Following a successful 10-win season, the Syracuse Orange football team has one of their top players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Tight end Oronde Gadsden was selected by the Los Angles Chargers with the 29th pick of the 5th round.

Gadsden becomes the first Syracuse player to be selected this draft. He’s also the first Syracuse tight end to be drafted since Roland Williams was selected in the 4th round by the St. Louis Rams in 1998.

Here’s what ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Steve Muench has to say about Gadsden as a prospect:

“He wins with savvy route running, hand fighting and his size versus man coverage. His frame makes him a tough matchup when he splits out wide; he has long arms and big hands. Gadsden plucks the ball when making contested catches, but he can also adjust to back-shoulder throws. He is fast enough to make plays down the seam and runs hard after the catch.”

Gadsden finished his Syracuse career with 143 receptions for 2,000 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2024, he set the Syracuse and ACC record for receptions by a tight end (73). Gadsden was named to the All-ACC First Team twice and was a third-team All-American selection this past season.