The full 2026 Syracuse football schedule was announced Monday, and it brings one of the most competitive home slates in recent memory, with every team set to visit the JMA Wireless Dome coming off a winning season in 2025.
The Orange will also welcome several unfamiliar faces. None of Syracuse’s 2026 home opponents have visited the Dome in the past two seasons, with Clemson last appearing in 2023. Notre Dame and Louisville were last in Syracuse in 2022, while Cal and SMU have not played in Syracuse since before the Dome was built.
Syracuse kicks off the year on September 5 against New Hampshire, an FCS playoff regular that finished 8-5 in 2025. A week later, Cal visits Syracuse for the first time since 1967, followed by a Thursday night rivalry game at Pitt. After a bye week, the Orange travel to UConn and Virginia before returning home to face Louisville on October 17.
Anthony Volpe delivers grand slam, career-high five RBI in return as Yankees sweep Rockies October closes with a road trip to North Carolina and a long-awaited home matchup with SMU, marking the Mustangs’ first trip to Syracuse since 1932. Clemson visits the Dome in early November, with the game potentially flexed to Friday night.
The Orange finish the regular season with road games at NC State and Boston College before hosting Notre Dame in the finale on November 28. It will be the fifth time Syracuse and Notre Dame have met to close a season, with the series tied 2-2 in those matchups.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.