Syracuse

Few teams have bigger potential to move up after spring ball than Syracuse, which aggressively attacked the transfer portal to address a roster that managed just three wins in 2025. The Orange added 19 transfers including quarterback Amari Odom from Kennesaw State, who brings 99.7 PPA to compete alongside returning starter Steven Angeli, plus defensive end Tunmise Adeleye from UNLV to anchor a defense coordinated by new hire Vince Kehres. Syracuse's -5.0 JP+ rating ranks 95th nationally, with both offense and defense grading out at exactly 100th in their respective units, but the transfer influx delivered 159.6 PPA while just 73.5 departed.

JP+ projects 6.0 wins for Syracuse, well above the market's 4.5-win over/under that carries 44% expected value. The gap stems largely from continuity factors that favor the Orange despite their poor 2025 showing — Steven Angeli returns at quarterback with full role share, the offensive line retains 76% continuity, and defensive departures were minimal compared to the national average. Home dates against Notre Dame highlight a challenging ACC slate, but road trips to Boston College and UConn plus a home opener against New Hampshire provide accessible victories. If Odom pushes Angeli or the defensive additions gel quickly under Kehres, eight wins isn't unrealistic. If the portal pieces don't mesh, another disappointing campaign looms.