Oronde Gadsden II always possessed talent and upside to “fit the big receiver mold.” He arrived at Syracuse as the 184th-ranked wide receiver out of Florida and has since done everything possible to evolve his game. Gadsden perfected his ball skills, stayed late to review film and arrived in shape for summer workouts. Gadsden's breakout season came last year when he recorded 969 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Now, he's SU's top offensive weapon.

Marlowe Wax is, quite literally, the center of attention. Syracuse's middle linebacker posted a team-best 91 tackles last season as part of an Honorable All-ACC Mention campaign and returns an undisputed leader for the 'mob' this year. Wax's ability as a pass rusher instantly stood out upon arrival, but he was rarely vocal. However, after showing signs of amplifying his presence last year, he is now ready to spearhead SU's defense.

Justin Barron has played nearly every position on both sides of the ball. In high school, he was placed everywhere from wide receiver to long snapper. Barron began his Syracuse career at backup holder, but his versatility isn't limited to just special teams. Under Rocky Long's 3-3-5 defense, Barron is the rover: an all-encompassing, fly-around player tasked with signal-caller duties. He's never shied away from a new challenge.

Rocky Long, the creator of the 3-3-5 defense, is Syracuse's new defensive coordinator. He is the winningest coach in New Mexico football history and is entering his 44th year of coaching at the Division-I level. Long started as a player in the Canadian Football League and came up with the 3-3-5 while at Oregon State. Though SU has utilized the scheme for the past three seasons, Long's arrival brings forth an aggressive and winning mentality to its defense.

In 2022, Syracuse started 6-0 for the first time since 1987 and reached No. 14 in the AP Top 25 poll. Yet, an injury-riddled end to SU's year resulted in six losses through its final seven games, including a defeat to Minnesota in the Pinstripe Bowl. Despite a handful of departures from last season, the Orange returned Marlowe Wax and hired Rocky Long — the mastermind behind a familiar 3-3-5 defense — as their new defensive coordinator. Oronde Gadsden II is cemented as an exciting No. 1 option and LeQuint Allen looks prepared for a breakout season. But, Garrett Shrader's elbow surgery in March could stall Syracuse and its offensive weapons. Read more on how our beat writers think the Orange will perform in 2023.