Syracuse Football Hosts California In Game Two: Need to Know

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Syracuse football fans are hoping to see consecutive victories at home to start off the 2026 regular season. 

After a lopsided Week 1 win over New Hampshire, the Orange's conference schedule begins with a tussle against Cal on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET). Since Syracuse joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2014, the team has still yet to compete in a conference championship game. A win in a conference championship game in either the ACC, Big Ten, Big XII or SEC guarantees that winner a spot in the college football playoff later this season.

While a win in this one certainly doesn't put Syracuse on track to get there yet, a loss could already derail hopes.

Here's what you need to know before Syracuse hosts California Saturday. 

Recapping the Orange first win in 2026

The Orange kicked off its 2026 season with a dominant 66-3 win over FCS New Hampshire. 

While Syracuse entered the game as close to a five-touchdown favorite, the Orange blew the projections out of the water. The margin of victory in the home opener was the largest in the history of the JMA/Carrier Dome. The blowout ranked second to the team's 77-0 over Hobart in 1929.

Leading the way in his college debut was running back Shavane Anderson Jr. Anderson ran for 102 yards and three touchdowns and was named ACC Rookie of the Week. 

About Cal in Week 1

The Golden Bears lost their opener to UCLA, 45-24. 

Saturday's matchup is the fourth time the two schools have ever faced off. Syracuse won the most recent match up in 2024, 33-25.

Health status of impact players

For California, quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is expected to play. The sophomore limped off the field in the team's loss to UCLA. "JKS" has not been listed on any injury report leading up to kickoff. Sagapolutele is considered a top quarterback prospect for the 2028 NFL Draft. 

He went 24-for-41 for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. He also had two interceptions.

As for Syracuse, running backs Ahmad Miller and Ju'Juan Johnson are expected to play. Both projected as the team's primary ball carriers, neither played in week one due to injuries. 

Offensive names to know

–For Syracuse, wide receiver Umari Hatcher had nearly 150 yards receiving on eight catches. He also scored two touchdowns in the opener.

–Beyond Anderson, the SU run game was paced by Tylik Hill, who had 90 yards on 15 attempts.

–As noted by head coach Fran Brown on Thursday, the receiving room is going to get a little deeper for the Orange. Fifth-year wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons, who has been engaged in a lengthy offseason eligibility battle, is expected to play.

–For Cal, Adam Mohammed carried the ball 28 times in the opener for 120 yards. He had a touchdown and a 4.3 yards per carry average.

–Ian Strong had 94 yards on just five receptions for the Golden Bears, while Chase Hendricks had six catches for 66 yards.

–Three different Cal players had at least five catches in the loss.

Where can you follow Saturday's action?

The ACC Network will have the coverage at 3:30 p.m. ET. On the audio side, fans can listen on TK99/105 (99.5/100.5 FM) and WAER (88.3) in Syracuse, or through Cuse.com. Following the game on Saturday, SyracuseRoundtable will be offering insight and takeaways from the JMA Wireless Dome.

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