Joe Filardi to Start as Walk-On Quarterback for Syracuse vs. North Carolina

Joe Filardi, a promising lacrosse player and walk-on quarterback, is set to make his debut for Syracuse University against North Carolina on Friday night. Coaches from his hometown on Long Island expect him to play, with various reports indicating he will likely start. Filardi, who has shown impressive talent as both a quarterback and lacrosse player, has generated considerable intrigue as the Syracuse football team looks for improved performance at the quarterback position.

Background on Joe Filardi

Filardi stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds. He was named a high school All-American in lacrosse by USA Lacrosse in 2024 and ranked as the No. 52 lacrosse recruit in the Class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse. During his senior year at Half Hollow Hills West, he amassed 3,115 passing yards, 43 touchdown passes, and three interceptions, while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and scoring 12 more touchdowns.

• Passing Statistics: 137 of 209 passes for 3,115 yards.
• Touchdowns: 43 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns.
• High School Records: 14,483 all-purpose yards and 151 total touchdowns.

Transition to Football

Despite a strong commitment to lacrosse, Filardi chose to forego his final high school lacrosse season to join Syracuse’s football program, aiming to make the most of his opportunities with coach Fran Brown. He impressed during warmups, regularly rotating snaps and leading throwing drills, suggesting a high likelihood of starting.

His club lacrosse coach, Jim Mulé, highlighted Filardi’s calm demeanor under pressure, comparing him to other successful quarterbacks. High school coach Connor Hughes praised Filardi’s leadership and maturity, indicating that those traits will serve him well in the upcoming game.

Syracuse Football Context

Syracuse’s quarterback situation has been tumultuous, especially following Rickie Collins’ disappointing performance after taking over for injured starter Steve Angeli. With Angeli sidelined due to a torn Achilles, the team has struggled to find a consistent signal-caller. Filardi’s emergence comes at a crucial time, as the Orange look for a fresh spark against the Tar Heels.

Family Legacy

Joe Filardi is following in the footsteps of his father, Gerald Filardi, a former linebacker at Penn State. Gerald also began his collegiate career as a walk-on, eventually earning a scholarship and becoming a starter, which adds to the family’s football pedigree. Joe’s decision to join Syracuse for football reflects both his commitment to the sport and his desire to carve his own path.

As Friday night’s game approaches, anticipation grows around Joe Filardi’s debut. Supporters and former coaches alike are eager to see how the young athlete performs on the field, showcasing his talent in a new capacity as the Syracuse Orange take on North Carolina.