SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Class of 2026 linebacker Gemaus Sackie (NJ) committed to Syracuse football on Sunday afternoon.
Mike McAllister of 247 Sports was the first to report the news.
The Burlington Township, NJ native picked the Orange over at least five other schools, including Stony Brook, Temple, and Monmouth.
“Syracuse has shown a lot of interest and love,” said Sackie on Sunday night. “I was looking for a team that would be a next home for me, coming out of high school, and Syracuse has done that.”
Sackie said that his official visit to Syracuse last weekend was different from the other schools he had considered.
“They weren’t trying to make it scripted and (get) buy in,” he said. “They gave me the real deal, of what Syracuse would be like. Most colleges, they show you all of the fancy stuff, what to expect, what to like. But Syracuse, they’ll tell you it’s hard. It’s hard playing at Syracuse, and it’s not going to be easy…but, if you do the work, you’re going to succeed. That’s not only going to the NFL, but also getting a degree and getting a job. And that’s what Fran really wants to show, that he’s going to take care of you.”
The linebacker was a three star recruit according to 247 Sports and is ranked as the 21st best player in New Jersey in the ’26 class. He is the second LB commit in SU’s 2026 class, joining Maurice Medley (MD).
He reaffirmed the notion that Fran Brown is shifting the narrative surrounding Syracuse football to fit his ‘D.A.R.T’ philosophy.
“He’s, in my opinion, the best recruiter in the nation,” said Sackie. “Fran knows how to get guys to the program and get them to buy into it.”
SU football currently has 17 recruits committed to the 2026 class, which is ranked as the 27th best nationally by 247 Sports.