Joseph Filardi Leads Syracuse as QB Against UNC, Reports Confirm
In a significant shift for the Syracuse Orange football team, true freshman Joseph Filardi is set to lead the offense as the starting quarterback against the North Carolina Tar Heels. This decision follows a challenging period for the team, which has seen two quarterbacks step in due to injuries.
Joseph Filardi: Syracuse’s New Starting QB
Filardi will become the third starting quarterback for the Orange this season. He is not only a walk-on for the football team but also a scholarship athlete on the men’s lacrosse team, demonstrating his versatility as a two-sport player.
Background and High School Career
A highly regarded recruit, Filardi was a four-star prospect and ranked as the 52nd best player in the Class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse. While he has yet to compete in lacrosse at Syracuse, his high school football career was impressive. At Half Hollow Hills West on Long Island, he accumulated:
- 3,115 passing yards
- 43 passing touchdowns
- 1,138 rushing yards
- 12 rushing touchdowns
Additionally, he was honored as a 2024 USA Lacrosse All-American.
Challenges Ahead for Syracuse
This quarterback change comes after Rickie Collins started the previous four games, throwing for 858 yards with a 54.9% completion rate. Collins has struggled, recording four touchdowns and seven interceptions, leading the Orange to four consecutive losses.
Collins initially took over as quarterback after Steve Angeli suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Clemson. At that time, Angeli had thrown for 1,317 yards in just three-and-a-half games, leading the nation in passing yards.
Upcoming Matchup Against UNC
Tonight, Filardi will take the field against UNC at 7:30 PM, a game that will be broadcast on ESPN. The matchup not only presents an opportunity for Filardi to showcase his skills, but it also connects with the legacy of former players like Bill Belichick, who also played both football and lacrosse.
This latest development highlights Syracuse’s commitment to finding a solution amidst the challenges of the season. Fans eagerly await to see how Filardi will perform in this critical game as the Orange seek to turn their season around.
