As the calendar flips to 2026, Syracuse (9-4) tips off ACC play against a tough Clemson squad (10-3) at the JMA Dome. It's a 2:00 PM start on ESPN2, and while the students may still be on break, this matchup has the makings of a high-stakes tone-setter for both programs. Here's what we're watching as the Orange look to start conference play with a statement.
Could Syracuse Have a Post-Holiday Twist Up Its Sleeve?
After a week off for the holidays, the first few minutes of this one could tell us a lot. Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry has had time to tinker, and this is the kind of game where a surprise wrinkle-whether it’s a new offensive set, a disguised trap, or an unconventional lineup-could catch Clemson off guard. The Tigers will have done their film work, but if the Orange can throw something new into the mix that didn’t show up on December tape, it might be enough to tilt momentum early.
The Battle in the Paint Will Be Decisive
Clemson’s perimeter defense has been elite-opponents are shooting just 27.3% from deep, the best mark in the ACC and among the best nationally. But here’s the twist: those numbers dip when Clemson’s away from home. That opens the door slightly for Syracuse, but let’s not sugarcoat it-the Orange have struggled from beyond the arc, ranking near the bottom of the league in both percentage and volume.
So where can Syracuse win? Around the rim and in transition.
If the Orange can push tempo, attack downhill, and finish through contact, they’ll have a shot. But they’ll need to be physical and precise in the paint to offset the outside shooting gap.
Clemson’s Twin Towers Will Test Syracuse’s Frontcourt Discipline
Clemson’s frontcourt has been a consistent strength, and this year is no different. The Tigers lean heavily on two-big sets, rotating Jake Wahlin, Carter Welling, Nick Davidson, and RJ Godfrey. It’s a physical, methodical group that thrives on structure and execution.
That’s going to put pressure on Syracuse’s bigs-especially Kyle Cuffe Jr., Sadiq White, and potentially Donnie Freeman if he’s back in action. The Orange will need to stay disciplined defensively, communicate through screens, and avoid foul trouble. Clemson isn’t flashy, but they’re deliberate and punishing if you give them second chances or lose focus for a possession or two.
No Students? No Problem-The Dome Needs to Bring It
It’s the middle of winter break, and the student section won’t be at full strength. But that doesn’t mean the JMA Dome can’t be a factor. With a snowstorm swirling outside and Clemson making the long trip north, this is a chance for the Orange faithful to make the Dome feel like a true road game for the Tigers.
Clemson’s a veteran team, but even experienced squads can feel the weight of travel and cold when the crowd is loud and engaged. If the fans bring the energy, it could swing a few key possessions-especially late.
Second-Chance Points Could Be the X-Factor
Clemson’s defense isn’t just about guarding the arc-they’re elite at finishing possessions. Opponents are grabbing offensive rebounds just 25.5% of the time, a top-30 mark nationally. That means Syracuse has to be relentless on the glass if they want to stay in this one.
With the Orange’s free-throw shooting still a work in progress, creating second-chance opportunities becomes even more important. Whether it’s Maliq Brown, Benny Williams, or one of the guards crashing in from the perimeter, someone has to step up and extend possessions. Those hustle plays could be the difference between a close win and a frustrating loss.
The Return of Donnie Freeman: A Game-Changer?
After missing nine games with a leg injury, Donnie Freeman is reportedly set to return-and that’s a big deal. Freeman is Syracuse’s top pro prospect for a reason. He brings length, versatility, and a scoring touch that few in the ACC can match.
The big question: how much will he play? Will he slide right back into the starting lineup, or will Autry ease him in behind Sadiq White?
Either way, Freeman’s presence changes the dynamic on both ends of the floor. If he’s close to full strength, he gives Syracuse a legitimate mismatch weapon-and a major boost heading into the grind of conference play.
Bottom Line
This is more than just a conference opener-it’s a measuring stick. Clemson is physical, disciplined, and well-coached.
Syracuse is young, talented, and still figuring out its identity. If the Orange want to make noise in the ACC, it starts with protecting home court against a team that expects to be in the NCAA Tournament conversation come March.
The ingredients are there: a returning star, a chance to set the tone in league play, and a Dome crowd that could still bring the noise despite the holiday break. Now it’s time to see what kind of statement Syracuse is ready to make.