Syracuse Orange Football

Syracuse Orange football competes in the NCAA's FBS and the ACC's Atlantic Division. Syracuse stands as New York's sole Power Five representative. Their home ground, the JMA Wireless Dome, hosts matchups in Syracuse, New York. Since 1889, the Orange have notched over 740 victories and won a consensus national championship in 1959. Having two undefeated seasons and five conference titles, they've produced a Heisman Trophy winner, over 60 All-Americans, and 18 Academic All-Americans with 28 bowl appearances, including 10 in the New Year's Six Bowls.

Syracuse Orange Football Introduction

Syracuse University's football history dates back to November 23, 1889. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the team began to find success, notably under the coaching of Frank "Buck" O'Neill, who propelled Syracuse to national recognition with the construction of Archbold Stadium in 1907. Despite notable achievements, such as a Rose Bowl invitation in 1915, which was declined, Syracuse remained independent until 1990.

In 1991, Syracuse, along with other Eastern football independents, formed the Big East Conference, where they claimed their first official championship title in 1993. Syracuse Orange transitioned to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2013.

Syracuse Orange Football History

Syracuse University's football history dates back to November 23, 1889, when the team played its inaugural game. The program saw its initial successes in the 1890s and early 1900s. The construction of Archbold Stadium in 1907 elevated Syracuse to national recognition under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Frank "Buck" O'Neill.

In 1915, Syracuse received an invitation to the Rose Bowl; however, they declined, having already played on the West Coast that season. They maintained this success in the 1920s with players like Doc Alexander and Vic Hanson.

The 1930s marked a period of racial integration, with Syracuse and nearby Cornell University among the first to include African-American players as starting backfield players. Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, an African-American star, faced challenges due to racial discrimination but left a lasting impact on Syracuse's football history.

The program saw significant success during Ben Schwartzwalder’s time as head coach from 1949 to 1973, including Syracuse's first bowl appearances and the 1959 national championship. Schwartzwalder's coaching methods carved legendary running backs like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little. Despite challenges, including a boycott by African-American student-athletes in 1969, Syracuse's football program persevered, leaving an unforgettable mark on college football history.

Syracuse Orange Football Coach

31 head coaches have led the Syracuse Orange football program since its beginning in 1887.

Over the years, seven Syracuse head coaches have guided the team to postseason bowl games. Among them, Ben Schwartzwalder, Frank Maloney, Dick MacPherson, Paul Pasqualoni, Doug Marrone, Scott Shafer, and Dino Babers stand out. Pasqualoni and Marrone also secured conference championships during their respective tenures in the Big East Conference.

The current head coach of the Syracuse Orange Football team is Fran Brown. He assumed the position in December 2023. Brown previously served as a cornerback and football coach. His appointment was made official on November 28, 2023.

Here is a table containing the names and duration of all the head coaches of the Syracuse Orange Football team.

Syracuse Orange Football Stadium: JMA Wireless Dome

The JMA Wireless Dome, previously called the Carrier Dome (1980–2022), in New York is the home ground of the Syracuse University football team. Hosting Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse, it's been pivotal in college sports since 1980.

Recognized in NCAA history, the Dome holds basketball attendance records, leading in average attendance for 16 seasons. Notably, it set records for total home court attendance (537,949 in 1990) and average attendance (29,918 in 1989).

With a 35,642 seating capacity, it's the largest domed stadium on any college campus in the northeastern U.S. Besides sports, it hosts high school football championships, concerts, and events.

Syracuse Orange Football Rivals

Syracuse has historic rivalries with several teams, including Boston College, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.

Boston

The rivalry with Boston College dates back to 1924, with the teams meeting annually since 1961. Syracuse leads the series with 34 wins to Boston College's 23.

Pittsburgh

Similarly, the rivalry with Pittsburgh began in 1916 and has continued annually since 1955. Pittsburgh currently leads the series with 43 wins to Syracuse's 32.

West Virginia

The rivalry with West Virginia, spanning 60 games, was particularly intense in the '80s and '90s when both teams were in the Big East Conference. The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Syracuse-West Virginia game, with Syracuse leading the series 34–27.

Syracuse Orange Football Record and stats

In 1959, Syracuse had 2 undefeated seasons and won the national championship by all major selectors, finishing with a 23–14 victory over the No. 4 Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.

Conference championships

Syracuse Orange Football Roster

On the offensive side, notable players include

On the defensive side, players include:

Syracuse Orange Football Schedule

The Syracuse Orange Football Regular Season Schedule is as follows: