Get ready, Syracuse fans, because the Orange are stepping into the 2025-26 season with a bold statement: they’re ranked No. 68 in the prestigious KenPom rankings. But here’s where it gets intriguing—while their overall ranking might not scream 'top tier,' their No. 49 adjusted offensive efficiency suggests this team could light up the scoreboard. The catch? Their No. 100 defensive efficiency raises questions about whether they can stop their opponents from doing the same. And this is the part most people miss: Syracuse is projected to be the 10th-best team in the ACC, just edging out Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Miami, and Notre Dame, but trailing behind powerhouses like Pittsburgh and Virginia. So, are the Orange underdogs or sleepers? That’s the million-dollar question.
Speaking of the ACC, Duke sits comfortably at No. 7 overall, leading the conference preseason rankings, followed by Louisville, Clemson, North Carolina, and NC State. But what’s truly remarkable is that all 18 ACC teams rank in the KenPom top-100, proving this conference is no joke. Controversial take alert: Could this be the year the ACC dominates college basketball like never before? Or will internal competition dilute their national impact? Let’s dive into Syracuse’s schedule to find out.
Syracuse’s 2025-26 slate is a rollercoaster. They kick things off with four non-conference opponents ranked No. 205 or worse, including two outside the top-320. Think warm-up games? Think again. Because right after, they face a gauntlet of three top-25 teams: No. 1 Houston, No. 21 Kansas, and No. 9 Tennessee. But here’s the twist: After that brutal stretch, they close out non-conference play with five more games, none against top-100 opponents. Is this a strategic breather or a missed opportunity to test their mettle?
The ACC schedule doesn’t let up. They open conference play against No. 32 Clemson, a team KenPom clearly respects. Then comes a six-game January stretch against ACC foes ranked between No. 63 and No. 96. Sounds manageable, right? Wrong. Because their final six ACC games include clashes with No. 7 Duke, No. 33 North Carolina, and No. 14 Louisville. And this is where it gets controversial: Can Syracuse’s improved offense (up from No. 106 last year) and slightly better defense (up from No. 152) carry them through this brutal stretch? Or will they crumble under the pressure?
Last season, Syracuse finished No. 115 in KenPom, but this year’s projections paint a different picture. The numbers say they’re a better offensive team with modest defensive gains. But here’s the question that keeps fans up at night: Will these improvements translate to wins on the court? Or will they fall short against tougher competition? The season kicks off with two exhibition games before the official opener against Binghamton on November 3 at the JMA Wireless Dome. What do you think? Is Syracuse poised for a breakout year, or are they overhyped? Let’s debate in the comments!
