Four Takeaways From Syracuse Football's Resounding Week 1 Win

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The Syracuse University football team kicked off its 2026 season with a resounding 66-3 win over FCS New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.

While Syracuse entered the game as an overwhelming favorite, it absolutely pummeled the Wildcats (0-2) from start to finish, proving that the optimism around the program following last season's 3-9 campaign is fair.

The 66 points were the most ever by Syracuse in an opener since 1929, when they scored 77 against Hobart.

Here's what you need to know, with our takeaways coming in no particular order.

Steve Angeli plays deep into game, looks all the way back

The quarterback, who was playing his first game since last September after a torn Achilles ended his 2025 season, looked excellent in this one. He went 20-of-29 for 263 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 9.1 yards per completion. He did not throw any interceptions and played into the fourth quarter, despite SU being in full control.

Perhaps head coach Fran Brown wanted to knock the rust off of Angeli since he hadn't played a game in almost a calendar year.

Angeli did take two big hits in this game, including one that resulted in a personal foul, but he appeared to be OK.

Running back room shows out 

We spent all offseason wondering about the impact of transfers Ahmad Miller (Jackson State) and Ju'Juan Johnson (LSU), but neither one of them played in this contest. Freshman Shavane Anderson stole the show, getting 10 carries and posting 102 yards while scoring three touchdowns.

Tylik Hill had 15 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown, also averaging six yards per carry.

Receivers answer some questions

In the wake of losing Darrell Gill Jr. (Ole Miss) to the transfer portal and Calvin Russell III to injury (Achilles), we wondered who would step up in the pass game for Fran Brown's team. Well, Umari Hatcher was the clear winner in that department, posting eight catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

Cole Weaver, a transfer from Miami (Ohio), had three catches for 32 yards. In total, SU had 21 receptions for 270 yards.

Vince Kehres's defense looks good

Kehres, the former defensive coordinator at Toledo, called his first game for the Orange and his players certainly responded. The Orange recovered two fumbles, had five sacks, an interception and scored a touchdown.

New Hampshire had only 150 yards of total offense.

One negative thing: Defensive back Chris Peal was ejected for targeting in the third quarter, however, because of a rule change, he will not be suspended at the start of next week's game.

Up next 

Syracuse will open up Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET against Cal. That game will also be at the JMA Wireless Dome.

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