Rex Culpepper, former Syracuse quarterback, dies at 28 just weeks after engagement

Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper has died at the age of 28, with tributes pouring in from across the college football community.

The Syracuse football programme confirmed his death in a statement, remembering the former player for his resilience and passion both on and off the field.

“Our Orange family mourns the loss of Rex Culpepper, who passed away this weekend at the age of 28,” the team said. “Rex lived his life with endless passion, having overcome cancer at the age of 20 while playing for the Orange.”

Our Orange family mourns the loss of Rex Culpepper, who passed away this weekend at the age of 28. Rex lived his life with endless passion, having overcome cancer at the age of 20 while playing for the Orange. Appearing in 30 games, Rex played football as fierce as he lived life.… pic.twitter.com/HT65Ff8b2D

— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) March 16, 2026

Culpepper played for Syracuse from 2017 to 2020, appearing in 30 games. Primarily a backup quarterback, he also saw time at tight end during his college career.

He threw for 1,546 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning admiration not just for his performances, but for his determination.

In 2018, Culpepper was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free later that year and returned to the field, becoming an inspirational figure within the programme.

One of his most memorable moments came during the team’s spring game, when he threw a touchdown pass on the final drive to a standing ovation.

His fiancée, Savanna Morgan, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post, sharing photos and videos from their relationship.

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A post shared by savannaッ (@savannaxmorgan)

“No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only six short years after meeting,” she wrote.

Culpepper had proposed to Morgan less than a month before his death.

“Rex didn’t always believe in soulmates but towards the end he told me that he didn’t realise what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other,” she added.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the college football community.

Culpepper is also the son of former NFL defensive tackle Brad Culpepper, who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.