SYRACUSE, N.Y. — With just one month remaining before the start of the 2026 college football season, the Syracuse Orange officially opened preseason training camp Wednesday with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.
Syracuse will begin its season at the JMA Wireless Dome against New Hampshire, looking to erase the memories of a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025. Although the Orange were picked to finish 14th in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference preseason media poll, head coach Fran Brown believes his team is in a much better position entering his third season at the helm.
The opening days of camp will be critical as Brown and his coaching staff evaluate position battles, install new schemes, and prepare a roster that features a blend of experienced veterans, transfers, and talented newcomers.
New Coaching Staff Brings Fresh Perspective
One of the biggest changes from a year ago comes on the sidelines.
Following last season, Brown reshaped much of his coaching staff in an effort to improve every phase of the program. The Orange welcome several experienced assistants, including defensive coordinator Vince Kehres, offensive line coach Juan Castillo, defensive line coach John Scott Jr., defensive backs coach Perry Eliano, special team’s coordinator Alex Bayer, edge coach Jeremy Hawkins, and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan.
Brown has expressed confidence that the revamped staff will help establish a stronger foundation for long-term success while bringing fresh ideas and new energy to the program.
Quarterback Position Appears Stronger
Perhaps the most encouraging development entering camp is the return of quarterback Steve Angeli, who is fully healthy after recovering from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of last season.
Angeli’s absence proved costly in 2025, as Syracuse struggled offensively after he went down with an injury during the Orange’s victory over Clemson.
This year, however, Syracuse believes it has significantly improved its depth at quarterback.
Transfers Amari Odom, Malachi Nelson, and Danny Lauter provide additional competition and insurance behind Angeli, giving the Orange far more experience at the position than they had a season ago.
Improving the Lines of Scrimmage
One of Syracuse’s biggest priorities this fall will be improving play along both the offensive and defensive lines.
The Orange struggled to consistently protect the quarterback while also generating an effective running game in 2025. Defensively, Syracuse had difficulty creating pressure and controlling opposing rushing attacks.
Brown believes both units have added depth and talent entering this season, and training camp will determine which players emerge as starters and key contributors.
Establishing dominance up front remains one of the coaching staff’s primary objectives before the season opener.
Offensive Skill Positions Wide Open
Several starting roles remain undecided as camp begins.
At running back, transfers Ahmad Miller and Ju’Juan Johnson will compete alongside returnees Tylik Hill and Malachi Coleman for playing time.
The wide receiver position may be Syracuse’s deepest group despite the absence of five-star freshman Calvin Russell III, who continues recovering from an injury. The Orange feature a combination of experienced returners, transfer additions, and highly regarded freshmen, creating one of the team’s most competitive position battles.
The coaching staff will also evaluate the tight end position as the offense continues to take shape throughout camp.
Defense Features Returning Playmakers
While Syracuse continues to build depth across the defensive front, the linebacker and secondary units enter camp with proven talent.
Linebacker Antoine Deslauriers, a Freshman All-American last season, is expected to play a major role in the middle of the defense. Transfer linebacker Chris D’Appolonia is also expected to strengthen the position group.
In the secondary, Syracuse boasts one of the ACC’s strongest cornerback tandems with Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel Jr. Samuel is expected to contribute on both sides of the ball, with the coaching staff planning to utilize his athleticism at wide receiver in select situations.
A New Season, A Fresh Opportunity
Although outside expectations remain modest, Syracuse enters training camp believing the program has addressed many of the shortcomings that plagued last season.
A healthier roster, increased depth, experienced transfers, and an overhauled coaching staff have created renewed optimism around the Orange as preparations begin for the 2026 campaign.
With the season opener against New Hampshire just weeks away, every practice will play an important role in determining the starting lineup and establishing the identity Syracuse hopes will carry it back into bowl contention.
