By Maliha
Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell committed to Syracuse on Saturday, making him the No. 1 pledge in Fran Brown鈥檚 2026 recruiting class. If the Northwestern High School (Opa Locka, Florida) standout signs in December, he will become the highest-rated signee in the program鈥檚 history.In an interview with On3, Russell credited Brown for his decision.鈥淐oach Fran, he鈥檚 a great leader,” Russell said. “He does everything the right way. He鈥檚 changing the culture. He鈥檚 changing everyone鈥檚 mentality. He does everything he has to do. The conversations I had with Coach Fran, I trust him, I know he鈥檚 going to do right by me and my family.鈥漈he 6-foot-5, 190-pound prospect is the teammate of Syracuse freshman wide receiver Darius Johnson. Russell is also the son of former Miami women’s basketball player Chanivia Broussard.As a junior last season, Russell led his high school to a 3A state championship under coach and ex-NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. He recorded 704 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 39 receptions, while also adding two rushing scores.According to 247Sports, Russell is listed as the No. 21 overall player in the class of 2026, No. 3 receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect in Florida. He is also a multi-sport athlete who plans to suit up for Syracuse basketball under coach Adrian Autry.Calvin Russell shuts down his recruitment following his commitment Just last weekend at the OT7 Finals, Calvin Russell told Rivals that his final three schools were Oregon, Florida State and Michigan.Sherrone Moore’s program came closest to securing Russell, but ultimately it was his connection with Fran Brown that boosted the choice he made with his family two days ago. After committing to Syracuse, Russell also made it clear he was ending his recruitment process.鈥淚t鈥檚 over,” Russell told On3. “I鈥檓 done. There will be nothing else going on with my recruitment. I鈥檓 done.”Syracuse hasn鈥檛 landed a wide receiver of Russell鈥檚 caliber since Johnnie Morant (2000). With Russell鈥檚 commitment, Syracuse鈥檚 2026 recruiting class jumped 10 spots to No. 20 in the 247Sports team rankings. This class now features 26 committed players.