The transfer portal has been a bit quiet for Syracuse Orange fans so far, but Head Coach Gerry McNamara is actively working to build his roster. While he's already brought in two familiar faces from Siena, the search is on for more impact players. Recent reports indicate the Orange are showing serious interest in two standout transfers who could address key needs.

First on the radar is Jerald Colonel, a 6'9" forward from Stephen F. Austin. Colonel is a defensive force, having been named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Last season, he averaged 7.3 rebounds and an impressive 2.6 blocks per game, providing the kind of rim protection and interior presence any team craves. His defensive pedigree has sparked a nationwide recruiting battle, with Syracuse among several high-major programs vying for his commitment.

The second target is a player well-known to the new Syracuse staff: Jalen Cox, a dynamic point guard from Colgate. Cox is coming off a stellar season where he averaged 17.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, showcasing the complete floor-general skills the Orange need. He notably dropped 22 points in a win over McNamara's former Siena team, clearly making a lasting impression. His proven scoring and playmaking have made him one of the most sought-after guards in the portal.

For Syracuse, these pursuits make perfect sense. Cox represents a potential solution at the point guard spot, while Colonel could anchor the defense in the paint. As McNamara shapes his roster for the 2026-27 season, landing either—or both—of these talented transfers would be a significant step forward for the program. The competition is fierce, but the Orange are firmly in the mix.