Bad News for Cuse
By: Robert MacRae January 1, 2025

This ACC program has suffered another transfer portal loss, and this time it’s a starter on the offensive line.

Syracuse starting center J’Onre Reed announced via social media Tuesday that he has entered the portal.

Reed, a senior and former junior college player, has been granted another year of eligibility after Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit and subsequent injunction.

Per Syracuse.com, Reed became the eighth Syracuse player who has transferred or is in the portal, and with the loss of Reed, the Orange will now likely have to replace four of their starting offensive linemen before the 2025 campaign.

A native of Houston, Texas, Reed transferred to Syracuse in the spring of 2023 following a successful JUCO career at Blinn and Hutchinson Community College.

The 6-foot-3, 316-pounder started 25 games over his two seasons at Syracuse. In 2023, he was the Orange’s highest-graded pass blocker among players who played more than 300 offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Syracuse finished the 2024 season with a 10-3 overall record (5-3 ACC), and of course, upset Miami in the regular season finale to get Clemson into the ACC Championship Game. The Orange capped off the season with a 52-35 victory over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27.

Clemson is slated to host Syracuse at Death Valley next season at a date to be announced.

–Photo courtesy Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports