Sources: WR Alford not going back to Syracuse

• Pete Thamel, ESPNFeb 12, 2024, 01:35 PM ET

Syracuse’s leading receiver, Damien Alford, will not go back to the program in 2024, sources informed ESPN on Monday.Alford, who caught 33 passes for a team-high 610 yards and three touchdowns during his junior season, prepares to enter the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer, according to a source.He averaged 18.5 yards per catch last season.

In 2022, he averaged 21.5 lawns a catch on 20 receptions. In general, he played in 42 games and amounted to 67 catches for 1,291 yards.Alford had actually thought about getting in the portal after Syracuse’s bowl game this year before ultimately returning this spring, in part to finish, a source said. He is expected to have a strong market for his services, considering his production in current seasons.The departure of Alford is part of a significant roster shake-up at Syracuse under first-year coach Fran Brown, who has

brought in high-profile transfers such as previous Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord and Texas A&M edge rusher Fadil Diggs.Brown likewise had the ability to keep marquee players such as tight end Oronde Gadsden II, protective back Justin Barron and linebacker Marlowe Wax.There have been 37 departures

from Syracuse roster given that the end of last season, including walk-ons and players who have actually tired their eligibility. Brown has generated 34 new players by means of the

portal and recruiting.Syracuse went 6-7 in 2023 with a loss in the Boca Raton Bowl to USF.