Monday Musings: Syair Torrence & Kiyan Anthony

The latest on a top Syracuse football and basketball recruiting target.

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SYAIR TORRENCE

Former Syracuse commit Syair Torrence has decommitted from Michigan State, he announced over the weekend. Torrence was the first player in the 2024 recruiting class to verbal to the Orange, but decommitted in order to take other visits. After doing so, he elected to commit to Michigan State. However, the Spartans have been going through some things. They fired their head coach for cause stemming from a scandal alleging inappropriate conduct. With that ongoing drama and legal battle, Torrence elected to reopen his recruitment again. Torrence cited that situation as a primary reason for his decision and stated he is looking for a "stable, consistent football home." 

So where does Syracuse fall into that? The Orange never stopped recruiting Torrence even after he flipped to Michigan State. Torrence often pointed to his relationship with head coach Dino Babers as a big reason why he committed in the first place and that relationship is why Syracuse has a chance this time around. In fact, Syracuse should be viewed as one of the favorites. Who else could be involved? Boston College would be the most notable as of now. The Eagles have also continually recruited Torrence and has hosted him for a visit. Michigan extended an offer but he has not visited. The Wolverines' 2024 class is currently 25 deep with at least three wide receivers (there are a couple of athletes that could add to that number depending on where they end up). There may not be room for Torrence there. 

All in all, I think Syracuse makes the most sense, but this is not expected to resolve itself in the immediate future. Look for Syracuse to try to get him back on campus for a visit at some point before the early signing period. 

KIYAN ANTHONY

On the basketball recruiting front, 2025 guard Kiyan Anthony officially visited Florida State this past weekend (side note: it was odd seeing Carmelo, Kiyan's father, in FSU gear). He definitely enjoyed the trip and the Seminoles are heavily involved. However, I still think Syracuse's biggest competition is Indiana. Anthony now visits the Orange this coming weekend, where SU will roll out the red carpet and make a big push. Anthony has always been extremely interested in Syracuse for obvious reasons, and the playing style of Adrian Autry will only help that. 

Carmelo is allowing his son to make this decision, but clearly having the main basketball building named after his father has to help with Kiyan. We should get a better feeling after the visit this weekend regarding the direction of his recruitment and Syracuse's placement within that. I currently like the Orange's chances, and the coaching staff views him as a major priority in that cycle. 

The good news on the Indiana front is that the Hoosiers have offered several other shooting guards, including a pair of five stars and two other top 30 prospects. Is he as big of a priority for them as he is for Syracuse? 

Anthony is currently considered a top 40 or top 50 prospect in the 2025 class.