The dates for the 2026 Syracuse football schedule will be announced tonight on the ACC Network, but we now know enough to start framing what next season will look like, as all 12 opponents are officially
set.
Here’s a look at how each opponent performed last season and what kind of roster talent they’re bringing in.
Syracuse’s 2026 Opponents and Their Records From Last Season
Non-Conference
New Hampshire (FCS) (8–5) September 5th
at UConn: (9–4) October 3rd
vs Notre Dame (10–2) November 28th
ACC Opponents (9-game conference schedule)
at Boston College: 2–10 (2025)
California: 7–6 (2025)
Clemson: 7–6 (2025)
Louisville: 9–4 (2025)
at NC State: 8–5 (2025)
at North Carolina: 4–8 (2025)
at Pittsburgh: 8–5 (2025)
SMU: 9–4 (2025)
Virginia: 11–3 (2025)
Recruiting Context
According to 247Sports’ 2026 composite team rankings, Notre Dame stands out as the strongest opponent on Syracuse’s schedule. Here’s how the Orange’s opponents stack up nationally:
Recruiting Rankings (247Sports Composite – 2026)
- Notre Dame: No. 3
- North Carolina: No. 20
- Clemson: No. 24
- SMU: No. 28
- Louisville: No. 33
- California: No. 41
- NC State: No. 55
- Pittsburgh: No. 56
- Boston College: No. 58
- Virginia: No. 71
- UConn: No. 122
- New Hampshire: Unranked (FCS)
It’s also important to note that if Syracuse were included in this list, the Orange would rank No. 36 nationally. With the addition of five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell, Syracuse has jumped 17 spots from its 2025 recruiting class, which ranked 53rd according to 247Sports.
Syracuse’s overall composite recruiting rank currently sits at No. 31, though the transfer portal ranking brings that number down, as the Orange rank 56th in that category.
What Comes Next
The wait is almost over.
The ACC has officially confirmed that the full 2026 football schedule will be released tonight. That announcement will finalize game dates and kickoff times for Syracuse’s ACC slate, completing the picture for the upcoming season.
Once the schedule drops, we’ll get clarity on home versus road sequencing, short-week challenges, bye placement, and where potential late-season difficulty spikes may appear. Until then, the confirmed opponents provide enough context to start evaluating how manageable and demanding the Syracuse’s 2026 path could be.
