How is Syracuse Football Perceived Ahead of 2026 Season?

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For decades, college football fans have become accustomed to the weekly Top 25 poll released by the Associated Press.

In the past, the rankings had a massive impact on the overall season as teams' rankings could determine their bowl bids, and eventually, a national champion. In the last 30 years, FBS college football has added (then abolished) the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), a four-team playoff (also abolished), and now a 12-team playoff. The FBS has also seen more than 20 new schools added to the highest level of play.

While we have witnessed multiple changes to the size of the sport, football fans have still embraced a top 25 poll as the best way to understand who the top teams are.

Recently, The Athletic released its rankings of all 138 FBS Teams, going well beyond the top 25.. The rankings offer Orange fans a better glimpse as to where the team may stand against all football teams across the country heading into the 2026 season.

Where do the Orange rank among all 138 FBS football teams?

The Syracuse Orange Football team came in ranked at No. 78 of 138.

"A healthy Steve Angeli should help, but new running backs and receivers and a rebuilt offense make for a lot of non-QB questions."

Is the ranking too high, too low, or just right?

After evaluating the teams around the Orange in the rankings, the ranking feels just right. After a 3-9 finish in 2025, the Orange have to prove, with a healthier roster, that it can post a winning record again this regular season. Syracuse won 10 games in 2024, also winning the holiday bowl.

Last season, 82 teams won at least six games. If Syracuse is able to win six games, a No. 78 ranking is likely a precise spot for this year's squad. It would also make the Orange bowl eligible.

Can the Orange get to a bowl game this season?

Over the past 25 years, Syracuse football has played in nine total bowl games. The Orange are 6-3 in those matchups. 

This year's schedule is difficult, but not impossible. Syracuse is scheduled to face three teams that rank in the AP's Top 25 preseason poll. That includes No. 24 Louisville on Oct. 14, No. 19 SMU on Oct.31 and No. 4 Notre Dame on Nov.28.

The Orange will open the season on Sept. 5 against New Hampshire.

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