The Orange have lost one of their non-conference opponents apparently.
The Syracuse University football team has reportedly seen a schedule change for the 2026 campaign. It appears as if the Orange will no longer be playing Toledo.
Brent Axe of Syracuse.com noticed that Toledo announced its 2026 schedule with Temple replacing Fran Brown's team.
Per his post on social media:
Our guy @DBriggsBlade in Toledo says this will likely replace on Toledo's schedule. SU will be in search of a new home opponent in '26. That was the date they had set aside for Toledo at Syracuse this year.
Where things stand
Despite's Axe's initial thoughts, it does feel like the Orange have a complete schedule for 2026 and don't need another home opponent.
Remember, the ACC has instituted a new scheduling policy: Beginning in 2026, teams are required to play nine conference games, and then a 10th game against another power-conference team or Notre Dame. This is all done with the hope of boosting resumes for ACC teams when it comes to getting to the College Football Playoff.
“Transitioning to a nine-game conference schedule strengthens our competitive framework, aligns us with the other Power Four conferences and provides greater consistency for our student-athletes, coaches and fans,” ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said. “This phased approach reflects our commitment to competitive equity, scheduling flexibility and delivering a premier football product across all 17 institutions.”
That leaves only two true negotiable opponents, and Syracuse still has UConn and University of New Hampshire on the 2026 schedule. That would finish out the 12-game slate.
It was certainly possible that the Orange could have kept Toledo and dropped one of those two, but it looks like it's going to end with the Rockets being the team off the calendar.
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No reunion for Kehres
Syracuse just hired Vince Kehres as its defensive coordinator after bringing him over from Toledo. It's also possible that the Orange poach some Toledo players in the transfer portal, which could be one additional reason why the two schools are electing not to play.
Also on campus
The Syracuse University women's basketball team rolled over Wake Forest on Sunday afternoon, moving to 13-2 on the season. Additionally, they are also 3-1 inside ACC play.
The Syracuse men will be back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. ET. The Orange are 9-5 on the season while GT is 10-5. The Yellow Jackets are 1-1 inside league play while the Orange are 0-1.
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