Syracuse football: Multiple players enter transfer portal

With the offseason now in full swing for the Syracuse Orange, there were always going to be transfers in and out of the program. The first of those since the end of the season was reported today by 247sports’ Stephen Bailey as sources tell him tight end Aaron Hackett has entered the transfer portal.

It’s important to note that although Hackett has already played for four seasons in an Orange uniform, he could theoretically still come back to Syracuse as the NCAA granted all athletes an extra year of eligibility. If Hackett does decide to leave the Orange, he’ll be immediately eligible to play as a graduate transfer.

The Venice, Fla. native has played 45 games with Syracuse and racked up 37 catches for 311 yards and nine touchdowns. After a career-best junior campaign, Hackett didn’t have a huge 2020 season with only 10 catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns. The tight end also fumbled twice. Hackett’s role changed in 2020 as he was used more as a pass blocker rather than a receiver while SU struggled to protect quarterbacks.

With Hackett’s potential departure, Syracuse now has three scholarship tight ends on the roster with a fourth on the way. Luke Benson, Steven Mahar Jr. and Maximilian Mang are the returners for the Orange, while Landon Morris is set to come to Central New York with the recruiting class of 2021. (we’re also not counting Chris Elmore as a “tight end” here despite the designation on the depth chart)

We wish Hackett the best of luck with his future decision!

Update (12:55 pm ET): Bailey also reports that Markenzy Pierre has entered the transfer portal. The running back had 178 career rushing yards and will also be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer.

Update (1:05 pm ET): It seems like more Syracuse players will be entering the transfer portal as the day goes on. We’ll continue updating this article as more reports are made. The Athletic’s Matthew Gutierrez reported that Jason Munoz and walk-on Tyler Cook have also entered the transfer portal.

Update (1:50 pm ET): Now Gutierrez reports that Josh Black is expected to enter the transfer portal. Like Hackett and Pierre, he’ll be a grad transfer with immediate eligibility.

Update (December 8, 11:10 am ET): Black announced on twitter that he’ll use his extra year of eligibility at Syracuse.

Update (December 9, 12:35 pm ET): Airon Servais announced on twitter that he’ll use his extra year of eligibility and return to Syracuse