In a 2025 campaign that ended with eight straight losses, silver linings were hard to come by for Syracuse football. The offensive line was no exception. The Orange allowed 38 sacks a season ago, third most in the Atlantic Coast Conference and twelfth most in the entire country. SU struggled to find consistency in the run game as well. No ‘Cuse player eclipsed the 100-yard mark in a game all season for the first time since 2007.
These struggles inevitably led to changes on the Syracuse coaching staff. SU head coach Fran Brown dismissed then-offensive line coach Dale Williams in December, and appointed Juan Castillo to replace him.
Now, with a new leader in place and a plethora of returning production, Brown hopes the ‘Cuses unit up front can bounce back in the 2026 season.
The Captain
Juan Castillo was officially named SU’s offensive line coach on December 18, after spending one season as the senior assistant offensive line coach at Michigan. With the Wolverines, Castillo oversaw the second best rushing attack in the Big 10, which averaged over 200 yards per game.
The former Division II linebacker enters his new position with over 40 years of experience at both the NFL and collegiate levels. Castillo has served stints with the Commanders, Bears, Bills, Ravens, and Eagles. During his 17-year spell in Philadelphia, the Texas native worked as the tight ends coach, offensive line coach, and defensive coordinator.
“Juan is a pro," said Brown. "He's a professional at everything he does. He's a tireless worker and I'm honored to work with him. I feel as though this is one of the best hires I've been able to make since becoming the coach here at Syracuse.
SU offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon spent four years with Castillo in Philadelphia, and expressed a similar sentiment when asked what he brings to the staff, “Juan is almost second to none as far as his work ethic and his energy.”
Throughout his tenure in the NFL, Castillo coached several Pro Bowl and future Hall of Fame linemen, including Jason Peters and Marshal Yanda.
"All the guys in the NFL still rave about him and Dion Dawkins told me he's the reason he's become the player he is in the NFL,” Brown said. “Dion and I are like family, so if Dion felt that way, our guys need Juan so we can make them feel the same way."
Dawkins, a cornerstone tackle for the Buffalo Bills, spent one season under Castillo’s guidance in 2017-2018.
On paper, the hiring of Juan Castillo as Syracuse’s new offensive line coach may just look like any other position hire. But what Brown, Nixon, and plenty of others see is a seasoned leader, with the experience and mentality required to strengthen one of the Orange’s largest weaknesses a season ago.
In order to turn the unit around, the ‘Cuse will have to rely on big jumps from returning players.
Returning Starters
Redshirt junior Trevion Mack started 10 games at left tackle last season for SU, and is expected to retain that spot. In 2025, Mack allowed just one sack on 368 pass blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Redshirt senior Joe Cruz enters his fifth season with the Orange, and provides crucial versatility and experience. In 16 career starts, Cruz has taken snaps at center and both guard spots, while not giving up a single sack on 627 pass blocking opportunities, according to PFF. The question for Cruz isn’t whether he’ll start, but where?
Former three-star recruit Byron Washington may have the most raw potential out of any Syracuse offensive linemen. The sophomore ranked top 10 nationally in snaps played among true freshman guards a season ago. Washington will slot in as the starting right guard in 2026.
Likely Contributors
Unlike those listed ahead of him, Kam Pringle was not a usual starter for the ‘Cuse a season ago. The redshirt sophomore appeared in every game however, tallying 161 offensive snaps. The former four-star recruit, and South Carolina Gamecock, will likely carry a bigger role in 2026, specifically at right tackle.
Redshirt freshmen Kahlil Stewart and Matthew Hawn could contend for the starting spot at center. The former three-star recruits both saw limited action in 2025, but may undergo an uptick in snaps this season. “You got the two centers (Stewart and Hawn),” Castillo said when asked about who has impressed him during spring ball, “We got two kids who’ve been here barely a year and they’re doing good.”
Plus, former five-star prospect Zach Rice was rated as the nation’s ninth-best recruit in 2022. After three seasons at North Carolina, Rice made two appearances for Syracuse last year. The redshirt senior could compete for a starting guard spot in 2026.
The Depth
The Orange added Oluwafunto Akinshilo from the transfer portal this spring. The redshirt senior previously played at Iowa State and UCLA, and will add depth to the guard positions.
Redshirt junior Naquil Betrand began his college football career at Texas A&M in 2023, before transferring to Alabama, and eventually making his way to the Hill. The Philadelphia native appeared in eight games with the Orange last season, notching two starts at tackle.
Former three-star recruit Kardiear Shepherd used his redshirt in his freshman season for SU. The Syracuse native will provide plenty of competition to projected starters at both tackle spots.
Overall, depth clearly won’t be an issue for Castillo and company up front, but the stakes are high. With quarterback Steve Angeli coming off a torn achilles and two new running backs in place, the Orange will need a steady presence from their offensive line.
With Cruz, Washington, and Mack returning, all SU needs is a couple of guys to step up. Pair that with the experience Castillo and the revamped coaching staff brings, and SU has the pieces to field a top-half offensive line in the ACC.
Find out if the unit up front can get off to a good start on Saturday, September 5 when Syracuse begins its campaign against New Hampshire.