Coming off a 10-3 season and a convincing 52-35 victory over Washington State in the Orange Bowl, there is a lot of excitement in Central New York when it comes to the 2025 NCAA football season. In Fran Brown’s first season as the Orange’s head coach, Syracuse found themselves ranked as high as 20th in the AP polls while winning their first bowl game since 2018. The question is, what do they do for an encore?
No longer the scrappy underdog, expectations have shifted, which has been reflected in the schedule. With four road games against teams from the 2024 College Football Playoffs, the 2025 schedule will determine whether last year was just a fluke or if the Orange are building something special. The best sports betting apps have already taken notice, with Syracuse’s season win total generating significant interest.
Tennessee Volunteers (August 30th)
The test begins in the first game of the season as the Orange head to Atlanta to battle the Volunteers in the AFLAC Kickoff Game. Last season, Tennessee finished ranked number 9, and will likely enter the 2025 season ranked between 20-25. The last time the two teams squared off was in 2001 when Tennessee walked away with a convincing 33-9 victory.
This is a statement game that will likely set the tone for the entire season. The Volunteers are a program that the Orange aim to become, a perennial top 25 team and playoff contender. For Syracuse, this represents an opportunity to make an immediate splash on the national stage against a ranked SEC opponent.
Clemson Tigers (September 20th)
The Tigers are a perennial contender for the ACC championship and with future NFL quarterback Cade Klubnik, are a favorite to be among the twelve teams batting in the College Football Playoffs. With a 2-10 overall record against the Tigers, including a 31-14 loss in their last meeting, the Orange will travel to “Death Valley” where they are winless in their last five games.
With two winnable home games sandwiched between the season opener against Tennessee and their trip to South Carolina, this represents a true test of Syracuse’s road game preparation. The atmosphere in Death Valley is unlike anything most Syracuse players have experienced. A strong showing with a win or close loss will be huge boost for Syracuse’s confidence.
North Carolina Tar Heels (October 31st)
After posting their first losing season in three years, the Tar Heels are looking to bounce back in the ACC. Losing running back Omarion Hampton to the NFL hurts the Tar Heels offensively, but the arrival of new head coach Bill Belichick will bring a lot of creativity and attention to a program looking to make a name for itself, just as Syracuse is.
A Friday night game in New York brings its own level of excitement. A Halloween Friday night game in New York raises the bar that much higher. The atmosphere in the JMA Wireless Dome should be electric, with the combination of Halloween festivities and high-stakes ACC football creating a perfect storm of excitement. This matchup represents the new reality of ACC football, where programs like Syracuse and North Carolina are fighting for relevance and respect.
Miami Hurricanes (November 8th)
Last year the Orange dominated the Hurricanes’ in the first quarter, jumping out to a 14-0 lead before having to claw back for a 42-38 victory. It’s unlikely that the Hurricanes will let Syracuse get the jump on them for a second straight game. Reloading with a strong recruiting class and a star studded transfer portal signing, including starting quarterback Carson Beck, “The U” have a strong argument to start the season ranked among the top ten.
Battling not only the South Florida weather, but the Hurricanes’ traditional speed and athleticism, it is vital that the Orange execute their game plan to a “T” should they hope to leave Hard Rock Stadium with a victory. This late-season showdown will test Syracuse’s depth as both teams fight for positioning in the ACC standings and bowl picture.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (November 22nd)
A heavy favorite to return to the College Football National Championship game, the Fighting Irish feature an impressive offensive unit that will be tough for any team to compete with. If the Orange can clear the distraction of the rowdy South Bend fans, the historic backdrops and one of college football’s iconic stadiums, this late season clash could launch Syracuse into a post season berth.
Of the four games that the Orange have played in South Bend, the only time they came away with a victory was in 2008, holding off the Irish 24-23. Beating Notre Dame on their home turf on national television on a crisp fall afternoon would be the national statement that Syracuse needs to make in order to be considered as a legitimate contender.
