Maraad Watson is a surprise departure
Three more Syracuse Orange football players entered the transfer portal on Friday. Surprisingly, Maraad Watson, who earned Freshman All-American honors last season, was on the list.
Watson was joined by offensive lineman David Wohlabaugh, Jr and Enrique Cruz, neither of those a surprise since Fran Brown told us a week ago Wohlabaugh was entering and Cruz’s playing time had decreased the last two seasons. It does take some experience away from the offensive line, but it looks as though Syracuse is looking to find a transfer to help protect Rickie Collins.
Eastern Kentucky Freshman All-American OL Tyrell Green is visiting Syracuse on April 23rd ✈️
The Ohio native did not allow a sack in over 600 snaps this season pic.twitter.com/0Dw1pt2XEu
— A&P Sports Agency (@APSportsAgency) April 18, 2025
Watson’s loss takes an important player out of the defensive line. The three-star recruit ended up making 11 starts last season and was one of the top freshmen defensive lineman against the run according to PFF grades.
With the Orange losing Fadil Diggs, Marlowe Wax and Justin Barron, the run defense could take another hit if Watson does indeed depart. Syracuse brought in transfer Chris Thomas and Dion Wilson, Jr is healthy, but Watson was a key piece on the interior in 2025 and beyond.
We’ll see if Syracuse looks to the portal to replace him. As of this writing, the Orange were linked with wide receivers Johntay Cook (Texas) and Hykeem Williams (Florida State), who is reported to have a visit to Syracuse lined up.
There’s still another week of the portal, so keep it here for more updates.