Expectations for the Syracuse Orange will be pretty conservative after a 3-9 season. National analysts and prognosticators will definitely need to be convinced that Fran Brown’s squad can bounce back in 2026.
In the first installment of Bill Connelly’s SP+ rankings of FBS programs for 2026, the Orange find themselves in a nice 69th spot between New Mexico and Memphis. That might not sound great, but considering that Syracuse ended 2025 at 113, it should lend a little optimism for a rebound this Fall.
Syracuse’s offense ranked 85th with the defense 59th and special teams 35th and there are questions abound for each of those units as we continue with spring practice. A healthy Steve Angeli along with stronger backups in the QB room could elevate the Orange offense, but will there be enough of a pass rush to bolster the defense and can the special teams overcome the loss of Jack Stonehouse?
Here is where the rest of Syracuse’s 2026 FBS opponents rank in the SP+:
Notre Dame- 3rd
Clemson- 23rd
Louisville-27th
SMU-28th
Virginia-40th
Pittsburgh-41st
NC State-48th
North Carolina-54th
California-56th
Boston College-74th
UConn-107th
