Fran Brown names LSU transfer Rickie Collins Syracuse starting quarterback in 2025

Late in spring practice, Syracuse has already made a decision on its starting quarterback. Rickie Collins will be the guy for the Orange, head coach Fran Brown announced Monday. Collins is in his first season with the program after transferring from LSU.

“BREAKING; Head coach Fran Brown named LSU transfer Rickie Collins Syracuse’s starting quarterback for the upcoming season,” Ashley Wenskoski of CNY Central said via X.

Collins will have some big shoes to fill. Syracuse saw their offense explode in 2024 thanks to another transfer, Kyle McCord. Previously at Ohio State, McCord turned into one of the best statistical quarterbacks in college football last season.

He threw for 4,779 yards — the most in the country — plus 34 touchdowns while completing 66% of his throws. Brown likely wants to see a number lower than 12 when discussing interceptions moving forward but it’s a trade-off you take with McCord.

Collins joined Syracuse back in December, something Brown did highlight when making the announcement. Some off-field leadership went into the decision too, as Collins could becoming a leader for the Orange at the right time.

“He seems to be moving into (being) the leader of our football team,” Brown said. “I’m liking what I’m seeing. I think the players are behind him, everyone’s behind him. So, it seems like he’s going to be our quarterback.

“Learning how to lead, he’s still doing it. This will be his first time. But he’s watched some really good players. He had two guys in front of him at LSU that I think did a good job, he’s been here through the bowl game prep and had a chance to watch Kyle.”

Two seasons were spent in Baton Rouge before Collins decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Minimal experience is on the resume, making just four appearances for LSU. Not too many pass attempts came his way when on the field. Collins has seven passes to his name, completing four for a total of 37 yards.

Collins played high school football at Baton Rouge (LA) Woodlawn, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 234 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Syracuse will open the 2025 season with a massive nonconference showdown. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host as the Orange faces off against Tennessee. Maybe one of the more underrated early season contests, Collins will be under center.