The Syracuse defensive lineman, who grew up in Rochester, will enter his name into the transfer portal

Syracuse, NY – Syracuse defensive lineman Quante Gillians, who came to the Orange ranked No. 4 in New York in the 2025 class, plans to enter his name on the NCAA transfer portal.

The Gillians shared their plans on social media on Saturday. He is the 23rd player from last year’s SU roster to indicate he will play college football elsewhere next year.

Gillians, who played high school football for Aquinas Institute in Rochester, played 27 snaps in four games last season for the Orange. He lined up primarily as a defensive end and has four years of college eligibility remaining.

Syracuse faces a major overhaul of its defensive line after losing four players from a unit that saw the most playing time in David Reese, Kevin Jobity Jr., Dion Wilson and Denis Jaquez Jr.

Gillians now seems unlikely to be a part of it.

He came to Syracuse as the No. 686 prospect in his class in the 247Sports composite rankings. According to 247Sports, he had offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Minnesota during his high school recruitment.

Players ranked ahead of New York’s Gillians in 2025 were Penn State’s Lyrick Samuel, Clemson’s Rowan Byrne and Syracuse’s Darien Williams.

The first-year lineman is listed at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds.

While playing only a small amount, Gillians earned PFF SU’s worst grade among the 53 players who played snaps on defense. It is traditionally difficult for first-year players to contribute offensively and defensively.

Pro Football Focus calculated that Gillians played 22 snaps on defense and another five on special teams.

While Syracuse had a high number of players enter the portal this offseason, only one expected departure ended last season as an established starter.

That player is running back Yasin Willis. The running back is currently ranked as the No. 13 running back by On3.com and player #133 available on the portal. He is currently SU’s highest-ranked outgoing player, followed by linebacker Kaylib Singleton.

The transfer portal won’t officially open until January 2, but players can share their plans at any time. Players who enter their names into the portal can return to their previous school if both parties agree.