UPDATE: Fran Brown has just announced that redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins will be the starting quarterback for Syracuse in their crucial matchup against No. 18 Miami this Saturday. This decision comes during Brown’s weekly radio show on TK99, heightening the stakes for a struggling Syracuse team.
Collins, who has started four games this season, holds a disappointing record of 0-4, throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions. In those starts, Syracuse’s offense has managed to score a mere 43 points. Last week, Collins was benched for freshman walk-on Joe Filardi, who struggled to complete just 4-of-18 passes in a 27-10 loss to North Carolina.
The upcoming game against Miami is a pivotal moment for Collins, who described his year as “humbling.” He was brought to Syracuse last December to replace former starter Kyle McCord, but the team’s struggles led them to seek additional help, resulting in the recruitment of Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli. Angeli was named the starting quarterback during fall camp but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during a victory against Clemson.
In a significant shake-up, Collins will also have a new left tackle, with redshirt freshman Kam Pringle stepping in for Trevion Mack. Pringle, who transferred from South Carolina, has been training at both tackle and guard positions. Alongside him will be freshman Byron Washington at guard. On the right side, redshirt senior Da’Metrius Weatherspoon will start at right tackle, while redshirt junior Joe Cruz will take on either center or right guard duties.
This lineup change brings renewed hope for Syracuse, who currently holds a 3-6 record and is struggling in the ACC with just 1-5. As the Orange prepare for this critical game, the pressure is mounting on Collins to deliver a turnaround performance.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how this revamped offense will perform against the ranked Hurricanes. The game is set to kick off on Saturday and could determine the trajectory of Syracuse’s season. Stay tuned for updates as we approach game day.
