Following its scrimmage weekend in New Jersey, Syracuse lacrosse announced their home opponents for the 2026 spring. The home slate features some old foes, some ACC appointment-television matchups, and two first-ever matchups. The Orange look to use the JMA Dome crowd to fuel a strong regular season towards capturing their first National Championship since 2013. ‘Cuse fans should have these three matchups circled on their calendar:
- Maryland
For many reasons, the Syracuse/Maryland matchup ranks as the highest caliber game over a rivalry in Georgetown and two ACC matchups (Which have their own rivalries attached). Following last season, Orange Head Coach Gary Gait is now 0-5 against the Terrapins. The Terps also ranked higher than SU in a recent preseason power ranking. However, this game ranks the highest due to the talent on the field; SU vs Maryland will bring dream matchups between the top players in college lacrosse. Joey Spallina will undoubtedly match up against Maryland’s senior defensive phenom Will Schaller. On the other end of the field, Maryland’s Eric Spanos (Attack) will draw the likes of either Billy Dwan III or Riley Figueiras. Both teams have retooling in order as the ‘Cuse lost Owen Hiltz and Sam English; Similarly, the Terrapins lost stud goalie Logan McNamey last spring.
- Duke
Syracuse fans were recently reminded of this enticing matchup after Duke football’s postgame tweet. This game doesn’t need any cross-sport promotion, as the Orange and Blue Devils are two of the top programs and the ACC and have similar aspirations to break title droughts. Duke hasn’t brought home the hardware since 2014, but have an equally strong chance as SU with midfielder Aidan Maguire and defender Henry Bard both entering their senior seasons. Maguire has been projected as a top 3 PLL draft pick next May, with his versatility on offense and patrolling as a short-stick defensive midfielder exciting analysts. This will be an exciting chapter of their yearly rivalry as both teams have so much at stake. No surprise, Syracuse vs Duke is a top watch this spring.
- Georgetown
While Syracuse won’t face their former Big East rivals in basketball, the Hoyas will come to the dome for some non-conference lax. Georgetown will have to replace offensive production after losing attackman Aidan Caroll, but return star goaltender Anderson Moore and a lot of their defensive core from last season. Georgetown is coming off of losing a 9-6 NCAA Tournament brought to a runner-up Maryland team. They were the #3 seed in the tournament, and arguably grew stronger with key pieces becoming either juniors or seniors this spring. The ‘Cuse vs Georgetown rivalry never disappoints.
Syracuse’s only known road opponent (so far) is a March trip to Johns Hopkins.
