Syracuse football landed one of its biggest recruiting victories in the 2027 class Friday, securing a commitment from running back Elijah Kimble, the top-ranked prospect in New York. The standout from Buffalo’s Canisius High School selected the Orange over a lengthy list of Power Four programs that included Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Miami, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Kimble made his decision after taking official visits to Syracuse, Indiana and North Carolina. The dynamic running back arrives with a remarkable high school résumé, rushing for 5,325 yards and 73 touchdowns in 34 career games while averaging 8.9 yards per carry. He has produced 26 career 100-yard rushing performances, earned the 2024 Dick Gallagher Buffalo News Player of the Year award, captured the 2025 Connolly Cup and became Canisius’ all-time leading rusher. He also ranks fourth on Western New York’s all-time rushing list.
USA vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Clash Builds Massive Hype Ahead of Knockout Match Recruiting services view Kimble as one of the nation’s premier backs. 247Sports grades him as a high three-star prospect and the No. 1 player in New York, while the 247Sports Composite ranks him as a four-star recruit, the nation’s No. 25 running back and the state’s second-ranked overall prospect.
Kimble becomes the highest-rated commitment in Syracuse’s 2027 recruiting class, giving head coach Fran Brown another marquee in-state addition as the Orange continue to build one of their strongest future classes in recent years.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.