
Calvin Russell is expected to sign with Syracuse as a five-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2025. However, it did not go as smoothly on Wednesday as the Orange expected.
Their future pass-catcher chose to delay his signing until later in the week.
Although this kind of thing is not uncommon in college football, it typically means that other schools are making a last-minute push to change the recruit’s mind. There are two teams to watch for Russell.
Who is Calvin Russell?
Russell hails from Miami, Florida. He played his high school football career at Miami Northwestern and won a state championship with Teddy Bridgewater as head coach last season.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound wide receiver is ranked as the No. 2 player at his position in the Class of 2026 behind Tristen Keys and ahead of Chris Henry Jr. as a five-star prospect and top-25 player overall.
Russell made 39 catches for 704 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. He made 32 catches for 517 yards and seven touchdowns through the first nine games of his senior season with at least one more to go. The Bulls will play in the semifinal round of the playoffs this weekend at 12-0.
In addition to his prowess as a pass-catcher, Calvin Russell also completed 15 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns at quarterback or in trick play formations, and stars for the basketball team. Syracuse allowed him to play both sports in college which played a big role in his decision to commit back in July.
Will Syracuse still land its top recruit over Miami and Michigan?
Calvin Russell decided not to sign with the Orange on the first day of the Early Signing Period. His postponement will allow him more time to pray on his decision.
BREAKING: Syracuse WR commit Calvin Russell announces he will not sign today. https://t.co/lWQWZWT7s9 pic.twitter.com/OZAPkZhjxf
— Marcus Benjamin (@BenjaminRivals) December 3, 2025
According to Steve Wiltfong on Thursday morning, Russell is still expected to stick with Syracuse. He will have to sign with his future program by Friday at 11:59 p.m. or wait until February.
Michigan seems to be the other party most involved. The Wolverines are working hard to flip him.
However, the five-star recruit threw up ‘The U’ for Miami on Instagram after he pushed back his signing.
CALVIN RUSSELL THROWING UP THE U AFTER NOT SIGNING TODAY🙌
— BLEED ORANGE AND GREEN (@Brabra_Savage24) December 3, 2025
FRONTLINER🙌 LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN@coach_cristobal @14gump_ pic.twitter.com/cG7c45CTxn
The Hurricanes were involved with his recruitment at the beginning. What does it mean?!
Pete Nakos says Miami is not a school to watch for Russell. Only Michigan. So maybe his hand signal was an attempt to get the money up in Coral Gables? Maybe he wanted the Canes to jump back in?
No matter what ‘The U’ meant, it sounds like it won’t matter. Calvin Russell is locked in on Syracuse…
… until he isn’t!