Syracuse, NY – Syracuse starting wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. will enter his name into the NCAA’s transfer portal, according to a report from Chris Hummer of 247Sports.
Hummer quoted Gill’s agent.
Gill is the 25th player from last year’s Syracuse roster to say he will enter his name on the portal this offseason. He joins running back Yasin Willis as starters set to leave the program.
Gill said in November that he planned to return to Orange. He expressed optimism about the Syracuse offense behind quarterback Steve Angeli. He said he and head coach Fran Brown have already begun discussing goals for 2026.
Gill finished third on the Orange last year with 32 catches and second with 506 yards. He scored five touchdowns and was highlighted on ESPN’s “You Got Mossed” segment after an impressive catch against Colgate. He tied for first among SU receivers with Dan Villari with four forced fumbles.
On the negative side, five of the team’s passes thrown his way ended in interceptions. He caught just four of 12 contested passes thrown his way, earning a PFF grade that ranked 38th out of 59 players who took offensive snaps for the Orange.
His departure leaves Johntay Cook as the only returning starter likely to return at wide receiver and the only potential returner who had more than 200 yards last year.
Syracuse adds coveted rookie Calvin Russell and Amare Gough to their receiver group and will benefit from a healthy Darius Johnson.
Syracuse cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr. also publicly advocated for the Orange to bring Florida State transfer Jayvan Boggs.
Only three players took more snaps on offense for the Orange than Gill’s 558 last season. They were departing seniors Da’metrius Weatherspoon and Villari along with returning offensive guard Joe Cruz.
The currently expected 25 transfers to Syracuse is a substantial but not extraordinary amount. The 10 teams in the College Football Playoffs this season from the Power-Four averaged 25.2 passes last year.
Willis is the biggest loss so far, according to On3.com. The recruiting site ranks him as the 18th player currently expected to be available on the portal and the 158th player overall.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Gill has one year of eligibility remaining. He also ran indoor track for Syracuse last year.
Gill originally committed to Syracuse and Dino Babers as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023. He was taken lightly and did not receive a grade from recruiting services.
Head coach Fran Brown suggested a switch to defensive back shortly after taking over the SU program after the 2023 season, but Gill told his coach he wanted to continue playing wide receiver.
His success has been a pleasant surprise in each of the last two years, catching more than 500 yards in each. He was often praised for his versatility, learning the offense well enough to line up outside or in the slot.
Gill is the fourth scholarship receiver to express a desire to explore other college options this offseason.
Umari Hatcher, Emanuel Ross and Jaylan Hornsby have previously said they plan to put their names on the transfer portal.
Players can’t officially enter their names on the portal until January 2nd, but can share their plans at any time.
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