The Syracuse Orange continue to add to the defensive line through the transfer portal. Maryland defensive lineman Dillan Fontus has committed to the Orange, according to Neil Adler from Inside the Loud House. The Averne, New York native will have one year of eligibility left.
Fontus set career highs in his 2025 season with Maryland. He totaled 27 tackles with one sack. His 3.5 tackles for loss tied him for sixth on the team. Additionally, Fontus was the inaugural winner of the Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, which recognized his community service contributions that align with Jackie Robinson’s legacy.
Fontus was a highly regarded recruit in high school. The Canarsie High School graduate was a four-star recruit by On3 and was ranked the No. 1 recruit in New York by On3 and Rivals. Fontus was also a top-100 defensive line recruit by On3 and ESPN.
Advertisement
Fontus will be needed to fortify an Orange defensive line which is losing a lot of players due to graduation. Dion Wilson, Elijah Fuentes-Cundiff, Georg Rooks and Chris Thomas were all seniors or redshirt seniors on the interior of Syracuse’s defensive line in 2025. Interior defensive line help is also coming from Syracuse’s freshman class in Alex Haskell, Walt Frazier and Kordae Houston.
Fontus is the fourth defensive player and second defensive lineman that has committed to Syracuse this offseason. He and Georgia State defensive tackle Jartavius Flounoy are the defensive line additions to the Orange. Toledo linebacker Chris D’Appolonia and UT Martin edge rusher Keyshawn Johnson are the other defensive players joining the Orange from the transfer portal.
Fontus is the 10th player to join the Orange from the transfer portal. The other players are Boise State/Glendale CC wide receiver Zamondre Merriweather, South Carolina tight end Michael Smith, LSU running back Ju’Juan Johnson, Miami (OH) wide receiver Cole Weaver, Jackson State running back Ahmad Miller and Florida State wide receiver Elijah Moore.
The transfer portal remains open for entry until January 15th. Players must enter their names into the portal before the deadline. Schools can still sign players after the deadline as long as the player is in the portal before the deadline.
