After the Orange defeated Clemson in Death Valley for the first time in eight years last Saturday, September 21, Syracuse fans should have been dancing in the streets. Instead, the joy was accompanied by anxiety. The focus abruptly shifted to Rickie Collins after star quarterback Steve Angeli was sidelined in the third quarter due to a non-contact injury that turned out to be a torn Achilles tendon. After checking on Angeli, Orange head coach Fran Brown hugged him and his mother and said, “I told him I love him.” Collins, who lost the starting position to Angeli during fall camp, is now expected to fill in a very important role in the 2025 season.

In the recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show featured on ESPN College Football, despite losing the quarterback position to Angeli during fall camp, Coach Brown claims that Rickie Collins, an LSU transfer, was unmoved, “Ricky be ready to step in… Next man up mentality and you know the best thing about this kid… regardless what he does when he gets to the field… But he stayed ready. He worked. There’s so many kids that when they don’t win that spot, they quit, they mope, they sit back, and they complain.” Brown said that emphasizing the kind of attitude that keeps a player ready for any situation.

Brown was quick to praise Collins’ character, pointing out that, unlike some players, he never grumbled or gave up. He pointed out, “We got some on our team that was doing that, but he wasn’t one of those guys.” he added, “He was in there every night watching tape with Steve and pushing Steve. And those guys got so close, like they became real good friends.” He has clearly gained admiration for his professionalism and willingness to help the team, showing that consistency off the field is just as important as skill on it.

Brown seems confident about Collins’ abilities now that he is taking over the starting position following Angeli’s injury. He stated, “I’m excited to see him get this opportunity. I got a feeling that he’s gonna be real, he’s gonna do really well… He has a big boy on right and him having Steve there with him. These guys are going to be well… They call him ‘Slick Rick’. So we’re happy about Slick.” Fans may soon realize why Collins has received such high praise from his coach because of his work ethic,  and dedication, which all combine to create a player who is ready to take on any challenge.

Rickie Collins is set for his first start at home

Right now, Syracuse football is at a turning point. Rickie Collins is taking over for Steve Angeli. Making your first start at home against an elite Duke team in front of a packed Dome is not an easy spot for the LSU transfer, but Collins seems prepared. “I’m just trying to gain the trust of the team and show them that I am willing to lead and willing to do whatever I gotta do to be the guy and lead us to a victory,” Collins said.

The system is also working in the QB’s favor. With an ACC yardage average that is among the highest and 17 consecutive games with more than 250 passing yards, OC Jeff Nixon has this offense clicking. Last week, Collins entered the game, threw a touchdown, and helped seal the victory over Clemson despite Angeli’s injury. With Will Nixon and Yasin Willis getting better and the Orange depending more on their running game, his mobility adds a new element that might keep defenses off balance.

But this will not be an easy task. Even though Duke is 2-2, they just defeated NC State in a shootout, and Manny Diaz consistently creates a strong defense that thrives under pressure. Syracuse is aware that this game will put them to the test in every way, especially with their quarterback, Darian Mensah, putting up impressive passing numbers. The stage couldn’t be much larger for Collins and the Orange, though, with the Dome sold out, a three-game winning streak on the line, and a young quarterback looking to establish himself.