Syracuse Orange 2026-2027 Season Outlook: Schedule, Odds & Tickets

Syracuse opened the 2025 season 3–1, highlighted by a victory at Clemson. The win marked the Orange’s first over the Tigers since 2017, when Syracuse stunned then-No. 2 Clemson 27–24 behind a roster that featured future NFL standouts Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence. However, the season quickly unraveled after quarterback Steve Angeli tore his Achilles during the Orange’s game at Clemson.

Syracuse lost its final eight games to finish 3–9. The Orange’s disappointing season was also defined by inconsistent offensive line play and defensive struggles. Syracuse ranked among the nation’s worst defenses, allowing 430.4 yards and 31.5 points per game.

Following Syracuse’s 3–9 season, head coach Fran Brown hired Toledo defensive coordinator Vince Kehres to lead the Orange’s defense and brought in Juan Castillo as offensive line coach. The additions reflected Brown’s commitment to rebuilding the program after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Kehres coordinated one of the nation’s top defenses last season, as Toledo ranked second nationally in total defense and pass efficiency defense, fourth in scoring defense and fifth in passing defense. He was also a nominee for the Broyles Award after the Rockets held opponents to 14 points or fewer in eight of their 12 games.

Castillo brings more than 40 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as Michigan’s senior assistant offensive line coach. During his first stint in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines averaged more than 200 rushing yards and 35.2 points per game. Brown also added Marcus Walker from Towson as the Orange’s nickel coach and hired Jeremy Hawkins to oversee the defensive line.

For the second time in three seasons, Syracuse went without a player selected in the NFL Draft. However, nine Orange players signed as undrafted free agents following the 2026 draft. Defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after recording five sacks and 24 total tackles in 2025. Dion Wilson Jr. joined the Baltimore Ravens, entering training camp as a third-string defensive tackle competing for a roster spot. Punter Jack Stonehouse signed with the Houston Texans after averaging 41.7 yards per punt on 60 attempts and pinning 15 punts inside the 20-yard line. Other notable signees included Dan Villari (Los Angeles Rams) and David Reese (Los Angeles Chargers).

In Angeli’s absence, Rickie Collins took over as Syracuse’s starting quarterback, throwing for 1,042 yards while completing 53.6% of his passes. Collins also contributed as a runner, rushing for 126 yards on 54 carries. Syracuse’s running game struggled to find consistency last season, as Yasin Willis led the Orange with 558 rushing yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Will Nixon added 432 rushing yards on 107 carries. Darrell Gill Jr. and Justus Ross-Simmons each recorded five receiving touchdowns, with Gill Jr. totaling 506 yards and Ross-Simmons adding 312 yards. Linebacker Gary Bryant III led Syracuse with 57 total tackles, while Davien Kerr paced the secondary with three interceptions.

247Sports ranked Syracuse’s 2026 transfer class 43rd nationally. Former Maryland Terrapin Dillan Fontus headlines the group, providing the Orange with additional size and experience along the defensive line. Fontus stands at 6-foot-6 and 292 pounds after recording 28 total tackles and two sacks last season. Syracuse also added defensive linemen Keyshawn Johnson and Jartavious Flounoy to complement Fontus. Former LSU running back Ju’Juan Johnson transferred to Syracuse after Willis departed for Kansas, giving the Orange a new option in the backfield. Matt Outten joined Syracuse to help replace Johntay Cook’s production and provide another target in the receiving corps. Malachi Nelson and Amari Odom will add competition to Syracuse’s quarterback room after Collins transferred to Kennesaw State. Both quarterbacks are expected to compete with Angeli for the starting role during the offseason.

ESPN’s 2026 Football Power Index ranks Syracuse’s schedule as the 41st toughest in the nation. Notable matchups include rivalry games against Pittsburgh and UConn, as well as contests against Louisville, Clemson and Notre Dame. The matchup against Notre Dame is Syracuse’s most demanding test, as the Orange will face the Fighting Irish at the end of a brutal nine-week stretch without a bye. Notre Dame also features one of the nation’s most talented rosters, led by Heisman Trophy contender CJ Carr at quarterback. The matchups against Louisville and Clemson will challenge Syracuse’s rebuilt roster, as both programs are expected to be among the more competitive teams on the Orange’s schedule.

Syracuse’s rebuilt roster will be tasked with navigating a challenging slate during coach Fran Brown’s third season with the program. While questions remain about whether Angeli can return to form and whether the defensive overhaul will produce results, the Orange have an opportunity to exceed expectations if their new additions make an immediate impact. Most major outlets project Syracuse to finish in the bottom third of the ACC standings, with preseason expectations hovering around four wins.

FanDuel Sportsbook lists Syracuse at +4500 to win the ACC Championship and +125000 to win the National Championship.

Syracuse Orange 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets:

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Article by Christian Bongiorno