Last year is one that the Syracuse football team and their fans want to forget. After a hot start, an injury to quarterback Steve Angeli saw the program spiral once Rickie Collins took over the starting job. Fortunately for the Orange, a lot has changed since then – for good and bad. The offense looks completely different outside of a returning Angeli. Meanwhile, the defense has a new coordinator and looks better than ever. While the 2026 schedule results will likely be based on the health of Angeli, the Syracuse football team needs a bounce-back year for their own sake.
Can Fran Brown get the Orange back to national relevancy? Let’s find out.
Syracuse Football: 2026 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions
I want to preface these predictions by acknowledging that a lot does hinge on the health of Steve Angeli. The quarterback was incredibly effective in 2025 prior to his Achilles tear and should look that way again this season. The Orange have a revamped quarterback room, but if they want postseason aspirations to be a reality, it’ll be on the shoulders of their star quarterback.
September 5: versus New Hampshire Wildcats
Like most FBS football programs, Syracuse does have some “gimme” games on the schedule against lower-tier opponents. That happens in the first game of the season as they host the New Hampshire Wildcats.
Now, that isn’t to disrespect New Hampshire by any means. However, one must look at the reality of the situation as to where these programs are at. In essence, this is a tune-up game for Syracuse. It’s to see how healthy and agile Angeli is under center. It’ll also be important to see how the overall offense gels as a unit. There’s some concerns regarding the wideout room – this game could help alleviate some of those questions.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
September 12: versus California Golden Bears
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and the California Golden Bears come to the Dome in Week 2. And to be honest, this is likely to be a closer game than one may think.
Cal saw a plethora of players on defense leave either through the transfer portal or the NFL draft. And, Syracuse’s offense isn’t as bad as the media may lead you to believe – especially if Angeli is 100-percent.
I expect this game to be a high-scoring affair where both teams are able to put up a good amount of points. While I expect Syracuse’s defense to have the upper hand, part of me thinks there may be too much firepower on the Cal offense to stop. It wouldn’t surprise me if Cuse won, but for now, I have them taking a loss at home against Cal.
Prediction: Loss (1-1)
September 17: at Pitt Panthers
There’s been a lot of drama surrounding Pitt and Coach Narduzzi and former players. While it’s mostly noise, it is a little concerning to hear. However, that shouldn’t effect the Panthers’ ability to play football against a rival in Syracuse.
Pitt has shown a consistent strategy in recent years of starting fast, and fading quickly after teams are able to adjust. Unfortunately for the Orange, they’re getting the Panthers early in the year, in Pittsburgh. While I think Pitt slightly edges out a victory in this game, I’m actually expecting the contest to be much closer than the markets are predicting it to be.
Prediction: Loss (1-2)
October 3: at UConn Huskies
Last year, Steve Angeli put together a miracle performance to lead the Orange past UConn in overtime. This year, things should be a little different – for both teams.
UConn lost their head coach, starting quarterback, star receiver, and a litany of other players to the portal or graduation. To be frank, I’m considering it a rebuilding year for the Huskies after all of that loss in production. Syracuse is in a better place from a football perspective, and I don’t know if the Huskies will have an answer to the Orange’s defense.
Unlike last year, I’m predicting this to be a one-sided affair in favor of Syracuse.
Prediction: Win (2-2)
October 10: at Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia surprised many with their lopsided victory over NC State in Week 0. There was talk of last year being a fluke for the program, but it doesn’t seem so right now. Led by Beau Pribula and a swarming defense, the Cavaliers look like they will be competitors yet again in the ACC.
For Syracuse, this is a very difficult game. Going on the road is always tough, and a revitalized Virginia program could spell problems. I think this game may be a defensive showdown, with an edge going to the home team.
Prediction: Loss (2-3)
October 17: versus Louisville Cardinals
Despite a lot of change for the Louisville football program, many in the media predict them to be contenders in the ACC in 2026. However, I am not one of those people.
I’m a fan of Lincoln Kienholz, the Ohio State transfer the program brought in. And, Syracuse themselves are familiar with an Ohio State transfer balling out for their program. However, I have concerns along the rest of the unit. The offense lost it’s major weapon to the draft. And, while their running game will be dynamic, they have nearly a completely rebuilt offensive line.
This is a game where I’m expecting Syracuse’s defense to shine. At the dome, with the crowd involved, the lights may shine too bright for Louisville and company. With Angeli at the helm, the Orange should soar past the Cardinals.
Prediction: Win (3-3)
October 24: at North Carolina Tar Heels
I may be one of the few people not completely “out” on Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels in 2026. During the offseason, I predicted they’d have a much stronger defense, with a passable offense. And, so far, that prediction holds true after their narrow win against TCU in Ireland.
Like the Virginia matchup, I think this will be a defensive showdown. The only difference is, I’m not entirely sure if UNC has the firepower on offense in the same way the Cavaliers do. I think this will be a close game, but I have Syracuse taking a road upset over North Carolina.
Prediction: Win (4-3)
October 31: versus SMU Mustangs
The SMU Mustangs led by Rhett Lashlee are one of the true contenders in the ACC. The program under his tenure has been fantastic, and I only expect it to grow with quarterback Kevin Jennings in his final year.
Even though this game is at home, I’m not entirely sure how I see Syracuse putting the Mustangs away. At the moment, I think SMU has the better overall roster, and that may show itself in this Halloween matchup.
Prediction: Loss (4-4)
November 7: versus Clemson Tigers
While at the time of this writing no one knows what the Clemson football program will look like, we all will know by this matchup. Dabo Swinney and his program have been counted out by many entering this season after last year’s debacle. And, I’ll be honest, I’m teetering myself.
Last year, Syracuse pulled off one of the more impressive early-season upsets defeating Clemson in Death Valley. Unfortunately, that was the same game where Angeli tore his Achilles. Now at the Dome, I’m expecting payback from both parties.
I think the Tigers will be very difficult opponent to put away in this contest. However, I also think that Angeli will want to prove a point – and stamp an emphasis with a victory in Syracuse. Call me crazy, but I have Syracuse winning this game.
Prediction: Win (5-4)
November 14: at NC State Wolfpack
After expecting NC State to come out strong in 2026, they were quickly displaced by Virginia in Week 0. While the game itself raised some roster concerns, part of that may just be first-game rust being present. By mid-November, I’m expecting that rust to go away.
CJ Bailey is one of the more dominant players at the quarterback position in the ACC. He’s also created continuity at the position of importance. I believe the Wolfpack once again hover towards the top of the conference. And, against Syracuse, they should be able to put them away at home.
That is, as long as the offensive line can keep Bailey clean.
Prediction: Loss (5-5)
November 21: at Boston College Eagles
Boston College has started to put a real influx of money into their football program. However, I think this is a reframing year for the Eagles more than anything. Bill O’Brien has brought in D2 quarterback Mason McKenzie to be the team’s starter. And, while I am a fan of his game, I think real progress will be shown by this duo in 2027 (if they’re still together).
When any team has too many transfer players, it’s hard for me to buy in to their program being successful. That’s especially true after a horrific performance the year before, and betting odds putting your coach on the hot seat. I think BC will be better than they were last season, but not good enough to beat Syracuse this year.
Prediction: Win (6-5)
November 28: versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In the final home game of the 2026 season, the football schedule sees Syracuse face Notre Dame at the Dome. The Fighting Irish are one of the best programs in the country. With CJ Carr under center, they’re projected to be a consistent Top-25 presence in 2026, too. However, there is a twist to this game.
Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli once played for Notre Dame. And, he’ll surely be looking out for revenge. While many don’t believe the Orange have a snowball’s chance, I actually think this game could be a lot closer than it may appear. With that said, I still give the slight edge to Notre Dame because of their recent consistency. However, it wouldn’t shock me to see Fran Brown and his team go out with a bang in their final game of the regular season.
Prediction: Loss (6-6)
Final Thoughts
Because of last season, many in the media do not respect Syracuse’s football program. Despite the 10-win season a year ago, the ineptitude of the offense last year has left a rancid taste in everyone’s mouth. However, with Steve Angeli under center, that taste should be instantly washed away. With that said – Syracuse will only go as far as Angeli will take them.
The defense is better and more experienced than last year. However, the offense saw a complete overhaul along its skill positions. While it’s not a complete patchwork job, the Orange need Angeli to perform at 100-percent to have a successful year.
At minimum, I’m expecting Syracuse to reach bowl-eligibility. Anything less than that right now would be a severe disappointment for the program.
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
