Syracuse football: what the Orange said at ACC Football Kickoff

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Jul 16, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Syracuse head coach Fran Brown speaks to the media during Media Day at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Orange took the stage at day two of ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte and addressed the disappointment about last season’s 3-9 record and how they feel this year will be different.

Fran Brown got right to the jokes when he was asked what he learned from last season and he quickly responded “To have backup quarterbacks”. Then the conversation got into coaching style and Brown highlighted how he has to approach his players differently

“Accountability will be held, but I can’t coach all three of them the same. They’re all different guys. I have different conversations with all of them, but we can be talking about the same thing. I may be able to cuss Antoine out, because Antoine’s mental is just like crazy; but with Meech, I’m going to have a personal conversation with him and make sure he remembers his why. With Steve, it will be something else that I’ll tell him of what you’re looking to do, does that look the way it’s supposed to look.”

Brown shared that the two sophomores he brought to Charlotte- Antoine Deslauriers and Demetres Samuel, Jr. were both sought after by other schools and used this to point out that it’s not all about the ratings, but the way players will fit in the Orange family. Here are his full comments:


After Brown, the players took the podium led by Steve Angeli. Syracuse’s QB said he’s ready to play today which has to make Orange fans feel a bit better. Angeli said he’s learned to be a better leader and Syracuse will need to lean on his experience with a lot of new starters on offense.

Deslauriers and Samuel said that new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres will allow the defense to play free and attack the ball. The Orange struggled at creating turnovers last season and it seems like everyone from the coaches and staff felt that this change will lead to a dramatic improvement.

Samuel had the line of the session when asked if he could lift more than Fran.

“Who’s lifting heavier? If it’s bench, he’ll probably lift heavier than me. He got old man strength (laughter). But anything lower body, no, he can’t mess with me.”

You can also read the interview transcripts online. There is some additional content shared by Syracuse and the ACC that we’ll try and catch up on for next week.

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