Syracuse football finally put last season behind it Saturday, opening the 2026 campaign with a dominant 66-3 victory over New Hampshire and ending an eight-game losing streak that had stretched back to last September.
The Orange entered the season opener having not won since their upset of Clemson 350 days earlier. After a 3-9 campaign that prompted major changes throughout the program, Syracuse delivered the kind of performance it had been searching for.
Steve Angeli’s return was one of the biggest storylines surrounding the opener, and the quarterback immediately looked comfortable in his first game since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in 2025. Angeli completed 20-of-29 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns before leaving for Amari Odom in the fourth quarter.
Angeli connected with sixth-year receiver Umari Hatcher eight times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including a 19-yard score that capped a 77-yard opening touchdown drive. Hatcher provided a major boost to a revamped receiver group.
Syracuse also ran effectively throughout the afternoon. Freshman Shavane Anderson Jr. rushed 10 times for 102 yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore Tylik Hill added 90 yards on 15 carries and another score.
The defense was just as dominant under new coordinator Vince Kehres. New Hampshire managed only two first downs across its first four possessions and did not cross midfield until the final minute of the first half. Keyshawn Johnson recorded a strip sack, while Rashard Perry intercepted quarterback Brooks Bentley.
Syracuse carried a 41-0 advantage into halftime and continued pulling away after the break. The Orange added a blocked-punt safety and a fumble-return touchdown before New Hampshire finally got on the board with a field goal.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse snags 1st win since September 2025 in 66-3 blowout of New Hampshire (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse 66, New Hampshire 3: Orange romp Wildcats in season opener (NunesMagician.com)
- ORANGE ROLL PAST UNH IN OPENER (Cuse.com)
- Observations from SU’s season opener against UNH: Angeli returns, RBs shine (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FRAN BROWN’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
MEDIA
Student section showing out at the Dome today for SU’s home opener pic.twitter.com/S5FVnzP22T
— Syracuse On SI | The Juice Online (@TheJuiceOnline) September 5, 2026
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.