Syracuse’s linebacker corps has emerged as arguably the most formidable unit on the Orange defense heading into the 2025 season, a development that reflects both strategic recruitment and the influence of newly appointed defensive coordinator Vince Kehres.
At the center of that narrative is freshman sensation Antoine Deslauriers, who burst onto the scene with 60 total tackles and two pass breakups, earning freshman All‑American honors and quickly becoming a cornerstone of the group.
Adding to the depth is transfer Chris D’Appolonia, whose stint at Toledo featured 68 tackles, four pass deflections, a sack and a forced fumble; the former Rocket chose Syracuse over several suitors, including UConn, after weighing his options in the portal.
Returning stalwarts Gary Bryant III and David Omopariola bring proven production, with Bryant matching Deslauriers with 60 tackles and adding four tackles for loss, while Omopariola posted a team‑high 8.5 tackles for loss to go along with 32 stops.
Veteran presence also arrives via former FCS All‑American Keyshawn Johnson, who contributes over 100 career tackles and 22 sacks, and Jamie Tremble, who ranked among the team’s sack leaders with three sacks in just 12 games.
Zyian Moultrie‑Goddard rounded out the rotation by appearing in every game and delivering a career‑best three tackles against Georgia Tech, underscoring the unit’s reliability.
A Defensive Identity Redefined
The combination of youthful explosiveness, experienced playmakers and a fresh coaching philosophy suggests that Syracuse’s linebackers will not only protect the line of scrimmage but also generate turnovers and pressure quarterbacks at a higher rate than in recent memory.