The one-time top QB heads to the ACC.
Former five-star QB Malachi Nelson commits to Syracuse originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson is on the move again.
The UTEP passer has commited to the Syracuse Orange, according to On3's Pete Nakos. The move marks the fourth stop of Nelson’s college career as he looks to reset in the ACC.
Nelson spent the 2025 season at UTEP, appearing in six games before being benched following inconsistent play. He completed 104 of 190 passes for 1,163 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. It was the most extended game action of his career.
A former No. 11 overall recruit and the No. 5 quarterback in the 2023 class, Nelson originally signed with USC Trojans, where he appeared in one game behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. He transferred to Boise State Broncos the following season but was unable to unseat returning starter Maddux Madsen.
After one season in West Texas, Nelson now heads northeast to play for Syracuse coach Fran Brown.
The Orange are coming off a 3-9 season and have a vacancy at quarterback after Rickie Collins entered the transfer portal. Nelson, a Los Alamitos, Calif., native, will have two years of eligibility remaining.
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