Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse's football program, under new head coach Fran Brown, is facing recruiting challenges as top defensive tackle prospect James Johnson cancels scheduled visits. Johnson, a highly-rated four-star recruit from Miami Northwestern, had initially visited Syracuse during spring practice on March 29 and was slated for an official visit on May 30.
However, Johnson opted to visit Georgia instead of the May visit. Now, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Johnson has cancelled another visit to Syracuse, this time on June 20, choosing to visit Texas instead. This signals a significant shift in Johnson's recruitment, potentially prioritizing opportunities in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and with the Longhorns.
Johnson recently completed visits at Florida State, Florida, and Miami, indicating a strong interest in staying within the Florida region. Fran Brown's staff at Syracuse has been actively recruiting in Florida, successfully attracting players like Johnson, his teammate Calvin Russell, and Cocoa safety C.J. Hester.
While Hester is set to announce his commitment on July 1, Russell, a priority for Syracuse after Messiah Hampton committed to Oregon, will announce his decision four days later. The cancellation of Johnson's visits poses a setback for Syracuse's recruiting efforts, highlighting the intense competition for top talent in college football.
Syracuse will need to refocus its recruiting efforts to secure other defensive line prospects and solidify its 2026 recruiting class. The coaching staff's continued emphasis on Florida recruiting remains crucial, but adapting strategies to compete with SEC powerhouses and emerging programs like Texas is essential.