Fran Brown returns for his third season after Syracuse finished 3-9 overall and 1-7 in ACC play in 2025. Jeff Nixon returns as offensive coordinator, while quarterback Steve Angeli is back after suffering an Achilles injury last season. The running back room will feature several new contributors following the departures of Yasin Willis and Will Nixon, with Jackson State transfer Ahmad Miller and LSU transfer Ju’Juan Johnson among the additions. Syracuse must replace its top six receivers from last season. Umari Hatcher returns after missing 2025, while David Clement provides another returning option at tight end. Freshman Calvin Russell III and Glendale Community College transfer Zamondre Merriweather are among the newcomers expected to contribute. The offensive line returns full-time starters Trevion Mack and Joe Cruz after making 10 and 12 starts, respectively, while Byron Washington provides additional returning experience. The unit averages approximately 340 pounds per player, giving Syracuse one of the largest offensive lines in Power Conference football.

Vince Kehres arrives from Toledo as defensive coordinator with Syracuse returning seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top three in Gary Bryant III, Antoine Deslauriers, and Braheem Long Jr. Bryant and Deslauriers return after making 10 and 11 starts, respectively. The secondary brings back Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel Jr. after each making 12 starts, while Cornell Perry adds significant experience after making seven. Maryland transfer Dillan Fontus joins the defensive front after making nine starts last season, while Toledo transfer Chris D’Appolonia follows Kehres to Syracuse.

Alex Bayer takes over as special teams coordinator with Tripp Woody returning at placekicker after making 12 of 14 field-goal attempts last season. Freshman Jimmy Gregg takes over at punter following the departure of First-Team All-ACC selection Jack Stonehouse, while Tylik Hill and Davien Kerr bring experience to the kickoff-return game. Syracuse enters 2026 with significant turnover at running back and receiver but considerable continuity on defense. The Orange return seven of their top eleven tacklers, including each of the top three, while the offensive line provides an experienced and unusually large foundation up front.