Multiple games proved to have an immediate impact on the Orange's outlook for 2026.
The Syracuse football team is just days away from kicking off its 2026 regular season on Saturday afternoon against New Hampshire.
While the Orange will have to wait a few more days before officially starting the season, multiple teams across the country, including a few teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), were in action in Week 0.
How did the action from this weekend impact Fran Brown's program?
Syracuse's opening week opponent loses in upset
The Orange will host New Hampshire in Saturday's season opening contest (noon ET). New Hampshire kicked off its season on the road against fellow FCS level school UAlbany. The Wildcats entered the game as a 13.5-point favorite but were upset by the Great Danes, 28-14.
While Syracuse now has tape on the Wildcats, UNH's disappointing showing could lead to some lineup adjustments and depth chart movement, making UNH a little more unpredictable from a scouting perspective.
Sean Goldrich is in his first season as the Wildcats head coach.
How did Week 0 action affect Syracuse and the ACC?
The ACC standings have already been altered after two league teams clashed in Week 0. Virginia defeated NC State 34-8.
The Cavaliers played in last season's ACC title game, and nearly earned an automatic berth for the league to the College Football Playoff. This showing will continue to keep them in the conversation on the national level early in 2026.
The loss by NC State benefits Syracuse as the Wolfpack now fall to 0-1 in conference play. That means that Syracuse is already ahead of the Wolfpack, who they'll play on Nov. 14.
Syracuse matches up with Virginia on Oct. 10.
What about on a national scale?
Two other ACC teams were in action in Week 0, and both left the field as winners. North Carolina defeated TCU 15-10 and Florida State defeated New Mexico State 34-17. Many national outlets have questioned the potential success of both schools this season.
An upset win for the Tar Heels may change some of that perception, while the Seminoles to most were not impressive enough in their winner against non-Power Four school.
Syracuse will play at North Carolina in October, but do not see the Seminoles this year.
What's next for SU?
With training camp over, the Orange have transitioned into game week preparations. There are no more open practices for the media, but we will have live on-site coverage on Saturday afternoon.
