Syracuse football transitions special teams units under new coach Alex Bayer

Syracuse football enters the 2026 season with adjustments across its special teams units under the direction of new coach Alex Bayer. Place-kicker Tripp Woody returns following a 2025 campaign where he converted 12-of-14 field goals. The team faces a transition at punter, where freshman Jimmy Gregg and walk-on Mateja Pavlovich compete for the vacancy left by the departure of Jack Stonehouse. Incoming freshman Shay Barker is expected to handle kickoff duties, while Fran Brown, Jr. remains the primary long snapper for kicks and punts. Coaching staff seek improvement in the return game, evaluating candidates including Davien Kerr, Demetres Samuel Jr., and Matthew Outten for the primary returner roles. These changes aim to enhance field position as the program looks to secure a bowl bid this season.

• 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Syracuse football 2026 position previews: Special teams