6-foot-5, 195-pound WR Calvin Russell had whittled his list down to Michigan football, FSU, Oregon and Syracuse before he pledged to the Orange.

Calvin Russell III, the No. 1 receiver in the state of Florida, becomes the highest rate Syracuse football commit since 2000.

Orange Football Calvin Russell details how Syracuse beat out Michigan: ‘That’s why I want to be there’ Published: Jul. 06, 2025, 6:31 a.m.

Calvin Russell is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the recruiting class of 2026. According to 247Sports Composite, he is the 47th best prospect of the 2026 class and the No.

Raw receiver Calvin Russell (14) against Fleaux defensive back Carmaro Mayo (8) during the OT7 Orlando football tournament, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) AP ...

Raw Miami wide receiver Calvin Russell, left, catches a touchdown pass in front of RG3 Takover's Chris Stewart, right, during OT7 football Week 3, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Dallas.

July 5th was a day Michigan fans had circled on their calendars for weeks. The rabid fan base had their sights set on five-star Miami (FL)- based wide receiver Calvin Russell.

The Orange landed a commitment on July 5 from wide receiver Calvin Russell, a four-star prospect from the class of 2026 who, if he signs, will be the third-highest-rated recruit that Syracuse has ...