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Syracuse expected to start ex-USC 5-star at QB amid injuries

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown Jr. is set to hand the starting quarterback role to Malachi Nelson for the upcoming contest against Virginia, following a string of injuries that has disrupted the Orange's signal-calling unit.

Nelson, a former five-star recruit who previously played at USC, Boise State, and UTEP, arrives at Syracuse after a transfer during the recent offseason. His last collegiate campaign with the Miners saw him throw for 1,163 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, a statistical output that fell short of expectations for a player of his initial recruiting profile.

The decision to elevate Nelson comes after Amari Odom, who led Syracuse to a 42-41 victory over UConn in Week 5 with five touchdown passes, suffered an injury that now makes him doubtful for the next matchup. Odom's performance came while managing soreness in his throwing shoulder, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the position.

Prior to Odom's emergence, Steve Angeli had started the first three games of the season, guiding the team to a 1-2 record. The Orange, currently sitting at a 2-2 mark, will face the 3-2 Cavaliers at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Nelson will attempt to utilize his physical tools to revitalize his college career.

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