3 Named to Phil Steele Preseason All-ACC Team
6/10/2026 3:04:00 PM | Football
Three Syracuse defensive players were named to Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC defense.
Chris Peal (second team), Chris D'Appolonia (third team) and Antoine Deslauriers (fourth team) made the cut.
Peal, who has been projected as high as a first round pick in 2026 mock drafts despite only heading into his junior season. Peal started every game at corner last season – opposite one of the ACC's top rookies in Demetres Samuel Jr. – giving Syracuse one of the top cornerback duos in the country heading into 2026.
D'Appolonia transferred to Syracuse in January from Toledo, where he was an All-MAC linebacker. He was a third team all league honoree after his sophomore season with the Rockets, where he made 68 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and four pass breakups.
Deslauriers was a Freshman All-American last season by numerous publications and became the first true freshman in program history to lead Syracuse in tackles with 60.
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2026 campaign at Cuse.com/FootballTickets, where the Orange have an exciting slate of home games on tap.
Â
Chris Peal (second team), Chris D'Appolonia (third team) and Antoine Deslauriers (fourth team) made the cut.
Peal, who has been projected as high as a first round pick in 2026 mock drafts despite only heading into his junior season. Peal started every game at corner last season – opposite one of the ACC's top rookies in Demetres Samuel Jr. – giving Syracuse one of the top cornerback duos in the country heading into 2026.
D'Appolonia transferred to Syracuse in January from Toledo, where he was an All-MAC linebacker. He was a third team all league honoree after his sophomore season with the Rockets, where he made 68 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and four pass breakups.
Deslauriers was a Freshman All-American last season by numerous publications and became the first true freshman in program history to lead Syracuse in tackles with 60.
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2026 campaign at Cuse.com/FootballTickets, where the Orange have an exciting slate of home games on tap.
Â
Players Mentioned
Sunday, April 12
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, April 11
