The Orange return to the field Saturday as they visit the Huskies.
After a lengthy bye (15 days), the Syracuse Orange football team (1-2) will return to action this Saturday against the UConn Huskies (2-2). UConn is coming off a loss last Saturday against Miami (Ohio), 24-21.
These two teams have a limited history against each other, but they have played 14 games against each other in the 2000s, with Syracuse holding an 8-6 advantage. The Orange won 27-20 last season at the JMA Wireless Dome.
This year's matchup features a lot of interesting crossovers among both the rosters and the coaching staffs. One assistant coach who could play a prominent role? Former Syracuse offensive assistant Nunzio Campanile, who is now the offensive coordinator for Connecticut.
The Nunzio Campanile file
Campanile began his football career as an assistant coach at the the nationally recognized Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J.. Don Bosco Prep is the same high school that former Orange quarterback, and current NFL quarterback, Tommy Devito played for.
After eight seasons at Don Bosco Prep, Campanile was named the head coach of Bergen Catholic High School in Bergen, NJ. Campanile helped lead his team to a state title before departing for the collegiate ranks in 2017.
From 2018-22, Campanile was a part of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights staff before joining Syracuse in 2023. After the firing of Dino Babers later in that season, Campanile was named the interim head coach. However, he was not named the new head coach following the season as Fran Brown was offered the job weeks later. In a rarity in college sports, Campanile stayed on staff and worked under Brown for two seasons.
The 49 year-old Campanile helped develop current NFL quarterback Kyle McCord, who helped Syracuse to a double-digit win season and bowl victory in 2024.
Campanile left Syracuse following the conclusion of the 2025 season and is in his first year on staff under head coach Jason Candle.
Why Campanile could play a factor in Saturday's game
Campanile has worked with projected Orange starting quarterback Steve Angeli. A potential advantage for the Huskies is that Campanile may know Angeli's strengths and weaknesses, tendencies on certain plays, and coverages Angeli may struggle attacking.
Angeli has struggled in the early part of the season and in the most recent game for Syracuse, was benched for backup Amari Odom. Campanile's insight could provide UConn's defense an advantage in the weekend affair.
Other interesting Syracuse-UConn connections
Jason Candle vs. Vince Kehres -Kehres is the defensive coordinator for the Orange, but before accepting the position in Central New York, Kehres worked as the defensive coordinator at Toledo. Toledo's head coach during Kehres' tenure is now current UConn head coach Jason Candle.
In similar fashion to Angeli and Campanile, both coaches may be very aware of strengths and tendencies in certain situations during the Saturday contest.
Chris D'Appolonia vs. Candle- Linebacker Chris D'Appolonia joined Syracuse via the transfer portal this offseason. And while Kehres and D'Appolonia have continued their connection, Candle is familiar with his his play since he was his head coach at Toledo.
What's next for Syracuse football?
Kickoff on Saturday is set for noon ET in East Hartford, Conn. Roundtable will have coverage leading up to the matchup all week long.
