Syracuse Football’s 2026 Schedule Is Set - And It’s a Gauntlet
The ACC just dropped its full 2026 football schedule, and for Syracuse, the road ahead is anything but easy. Coming off a 3-9 season, the Orange are flying under the radar - but that doesn’t mean expectations are low inside the building.
The big question hovering over the program? The health of quarterback Steve Angeli.
Four months into his recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury, Angeli remains the centerpiece of Syracuse’s hopes for a bounce-back year. And while his status for the Sept. 5 opener is still uncertain, head coach Fran Brown isn’t taking any chances. He’s stocked the quarterback room with reinforcements, including Amari Odom - a first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2025 - and Malachi Nelson, a former top-ranked high school recruit from the Class of 2023.
That kind of depth at the most important position on the field could be crucial, especially with the way this schedule is laid out.
“Syracuse kind of was status quo there with Steve Angeli,” said ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain on the schedule reveal show. “So, what do they look like with him back? I also like how they attacked the transfer portal and went out and got other QBs so, if you’re in that situation, you have a bunch of depth behind that young man.”
If Angeli is healthy and returns to form, Syracuse has a shot to surprise some people. But the early part of the schedule offers no time to ease in.
A Brutal Start - And No Breaks After
Things begin with a manageable opener at home against New Hampshire. But after that, the Orange dive headfirst into ACC play with a Sept. 12 matchup against California - a team that not only went bowling last year but also boasts one of the top freshman quarterbacks in the country.
Then comes the real test: a short-week road trip to Pittsburgh.
The Panthers have had Syracuse’s number lately, winning each of the last two meetings by an average of 27.5 points. Even more concerning?
Pitt has averaged four interceptions per game in those matchups. That’s not a typo.
If Angeli’s still shaking off rust or if one of the new QBs is under center, this could get dicey fast.
After that early gauntlet, Syracuse gets a breather with a Week 4 bye. But don’t let that fool you - it’s their only off week of the entire season.
From October on, it’s nine straight games. No breaks.
No breathers. Just a relentless march through a schedule stacked with bowl teams.
Nine of Syracuse’s 12 opponents in 2026 were bowl eligible last season. Two finished in the final AP Top 25, and four others were ranked at some point in 2025. That’s the kind of slate that tests a team’s depth, toughness, and ability to adapt week after week.
“It’s a very tough schedule,” said former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher. “But when you’ve got a quarterback - and Angeli was very special - if he can get that magic back, Syracuse can get right back up there where they were.”
Remember 2024? Syracuse Does.
Just two seasons ago, Syracuse was one of the ACC’s most exciting teams. The Orange finished top-five in the conference in wins, points per game, and total offense. Quarterback Kyle McCord lit it up, setting the ACC’s single-season passing record and helping put Jeff Nixon’s offense on the national radar.
That success played a role in attracting Angeli to Syracuse. And before his injury at Clemson last season, he was on pace to lead the ACC in passing yards. The offense didn’t miss much of a beat - until it lost its leader.
Now, Angeli is back - or close to it - and will be leaned on heavily again. Especially with matchups looming against three of the five teams that finished tied for second in the ACC last year.
Circle the Date: Notre Dame Comes to Town
There’s no shortage of big games on this schedule, but the one that jumps off the page is the season finale: Nov. 28 vs. Notre Dame.
Last year, the Irish steamrolled Syracuse 70-7. That game was supposed to be Angeli’s return to South Bend - a full-circle moment after losing the starting job there in the spring. Instead, the injury robbed him of that chance.
Now, he’ll get to face his former team at home, in what could be a defining moment of his Syracuse career.
The Empty Dome Stretch
One of the quirks of this schedule? After opening the season with back-to-back home games, Syracuse won’t return to the JMA Wireless Dome for over a month.
After facing Cal on Sept. 12, the Orange hit the road for three straight tough games: at Pitt, at UConn, and at Virginia.
UConn is no pushover. The Huskies nearly pulled off an upset in the Dome last season, forcing overtime. They’ve also reloaded under new head coach Jason Candle, who brings familiarity with Syracuse’s new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres from their time together at Toledo.
Add in former Syracuse quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile - now UConn’s offensive coordinator - and a transfer portal class that includes wide receiver Emanuel Ross and running back Jaden Hart, and you’ve got a matchup full of storylines.
Virginia, meanwhile, is coming off an overtime loss in the ACC title game. Not exactly a soft landing.
Revenge, Redemption, and Rematches
Late October into early November features a trio of games that will stir up plenty of memories - both good and bad - from Syracuse’s 2025 season.
Oct. 24 at North Carolina: This one brings back the infamous Halloween game where Syracuse, desperate for answers at quarterback, trotted out walk-on lacrosse player Joseph Filardi. The result?
Just 39 passing yards and a 17-point loss. Rickie Collins had been benched, and the Orange were in full-on scramble mode.
Oct. 30/31 vs. Southern Methodist: Last year’s loss to SMU was a rough one.
Collins threw three picks and completed under 50% of his passes. The game ended with former Syracuse wide receiver Johntay Cook II’s uncle calling into a local radio show to vent about the quarterback play.
Cook transferred to Ole Miss this offseason.
Nov. 6/7 vs. Clemson: This one was emotional.
Syracuse snapped a six-game losing streak to Clemson with a win in Death Valley - a signature moment for Angeli, who looked every bit the part of a conference title-caliber QB. But it came at a cost.
Angeli’s injury that day derailed the Orange’s season. Clemson’s year didn’t go much better, finishing 7-6 and falling out of the AP rankings for good.
Full 2026 Syracuse Football Schedule
(Kickoff times TBD)
- Week 1 (Sept. 5): vs. New Hampshire
- Week 2 (Sept. 12): vs. California
- Week 3 (Sept. 17): at Pittsburgh
- **Week 4 (Sept.
26):** BYE
- Week 5 (Oct. 3): at Connecticut
- Week 6 (Oct. 10): at Virginia
- Week 7 (Oct. 17): vs.
Louisville
- Week 8 (Oct. 24): at North Carolina
- Week 9 (Oct. 30 or 31): vs. Southern Methodist
- Week 10 (Nov. 6 or 7): vs. Clemson
- Week 11 (Nov. 14): at NC State
- Week 12 (Nov. 21): at Boston College
- Week 13 (Nov. 28): vs. Notre Dame
Bottom Line: This season is going to test Syracuse in every possible way - physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Orange have depth at quarterback, a proven offensive system, and a chip on their shoulder.
If Angeli can stay healthy and the defense can hold its own, don’t count this team out. The path won’t be easy, but the pieces are there for a turnaround.