4-star WR Darien Williams commits to Syracuse

Syracuse (N.Y.) Christian Brothers Academy four-star wide receiver Darien Williams has committed to the Syracuse Orange, he announced on Saturday.

He chose the hometown ACC program while also holding offers from the likes of Penn State, Boston College and Pittsburgh.

Williams is the No. 358 overall prospect and No. 53 wideout in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in New York.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every program that offered and took an interest in me. After much prayer, conversations with my family, my pastor, and my coaches I have decided to commit my academic and athletic collegiate career to Syracuse University,” Williams wrote on Twitter.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder becomes the second addition to Fran Brown’s 2025 pledge list, joining Cheltenham (Pa.) four-star EDGE Sharlandiin Strange — who committed earlier this year on Jan. 27.

Orange looking to carry recruiting momentum into 2025 cycle

New head coach Fran Brown managed to pick up some steam on the recruiting trail toward the end of the 2024 cycle after he was hired. The former Georgia defensive backs coach managed to ink 22 prospects — compiling the No. 38 class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie four-star cornerback Marcellus Barnes committed to the Orange during the All-American Bowl in January is is one of three four-star signees for Brown and Co.

“I committed to Syracuse over Georgia and Ole Miss,” Barnes told On3. “My relationship with Coach Fran is what it came down to. He is a lot like me. He is not afraid to compete and he doesn’t back down from anything.

“From the beginning, Coach Fran recruited me hard and was honest with me. He tells you the truth regardless if you like it or not. I believe he is one of the best defensive backs coaches in the country, I think he can turn Syracuse around and I feel he can help me on and off the field.”

Brown was part of two national titles at Georgia. That excited Barnes too.

“Coach Fran, Coach E (Elijah Robinson), Coach Nick (Williams) and the staff all bring something to Syracuse. Coach E from Texas A&M, Coach Nick from Colorado and Coach Fran from Georgia. I like being the underdog and I feel like that is what Syracuse is, but they have a lot of potential and I am ready to go make an early impact and help them win games.”