The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team has a new coaching staff, a new roster and even new leaders in the athletic administration heading into 2026-27.

And with new pieces in place, the Orange are hoping to end a five-year NCAA Tournament drought that is the longest in program history.

In today's modern college climate, it's not as difficult to turn around a program. The transfer portal and NIL have made it easier for some teams to find talent and become instant contenders.

However, a recent report indicates that Syracuse is well behind the NCAA arms race when it comes to spending.

According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Syracuse ranks in "Tier 5" of spending. For context, only seven tiers were listed, so the Orange's Tier 5 distinction puts them in the bottom half of the rankings. 

Some schools like Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville who rank in the Top Tier of the spending have had a decades of proven success from their programs. While those schools, full of rich history, and other schools that have recently won championships (Florida and Michigan) might not be surprising, other big spending schools are.

Schools like Ole Miss, Missouri, and South Carolina have out spent Syracuse. Miami (FL), USC, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, schools known for their football programs, have also out spent the Orange. 

Earlier this fall, university chancellor Mike Haynie and new athletic director Bryan Blair spoke about the future of Syracuse athletics. Blair noted that the next 24-36 months might be the most important in the history of the department.

Orange fans should feel encouraged that both men are aware of the constant changing landscape of Division I college athletics. Syracuse has a plan and is looking to execute that vision by making the Orange teams some of the most competitive in the country.

Both Haynie and Blair are less than a year into their respective new roles. Orange fans will have to be patient and see what the future holds under their direction.

Gerry McNamara and his team close out their exhibition season on Saturday when they travel to Buffalo to battle the Niagara Purple Eagles. Tip-off at the KeyBank Center is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.

The Orange will officially get their 2026-27 regular season scheduled started on Nov. 2 at home against New Haven. Tip-off in the JMA Wireless Dome is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.