The Syracuse Orange have a gauntlet of a schedule entering the 2025 college football season. In fact, to many, it’s the hardest schedule in college football. The New York-based team will face five teams who are ranked in the preseason polls. It’s a brutal schedule, but if anyone can lead the Orange to a successful season, it’s head coach Fran Brown.
Will Syracuse stumble in their second season under Fran Brown, or will they rise to the challenge? Let’s find out.
Syracuse Football: 2025 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions
August 30: vs. Tennessee Volunteers (in Atlanta, Georgia)
The first football game on the schedule for Syracuse isn’t an easy one, as they travel to a “neutral site” in Atlanta, Georgia to take on the No. 24 ranked Tennessee Volunteers. However, one could hardly call this a neutral site as Knoxville is less than four hours (and a $38 bus trip) away.
Despite that, this is a game where Syracuse could sneak out a victory.
Tennessee is expected to start former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar, which means that Syracuse’s defense could create havoc. Aguilar has a tendency to throw interceptions, and with the right side of the Volunteers’ offensive line primarily underclassmen, there’s opportunity to exploit.
However, this is a game where the Orange wide receiving group will need to step up. Last year, Tennessee’s defense had the 14th-highest grade against the run. With plenty of upperclassmen manning the front seven for the Volunteers, life could be made difficult for Yasin Willis and Steve Angeli.
This game will be decided in the trenches. Yet, there’s a feeling that Syracuse will enter the contest with a massive chip on their shoulder. For now, we’re expecting the New York-based team to sneak out a victory in Week 1.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
September 6: vs. UConn Huskies
Syracuse fans may not be aware, but the UConn Huskies are a very good football team. Led by Jim Mora, Connecticut finished 2024 with a 9-4 record and a Fenway Bowl victory. This will not be an easy game by any means.
The Huskies have one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the country. While they’ve lost some offensive linemen (and Durell Robinson) from last year, they should still have an effective group.
Plus, now that Mora has [finally] embraced Joe Fagnano as the de facto starter, the UConn passing attack has potential, too. Skyler Bell is an elite wide receiver, while Caleb Burton III and Chris Parker look to be solid complements.
Where UConn’s weakness is, however, is their front seven defensively. The team lost elite EDGE Pryce Yates to the transfer portal this offseason. And, over 80-percent of the team’s projected starting defense (including the front seven) are transfer additions.
This could be a classic game of smash-mouth football. It’ll also probably be a higher-scoring game than some may imagine. We’ll have to give the slight edge to Syracuse here playing at home. But don’t be fooled, this game could be much closer than anyone expects.
Prediction: Win (2-0)
September 12: vs. Colgate Raiders
This blurb will be short, as the Colgate Raiders have lost 17 games in a row to Syracuse. In fact, Colgate hasn’t beaten the Orange since 1950. These two teams had a good rivalry pre-1950, but it’s been dominated by Syracuse ever since. This should be an easy victory.
Prediction: Win (3-0)
September 20: at Clemson Tigers
While Syracuse should have their starting quarterback officially decided by this point, it hardly will matter. On paper, the Clemson Tigers are just far too formidable.
It’s hard to imagine the Syracuse offensive line having answers to stop TJ Parker, Peter Woods, and Will Heldt. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s defense will have their hands full stopping Clemson’s dynamic wide receiver trio and quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Playing the No. 4 team in the country in their own turf likely spells disaster for Syracuse. Right now, it’s impossible to justify a victory here.
Prediction: Loss (3-1)
September 27: vs. Duke Blue Devils
The football schedule doesn’t get any easier for Syracuse as they welcome in the Duke Blue Devils to JMA Wireless.
No one wants to admit it, but Duke is a very good football team. And, historically, Syracuse has not played them well. Darian Mensah comes in from Tulane and is an excellent signal-caller. And, while the offense doesn’t have any household names, they are a competitive group.
Head coach Manny Diaz is underrated by many, yet still led Duke to a 9-4 record last season. The question for the Blue Devils this season, however, is if their offense has enough firepower.
Defensively, Wesley Williams is one of the best EDGE defenders in college football. Syracuse fans should expect him to cause fits. However, this is still a very winnable game for the Orangemen. In the end, Duke may just not have enough in the tank to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Win (4-1)
October 4: at SMU Mustangs
This will be the first matchup between these two teams since 1932, where Syracuse lost 6-16. And based on where the two teams stand, this game may not go in favor of the Orangemen.
In SMU’s first season in the ACC, the team immediately showcased that they were elite. They played in the conference championship game and were selected in the College Football Playoff.
On offense, Kevin Jennings is a great playmaker at quarterback for SMU. The team has a good offensive line and will get push in the rushing attack. They also brough in Yamir Knight from James Madison, a very underrated wide receiver who could play a big role for them this year.
The Mustangs are also incredibly talented defensively. This could likely be a high-scoring affair, where Syracuse ultimately comes up short on the road.
Prediction: Loss (4-2)
October 18: vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
Last year, Syracuse was embarrassed in their game against the Pitt Panthers. It was Kyle McCord’s worst game with the Orange, and they were steamrolled. It’s a game, however, that you can be sure Fran Brown has circled on the schedule.
Pitt’s quarterback, Eli Holstein, is extremely underrated. As a runner and passer, Holstein showcased extreme poise and decisiveness. In fact, he led Pitt to a 7-0 record before suffering a (non-disclosed) concussion, which eventually saw the team spiral and lose six-straight. Presuming he’s healthy, Holstein and running back Desmond Reid will provide significant problems for Syracuse.
For their defense, Pitt has one of the best in the nation. Their front seven is elite, including their linebacker “Sharks” led by Kyle Louis. On the back-end, Rashad Battle and Javon McIntyre provide veteran presence and ability.
This is a rivalry game with a lot at stake. And being 2-8 in their last 10 against Pitt, you know that’s on the mind of the entire Syracuse team. The question is, can Syracuse out-perform Pitt in the trenches? Currently, that answer is likely no – and the Orange may end up losing a close, disappointing game at home.
Prediction: Loss (4-3)
October 25: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech is flying into this season under-the-radar. Despite being one of the better teams in the conference, the general public doesn’t give them the credit they deserve. It’s something head coach Brent Key discussed at the ACC Kickoff in July, and you can be sure the rest of the team feels that chip on their shoulder, too.
The QB-RB tandem of King and Jamal Haynes (not related) is sure to provide difficulties for the Syracuse front seven. On the outside, Eric Rivers has shown to be a truly elite receiving option.
Syracuse does have the option to return the favor, however, with Yasin Willis attacking a defensive front with plenty of new faces. The unit was one of the worst-tackling teams last season. If Syracuse can run effectively, it will cause trouble for their opponent.
Another area Syracuse can win this matchup is through the air. Last season, Georgia Tech ranked 106th in pass coverage grade, per PFF. With the addition of Johntay Cook, and a very underrated receiving group, Syracuse should have the firepower to compete.
While Georgia Tech deserves respect, I have Syracuse sneaking out a win on the road.
Prediction: Win (5-3)
October 31: vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
A Halloween matchup against Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels is sure to be interesting. It remains to be seen how the Tar Heels will look under the former New England Patriots’ head coach. Yet one thing is certain – they will be a tough out.
Belichick has alluded that the team will likely be more physical than fans are used to. And, in a season of attrition for Syracuse, UNC may have just enough to come out with a victory. With the Orange sneaking out a victory against Tech last week, they lose on the short week in this game.
Prediction: Loss (5-4)
November 8: at Miami Hurricanes
Is Carson Beck truly an elite quarterback? We will find out this season. Yet, it’s hard to come away impressed with the Miami Hurricanes offense outside of the running back room. And on defense, the Miami secondary is literally full of transfers taking over as starters.
This will be a game where Syracuse will have to rely on their passing attack. Miami LB Mohamed Toure comes from Rutgers and is an underrated piece not being talked about enough. Furthermore, the rest of the Hurricanes’ front seven is truly talented.
If Johntay Cook and company can make Miami pay early, this should be an easy victory for Syracuse. For now, we’ll chalk this up as a victory for the Orange until we see Miami prove they can play at the same level they did last year.
Prediction: Win (6-4)
November 22: at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Heading to South Bend late in the season will likely spell disaster for Syracuse. And, while it’s not fair to write them off completely, beating Notre Dame at home will be an unfathomably difficult task.
It remains to be seen if the Orange will be able to stop the Fighting Irish’s rushing attack. And on the other side of the ball, it seems unlikely Syracuse will have a lot of success against one of the best overall defenses in the nation.
Nothing is impossible, but this challenge may be too much for a Syracuse team going through a gauntlet of a football schedule.
Prediction: Loss (6-5)
November 29: vs. Boston College Eagles
The last game on the football schedule doesn’t get any easier for Syracuse. Yet while Bill O’Brien’s teams are usually good at home (something Syracuse fans should be familiar with from last year), they do struggle on the road.
The biggest question will be whether or not Syracuse can stop the run. Last year, Kye Robichaux and Jordan McDonald ran rampant on the Orange. The duo combined for 331 yards, averaging 8.0 yards per carry. Considering that BC ranked 104th in rushing grade, that’s not a good sign for the Orange. Worse, is that Syracuse’s middle-of-the-pack run defense may be even worse this season.
It may seem hyperbolic to suggest that this game will depend on Syracuse’s run defense. However, considering BC won last year with just 65 passing yards, it rings true here.
The timing of this matchup couldn’t be worse for Syracuse. However, the hope is that head coach Fran Brown has made enough adjustments from last year’s matchup to pull out a victory in the home finale.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
Syracuse Football: Final Thoughts on the Schedule
The Orange are playing the most difficult schedule in college football this season. Every game will be a tough out (with the exception of Colgate – sorry, Raiders fans). In essence, most of these are 50-50 games, or those slightly in favor to Syracuse’s opponents.
For a team led by Fran Brown, however, this could be a good thing. Coach thrives on overcoming adversity, and has instilled that mentality in his players, too. That’s been evident in the team’s fall camp, and could work in their favor for the regular season.
If iron sharpens iron, we’ll find out if Syracuse is steel. Otherwise, it could be a long season for Syracuse fans.
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