WR Calvin Russell III signs, gives Syracuse highest-ranked class ever

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th December, 11:02 2025

Calvin Russell Jr of Miami Northwestern catches a touchdown pass over Eau Gallie defender Caleb Puzie in the FHSAA football Class 3A state semifinals Friday, December 6, 2024. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell III signed his letter of intent to play at Syracuse.

He held a signing party Thursday night, a day after he said he needed a bit more time to put pen to paper. Committed to the Orange since July, Russell faced a late push from Miami and Michigan.

Russell's signing gives Syracuse its highest-rated recruiting class in the modern era of rankings. Syracuse's class is No. 31 overall, and Russell is the highest-ranked player to sign with the Orange in 25 years, according to 247Sports.

247Sports lists the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Russell as the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 23 overall player.

On Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period, Russell's high school teammate Tedarius Hughes signed with head coach Fran Brown and the Orange. He is a top-50 cornerback.

The two played at Miami Northwestern, which is developing a pipeline to Syracuse. The Orange had three freshmen on their 2025 roster from the school.

--Field Level Media

Latest