The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) released its 2026 football schedule on Monday night, so now we have a clear idea of what's in front of the Syracuse Orange as they look to improve upon a 3-9 record from 2025.

Our own Jami Leabow posted the full Syracuse schedule here, and the ACC schedule as a whole here.

With regards to the Orange, here are the key takeaways from the 2026 slate:

You always want a chance to start the season off on the right foot, so beginning with consecutive home games against New Hampshire and Cal is a nice thing - especially when Cal will have had to travel 3,000 miles to kick off conference play.

Furthermore, the final game of the season is against Notre Dame, meaning that if SU needs a signature win against the Irish, they'll have a chance to get it in front of a raucous Thanksgiving weekend crowd.

Syracuse lucks out in not having to play traditional ACC powers like Miami and Florida State in 2026, but they do have to see Pitt. The Panthers went 8-5 and played in a bowl game in 2025, making them one of the more difficult games on the SU schedule. Not only that, but Syracuse gets them on a short week - on the road. Playing on a Thursday against a good opponent is never favorable.

Let's make this clear: SU went 3-9 in 2025 and doesn't have a lot of expectations to people on the outside. I do have high expectations. With Steve Angeli back at quarterback and a good crop of transfers, I think SU should be able to make noise in the conference. By playing Notre Dame at the end of the season, Syracuse will already be done with conference play. The hope is that the Orange will have already clinched a spot in the ACC title game, making the Notre Dame just an extra chance at a resume builder.

Had SU played the Irish in the middle of the year and lost, it could be deflating for the rest of league play. That won't be the case this season.

After a third consecutive league loss on Saturday, the Syracuse men's basketball team is back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to NC State.

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