UPSIDE: Syracuse Football's Defense could be ELITE if These Players STEP UP

Syracuse Orange football faces a pivotal 2026 season as defensive improvement becomes essential for a turnaround. Can cornerback Davien Kerr, safety Cornell Perry, and veteran Rashard Perry anchor a secondary and defensive line desperate for consistency? Jackson Holzer and Neil Adler spotlight five key Syracuse defenders—Kerr, Perry, Braheem Long Jr., transfer Tunmise Adeleye, and Rashard Perry—who must elevate their game to fuel a resurgence. The duo analyzes last season’s struggles, from lax pass rush and penalty issues to questions surrounding defensive depth behind top corners Demetres Samuel Jr. and Chris Peal. They discuss how new additions like Adeleye and strategic tweaks under defensive coordinator Vince Kehres could transform the team’s ACC outlook. Will Syracuse’s defense rise to the challenge, or remain a weak link? Find out which players are under the most pressure as the Orange chase respectability in 2026.   Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedon_syracuse?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lockedonsyracuse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582737780703 Locked On Syracuse Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Syracuse Jackson Holzer's Twitter: https://x.com/jholzer52   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.