Tonight our Long Island Elite National Team family is very excited to turn its attention to the North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Syracuse matchup, where the Orange are making a bold move: freshman quarterback Joseph Filardi is expected to take the reins under center.

According to reports, head coach Fran Brown has elevated Filardi over incumbent starter Rickie Collins, signaling a shift in the program’s direction. 

From Long Island to the Big Stage

Filardi, a Long Island Elite National Team alum and native of Dix Hills, New York was a standout at Half Hollow Hills West High School. He brings a dynamic dual-threat skill set to Syracuse. His high-school career featured breaking records on Long Island — at one point leading in all-purpose yards and touchdowns.

On the recruitment front he was highly regarded by scouting services. He enrolled and joined the Syracuse program, where his official roster profile lists him at 6′1″ and 195 lbs.

The decision to start him in tonight’s critical ACC tilt underscores Syracuse’s willingness to lean into youth and potential. As one analyst noted:

“No matter who is playing QB for Syracuse, the desperate Orange need a win against UNC.” (SI)

The Bloodlines: A Legacy of Grit

Joseph’s rise is underscored by a powerful legacy: his father, Gerald Filardi, carved out his own football history at Penn State Nittany Lions under legendary coach Joe Paterno, playing linebacker and contributing during two national championships. He later had a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

The foundation of discipline, toughness, and expectation has doubtless shaped Joseph’s approach and mindset heading into tonight’s moment.

What to Watch Tonight

• Poise under pressure: As a true freshman stepping into a tough ACC environment, how will Filardi respond to the challenge?
• Dual-threat utility: Will Syracuse leverage his mobility and play-making ability as much as his arm?
• Program signal: This move says something about Syracuse’s belief in Filardi — but it also places pressure on a young player to deliver.

Why It Matters

For Syracuse, the decision to go with Filardi is more than about one game. It suggests a pivot: embracing youth, chasing upside, and perhaps rebuilding momentum in a program that needs it.

For the Long Island Elite National Team, it’s another reminder that the standard works — that players forged in this program can rise from local showcases and youth tournaments all the way to the national stage.

Long Island Elite has an array of other orangemen: Caden Brown currently plays with Filardi and Joshua and Mario Escobar played for Syracuse just to name a few.

Coach Fran Brown and Elijah Robinson have also offered current high schoolers Michai Crump and Jayden Bryan from the Long Island Elite program.

As Long Island Elite National Team Coach Benjamin Carey put it:

“Joe was the kind of player you build a program around — calm, coachable, and competitive to the core.”

Kickoff

Syracuse vs. UNC kicks off tonight, and for those who’ve watched Joseph Filardi’s rise from Long Island fields to the ACC spotlight, it’s more than a game — it’s proof of what discipline, family, and belief can build.