Over the weekend, Syracuse bolstered its offensive line by adding a seasoned transfer to help address depth and experience issues following the departure of multiple linemen.
Austin Collins, an offensive guard transferring from Louisville, has committed to Syracuse for the 2025 season, per reports from Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247Sports.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 300 pounds, Collins started seven games at right guard for the Cardinals in 2024 and was praised for his pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, he played 542 snaps last season — 311 in pass-blocking situations — and earned a strong pass-blocking grade of 85.1, ranking 38th among all guards.
A native of Perrysburg, Ohio, Collins spent his entire college career at Louisville before transferring. He initially joined the Cardinals as a three-star recruit, choosing them over offers from several Group of Five programs, including Western Michigan, Toledo, and Miami (OH).
Collins saw limited action in 2020 and 2021 but began to see more playing time in 2022. He became a more prominent figure on the offensive line in 2023, playing in all 13 games and starting the final seven. Heading into 2025, he has logged over 1,100 collegiate snaps.
Ranked as the 66th-best interior offensive line transfer by 247Sports, Collins brings particular strength in pass protection. From 2022 to 2024, he consistently posted pass-blocking grades ranging from 70.3 to 84.3. Run blocking has been a weaker area, with his most recent grade being 56.7 and a high of 65.7 in 2022.
His arrival is timely for head coach Fran Brown, as Syracuse recently lost linemen David Wohlabaugh Jr. and Enrique Cruz to the transfer portal. Collins is expected to provide valuable experience and stability to an offensive line that will be tasked with protecting new starting quarterback Rickie Collins.
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