Syracuse Football's Spring Practice Kicks Off with Quarterback Competition

Head coach Fran Brown addresses media on key takeaways from first spring session

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:56am

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Syracuse football returned to the field on Friday for its first spring practice session. Head coach Fran Brown addressed the media afterwards, highlighting the open quarterback competition, a new jersey number system, and his excitement to work with new Athletics Director Bryan Blair.

Why it matters

Syracuse is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season where their offense struggled after starting quarterback Steve Angeli went down with an Achilles injury. The quarterback battle and new jersey number policy signal a culture shift under Brown as he aims to establish a competitive environment and earn everything within the program.

The details

Brown made it clear that the quarterback position is wide open, with Angeli, Amari Odom, Malachi Nelson, and Danny Lauter all competing for the starting job in spring practice. The coach emphasized that "everything is going to be earned," including jersey numbers, with several veteran players wearing triple-digit jerseys. Brown also expressed his enthusiasm to work with new Athletics Director Bryan Blair, who he has known since their days coaching against each other in the early 2000s at Wofford and Western Carolina.

  • Syracuse football held its first spring practice session on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Fran Brown

The head coach of the Syracuse football team, looking to lead the program's turnaround after a disappointing 2025 season.

Steve Angeli

The starting quarterback for Syracuse in 2025 who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, now competing for the job again in 2026.

Amari Odom

One of three quarterbacks Syracuse brought in from the transfer portal to compete for the starting job.

Malachi Nelson

Another quarterback transfer competing for the starting role at Syracuse.

Danny Lauter

The third quarterback transfer joining the competition for Syracuse's starting QB position.

Bryan Blair

The newly appointed Athletics Director at Syracuse, who previously coached against Fran Brown in the early 2000s.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not really sure about any established starters. We're just all competing. You got to earn everything.”

— Fran Brown, Head Coach

“Everything is going to be earned. The guy who started at tackle had one. It's something we all agreed on as a team.”

— Fran Brown, Head Coach

“(Blair) is excited about the opportunity to come here and really just take Syracuse to the next level. I'm happy about his energy I'm thankful for him and his family coming here.”

— Fran Brown, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This spring practice session signals a new era of competition and accountability under coach Fran Brown, as he looks to rebuild Syracuse football and work in tandem with the program's new Athletics Director Bryan Blair to take the Orange to new heights.