Syracuse Lands LSU Transfer QB Rickie Collins Jr. for 2024 Season
Syracuse football has secured a major addition to its roster with the commitment of LSU-transfer quarterback Rickie Collins Jr., as reported by Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of 247Sports/CBS Sports. This news follows earlier speculation that the young quarterback was expected to join the Orange.
Who is Rickie Collins Jr.?
Collins, a dual-threat quarterback, comes to Syracuse with three years of eligibility remaining. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Collins was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2023 and an Elite 11 finalist during his high school tenure at Woodlawn. After committing to his hometown LSU Tigers out of high school, Collins spent two seasons as a backup, appearing in four games and throwing just seven passes.
Collins has significant upside as an athletic, mobile quarterback who has honed his skills at a powerhouse SEC program. He was part of LSU’s quarterback room during a season when Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy and later became the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, now excelling with the Washington Commanders.
Why Syracuse?
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown and his staff actively sought a quarterback to bolster their depth chart. Collins visited Syracuse last week, and his decision signals a strong commitment to the Orange’s program.
Collins is rated as the 21st-best quarterback in the transfer portal and the No. 196 overall transfer prospect by On3. He brings a combination of experience and potential to a Syracuse quarterback room that includes seventh-year senior Michael Johnson Jr. and redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams. The Orange are also preparing for the arrivals of incoming freshmen Luke Carney and Rich Belin, who are set to enroll in 2025.
The Road Ahead
Collins joins Syracuse at a pivotal time, with the program focusing on strengthening its roster through the transfer portal. His mobility and SEC-level experience could provide a dynamic element to Syracuse’s offense, complementing the talent already in place.
While Syracuse continues to navigate roster decisions, including Kyle McCord’s bid for an additional year of NCAA eligibility, Collins is expected to be a key part of their plans moving forward. The competition in the quarterback room will likely be fierce, but Collins’ addition signals Syracuse’s commitment to competing at a higher level in the ACC.
The Orange had also recruited other quarterback transfers, such as Kaidon Salter (who signed with Colorado) and Anthony Colandrea (formerly of Virginia), but landing Collins is a major win for the program.
As Syracuse prepares for the 2024 season, fans can look forward to seeing how Collins’ athleticism and potential translate to the field in his new environment.
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