Washington State in the DIRECTV Bowl, receiving 145 yards. The only major difference this season was he didn’t return kickoffs.
This offseason, Gill has already emerged as the number-one receiver. With Trebor Pena and Jackson Meeks gone, he is primed for big yards. He recently received preseason recognition from Phil Steele alongside his teammate, punter Jack Stonehouse. With this off-season honor, Gill’s potential is through the roof. Expect Gill to once again improve his stat line, likely receiving around 1,000 yards this season.
Jamie Tremble, TE
The number-one recruit Syracuse landed in 2024, tight end Jamie Tremble, now has the chance to be an instant superstar this season. Out of John Creeks, Georgia, Tremble became the sixth highest ranked athlete in the nation per 247Sports. At Wesleyan School, Tremble put up absurd numbers of almost 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns.
With a big build at 6’-4” 210, Tremble is extremely elusive for his size with great route running skills. Also, his ability to high point the ball makes him a phenomenal deep threat. With all this talent, Tremble becomes one of the most intriguing young talents in all the ACC.
As a freshman, Tremble’s opportunities were limited at tight end due to starter Oronde Gadsen II and backup Dan Villari. Still, he appeared in 12 games playing on special teams. At the end of his freshman campaign, Tremble received 19 yards and five tackles.
Now competing with Villari, Tremble is primed for a big season on the offensive end. Expect Tremble to be one of the most explosive and versatile targets in the ACC for the next couple of years.
Syracuse Potential Going Forward
From rising sophomores to a standout junior, all three of these guys have fought on all ends. This likely will be the big three for the Orange going forward, especially Willis and Tremble, since they will be there at least two more seasons. The potential these young men have is very high. It won’t be easy to replicate last season, but there is a new bar.
Coming soon, we will look at the three potential breakout stars on the defensive end this season.
Main Image: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
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