Malachi Nelson News, Rumors, Updates - Syracuse Orange

Calvin Russell's 4-yard TD catch lifts Syracuse to 31-30 overtime win over North Carolina

Calvin Russell III caught a 4-yard touchdown, and the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, to give Syracuse a 31-30 overtime win over North Carolina

2 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Syracuse Faces Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Saturday's Matchup With UNC Syracuse has used four quarterbacks this season, with Steve Angeli, Malachi Nelson, Amari Odom, and...

4 DAYS AGO • TARHEELTIMES.COM

Undergoes ankle surgery Nelson underwent tight-rope surgery for a high ankle sprain and will miss a few weeks, Chris Carlson of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Impact Nelson is set to miss a few weeks due to this ankle surgery and with Amari Odom (shoulder) out for the season, the Orange are relying heavily on the health of Steve Angeli. Nelson started the team's last two games, throwing for 532 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Not playing versus North Carolina Nelson (leg) will miss Saturday's contest versus North Carolina, per the ACC availability report.

Impact The QB situation at Syracuse couldn't be any worse, as both Nelson and Amari Odom (shoulder) are out, while Steve Angeli (undisclosed) is questionable. As things stand now, it wouldn't be surprising if fourth-string quarterback Danny Lauter ends up starting Saturday.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lincoln Kienholz accounts for three scores, leading Louisville to 34-26 win over Syracuse

Lincoln Kienholz ran for two scores and passed for another, Keyjuan Brown rushed for two, and Louisville defeated Syracuse 34-26 Saturday

OCTOBER 18 • Associated Press

Dealing with multiple injuries Nelson is dealing with leg and shoulder injuries, according to WAER Sports. "Malachi went down, it was a couple different things like leg, shoulder, something like that," head coac...

Impact Syracuse have been dealing with lots of injuries at the quarterback position, and it wouldn't be surprising if Nelson misses time, although further tests will be needed to determine that. Steve Angeli (undisclosed) and Amari Odom (shoulder) are also injured, so if Nelson has to miss times, Danny Lauter would be the next in line to start under center.

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go vs. Louisville Nelson (collarbone) is not listed on the injury report for Saturday's game versus Louisville, per the ACC availability report.

Impact Nelson's collarbone appears to not be an issue for the quarterback as he has cleared Syracuse's injury report. He is slated to start under center, as Steve Angeli (undisclosed) and Amari Odom (shoulder) have both been ruled out for Saturday. The quarterback started Week 6 against Virginia, completing 16 of 29 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown before exiting.

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable for Saturday Nelson (collarbone) is now questionable for Saturday's game versus Louisville, per the ACC availability report.

Impact Nelson was probable to feature Saturday, and while the downgrade in status is concerning, he's still expected to get the start under center if he's healthy enough to play. Steve Angeli (undisclosed) is doubtful, paving the way for Nelson to get the nod under center despite the recent downgrade.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to start Week 7 Nelson (collarbone) is expected to start in Saturday's game against Louisville, Pete Thamel of ESPN reports.

Impact Although the ACC availability report recently included a questionable Nelson, Thamel's update indicates the quarterback will have recovered from his collarbone injury and be able to play in the Syracuse-Louisville game. It has been built up as a difficult endeavor for the Orange, with their top-two QBs Steve Angeli (undisclosed) and Amari Odom (foot) also dealing with injuries. Nelson played in their Week 6 absence and blossomed, completing 16 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown without any turnovers at Virginia.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Officially questionable Nelson (collarbone) is questionable for Saturday's game against Louisville.

Impact Nelson is officially being ruled as questionable after X-rays were negative following his injury. Nelson could end up returning to a backup role if Steve Angeli (undisclosed) is able to suit up. The team will already be down Amari Odom (shoulder) for Saturday's contest.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

X-ray results negative Syracuse's head coach Fran Brown announced Monday that X-rays were negative on Nelson (collarbone) following his injury, Chris Carlson of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Impact The negative results from Nelson's X-rays offer some optimism towards his availability going into Week 7, which will include Syracuse hosting Louisville. Going into Saturday, the Orange are dealing with several injuries in their quarterback room, including Nelson's collarbone issue. However, should Nelson be able to play in Week 7, Syracuse will have to deal with less stress about whether Steve Angeli or Amari Odom (both undisclosed) can go against the Cardinals.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Middlebrook's 2 rushing TDs help Virginia overcome 10-point deficit, beat Syracuse 28-24

Jekail Middlebrook rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and Virginia overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to beat Syracuse 28-25

OCTOBER 11 • Associated Press

Suffers apparent collarbone injury Nelson is believed to have suffered a collarbone injury Saturday against Virginia, according to head coach Fran Brown per Chris Carlson of The Syracuse Post-Standard.

Impact Things couldn't be any worse for the Orange's quarterback room, as Steve Angeli (undisclosed) missed the game against the Cavaliers and Amari Odom (undisclosed) underwent an MRI and could be sidelined for an extended stretch. As things stand now, if neither Nelson nor Angeli can play in Week 7 against Louisville on Oct. 17, Danny Lauter would be the starter under center.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Taken to locker room Saturday Nelson (undisclosed) has been taken to the locker room during Saturday's game against Virginia, per Tim Leonard of ESPN Syracuse.

Impact Nelson exited Saturday's game late in the fourth quarter due to an undisclosed reason. He was making his first start of the season due to injuries in the quarterback room. Prior to exiting, the quarterback completed 16 of 29 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown. Danny Lauter entered the game at quarterback in his place.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to start against Virginia Nelson is expected to start at quarterback for Syracuse against Virginia on Saturday, per Matt Zenitz of CBSSports.com.

Impact For the second consecutive week, Syracuse will have a different quarterback under center, with Nelson likely to take over. He is positioned to start due to Steve Angeli (undisclosed) being ruled out and Amari Odom (undisclosed) listed as doubtful. Nelson brings starting experience from UTEP last season, having passed for 1,163 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions across six games.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

With QB Steve Angeli healthy, Fran Brown-coached Syracuse seeks to rebound from 3-9 season

Expectations are mixed at best regarding Syracuse's football program, which essentially resembles Fran Brown’s first two seasons coaching the Orange

AUGUST 18 • Associated Press

Former five-star QB Malachi Nelson commits to Syracuse | Sporting News The one-time top QB heads to the ACC.

JANUARY 17 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Lands at Syracuse Nelson will transfer to Syracuse, per Pete Thamel of ESPN.com.

Impact Nelson, a former blue-chip quarterback recruit, has spent time at USC, Boise State and UTEP in his career. He got the biggest opportunity of his career this past fall with the Miners, but largely struggled as the starting quarterback and was ultimately benched in Week 7, never seeing the field again. He'll likely add depth to the Syracuse quarterback room, where he'll have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

JANUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Seeking new program Nelson will enter the transfer portal, per Matt Zenitz of CBSSports.com.

Impact Nelson had a disappointing year with UTEP in 2025, tossing for 1,163 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions before he was benched. The former five-star recruit should have two seasons of eligibility remaining, and he'll look to revitalize his career elsewhere.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

College Football Transfer Portal: Top Quarterbacks' Landing Spots

From DJ Lagway to Dylan Raiola, RJ Young shares his top landing spots for the hopeful transfer quarterbacks.

DECEMBER 16, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

College Football Transfer Portal: Top Quarterbacks' Landing Spots

Comes off bench in loss Nelson was 4-for-10 passing for 21 yards during Wednesday's 19-8 defeat against Liberty.

Impact Nelson was demoted to the backup role as fellow signal caller Skyler Locklear earned starting reps for the Miners against Liberty on Wednesday. Nelson didn't look great in his appearances against the Flames, completing just 40 percent of his passes for 21 total yards, though Locklear didn't exactly light the world on fire in the passing game either (90 yards, two interceptions). Nelson will hope to make the most of his opportunities to earn back the starting gig, starting with a matchup against Sam Houston State next Wednesday.

OCTOBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finally blows it for good Nelson went 18-for-38 for 73 yards and four interceptions against La Tech on Saturday.

Impact Nelson is going to go down as one of the all-time failed recruiting prospects. Were he not once a five-star recruit, the Miners likely wouldn't have let him be the starter for five games. Surely, that is over now, and indeed Skyler Locklear did step in during this one.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finally blows it for good Nelson went 18-for-38 for 73 yards and four interceptions against La Tech on Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Louisiana Tech forces 5 INTs, return 2 for touchdowns to beat UTEP 30-11

Blake Baker throws a touchdown pass to Marques Singleton Jr., leading Louisiana Tech to a 30-11 victory over UTEP on Saturday night

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 • Associated Press

Productive, inefficient in loss Nelson went 22-for-46 for 404 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions against ULM on Saturday.

Impact Patience has to be wearing thin with the once-vaunted recruit. Yes, 400 yards and three touchdowns catch the eye, but he completed under 50 percent of his passes and added two more turnovers to his ledger. Nelson has now turned the ball over six times in four starts, and the Miners lost at home to lowly ULM.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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