The Syracuse University football team went just 3-9 in 2025, missing a bowl game, which was a major disappointment coming off a 10-win season in 2024.

However, there is some real optimism around the program heading into the 2026 campaign, which begins on Sept. 5 when the Orange host New Hampshire at the JMA Wireless Dome.

So, what are those reasons for optimism? Let's break it down, three-fold.

Last season, the Orange were 3-1 with Steve Angeli at quarterback. However, he got hurt in that fourth game of the season, missing the rest of the year. Syracuse went 0-8 in that time as quarterbacks like Rickie Collins, Luke Carney and Joseph Filardi failed to deliver results under center.

However, this year? Things look much more optimistic. Angeli is back from his torn Achilles which instantly helps, but beyond him are quarterbacks with tangible playing experience that should be able to step in if needed.

Transfer Amari Odom comes to Syracuse with two years of eligibility after putting together a dynamite year at Kennesaw State. He threw for 2,594 yards and 19 touchdowns, also running for 347 yards. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes and also had eight interceptions.

Kennesaw State won 10 games and went 7-1 in Conference USA. They won the league title game over Jacksonville State.

He's played, and he's won. That matters. 

Beyond him, the Orange also have transfers Malachi Nelson (UTEP) and Danny Lauter (Georgetown), who also have numerous experiences.

The Orange moved on from Elijah Robinson in the offseason and hired Vince Kehres from Toledo as the programs' new defensive coordinator. While there's no shade to be thrown at Robinson, Kehres brings in a solid resume from his time with the Rockets.

In addition to Toledo, he's the former head coach at Division III power Mount Union.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel on social media after the hiring.

Sources: Syracuse is hiring Toledo DC Vince Kehres as the school’s new DC. He’s a two-time national championship winning head coach at Division III Mount Union.

Toledo ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense this year and No. 4 in scoring defense. Kehres both consistently produced high-end defenses at Toledo and also helped recruit and develop players for the NFL, including Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Alexander.

The Orange brought in several players via the transfer portal this season, and a lot of them have significant playing experience beyond just the quarterbacks. Ahmad Miller (Jackson State), Dillon Fontus (Maryland) and Tunmise Adeleye (UNLV) are just three examples of players that come to Central New York with a lot of tape on their names. 

That should give SU a more veteran roster and the ability to make an impact in an ACC which is lacking top-end teams outside of Miami, who went to the national title game a year ago.

Remember to join our SYRACUSE on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Orange fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!