Gadsden solidifies himself as the Orange’s most productive tight end ever.
A career-defining game on Friday night saw Syracuse Orange star tight end Oronde Gadsden II become the new all-time program leader in two major statistical categories.
Gadsden, who finished with a career-high 10 catches and 142 yards versus the No. 25 UNLV Rebels, is now Syracuse’s new all-time record holder among tight ends in receptions (94) and career receiving yards 1,395.
Former tight ends Nick Provo (92 receptions between 2008 and 2011) and Chris Gedney (1,334 receiving yards between 1989 and 1992) were the previous leaders in catches and receiving yards, respectively.
Gadsden’s previous career highs in receptions and receiving yards was against NC State in 2022, when he finished with eight catches for 141 yards.
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It’s certainly been a rollercoaster type of journey for the redshirt junior, but Gadsden has legitimately produced when healthy over the course of his Syracuse career.
Gadsden’s freshman year in 2021 started off limited effectiveness, missing some time due to injury and finishing with just two catches for 24 yards in eight games. The following year, he emerged immediately as Syracuse’s top receiving threat.
A first team All-ACC campaign in 2022 saw Gadsden move full-time to the tight end position and finish with 61 catches, 969 yards and six TDs. It was a breakout season for Gadsden, who reached these incredible achievements that year:
- Most receiving yards among all tight ends
- Seventh-most receiving yards in a single season in program history
- Most catches by a sophomore in program history (passing Mike Williams in 2007)
- Most catches by a tight end in program history (passing Nick Provo in 2011)
- Most receiving yards by a tight end in program history (passing Chris Gedney in 1992)
Unfortunately, an ill-timed Lisfranc injury during the early portion of the 2023 season saw Gadsden play just two games. Optimism was in the air during the preseason regarding Gadsden returning to the field this season, but it’s clear he still has the explosive production especially with a quarterback like Kyle McCord under center.
Through five games, Gadsden has 26 catches for 359 yards and 3 TDs. He’ll look to continue being an effective playmaker in Syracuse’s new-look passing game for the remainder of the year.