Demetres Samuel Jr. might be the most intriguing freshman in college football heading into the 2025 season — and he hasn’t even turned 17 yet. The Syracuse newcomer is already drawing comparisons to Colorado’s two-way sensation Travis Hunter thanks to his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.
Like Hunter, Samuel is set to play cornerback and wide receiver for the Orange. But head coach Fran Brown is urging fans and media alike to exercise patience. Samuel’s rise may be historic, but Brown knows it’ll take time for him to develop into a consistent two-way star.
Still, the hype is real. A native of Florida, Samuel was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025 and one of the top-ranked defensive backs nationally. Instead of finishing high school, Samuel reclassified and enrolled at Syracuse more than a year early. At just 16 years old, he’s projected to start at cornerback this fall — and he’s already taking key snaps at wideout in spring ball.
Brown praised Samuel’s maturity and potential, saying, “He could be in high school probably becoming the No. 1 player in the country next year or top 10. He’s doing a hell of a job at 16 years old, competing with guys at another level.”
Originally committed to Florida, Samuel flipped to Syracuse after receiving more than two dozen offers from top programs including Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Now he’s in upstate New York, already turning heads with his athleticism, versatility, and advanced football IQ.
Quarterback Michael Johnson joked about the age gap between him and Samuel during a team interaction: “He asked me, ‘You coming out for my birthday? Where we going?’ I was like, ‘Dude, you’re 17. Where we going? What you mean?’”
Samuel wears a neutral-colored pinny in practice so he can switch between offense and defense, and his role is already expanding. If he continues on this trajectory, he might not be in college for long. Brown believes the 6-foot-1, 190-pound playmaker will be NFL-bound after three seasons.
For now, Orange fans get to enjoy watching a true phenom grow in real time. Demetres Samuel Jr. might not be Travis Hunter yet — but don’t be surprised if he becomes college football’s next great two-way superstar.
