SMU’s second ACC season delivered another winning record, their fourth straight under Rhett Lashlee, despite a rocky start that saw them fall out of the top 25. Four close losses—by just 3, 11, 1, and 3 points—highlighted their resilience. QB Kevin Jennings thrived, throwing for 3,600+ yards and 26 TDs while leading the conference in interceptions. The receiving corps shined, with three players combining for over 2,000 yards, and the defensive line dominated, led by captain Isaiah Smith, who topped the ACC in tackles for loss and sacks. Looking ahead to 2026, SMU returns nearly all its offensive starters, including Jennings, and adds explosive transfer RB Kendrick Raephael, a conference leader in total yards and TDs. But the defense faces a major overhaul—four key linemen are gone to the NFL, replaced by portal recruits and a JUCO player, potentially weakening their front seven. With a potent offense poised to lead the ACC, SMU’s success next year will hinge on whether their revamped defense can keep up.

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Syracuse’s Fran Brown heads to the ACC Kickoff for the third time, bringing a loaded roster including QB Steve Angeli (recovering from a brutal Achilles injury), standout LB Antoine Deslauriers, and DB Demetres Samuel Jr. — all set to face media scrutiny as the Orange aim to bounce back. Angeli’s health remains the biggest question, while Brown could drop fresh motivational fire — maybe even a new catchphrase. Meanwhile, the ACC unveils new tiebreaker rules to guarantee the top teams reach the championship, as the conference expands and schedules grow more complex. This is the moment to set the tone — and the media’s all ears.

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ACC Football just shook things up with a new tiebreaker rule designed to crown the two best teams—not just those who beat each other. Gone is the old head-to-head focus; now, strength of schedule and overall performance decide who gets to the championship game and potentially the College Football Playoff. This change comes after last year’s puzzling outcome where Duke won the title but didn’t even crack the playoff rankings. With the ACC expanding and uneven conference schedules, the new system aims to reward teams with tougher paths and ensure deserving squads get national recognition. For Syracuse, this could open new doors—or create unexpected hurdles—depending on how their season unfolds. Coach Fran Brown and players will be at the kickoff in Charlotte, offering more insight as the season heats up.

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Syracuse just landed a massive defensive lineman in Jarius Rodgers — a six-foot-four, 225-pound powerhouse with elite athleticism and explosive burst. Though he’ll likely see limited snaps as a freshman, his long-term potential to anchor the defensive line is undeniable. He chose Syracuse over big-name programs like Notre Dame, Florida State, and Georgia Tech, and was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN. Beyond football, Rodgers is a track star — he placed tenth in the 110-meter hurdles at state championships in 2025 — giving him a rare blend of speed and power. Already active on social media, he’s officially signed and ready to compete, with highlights from his senior year showcasing his impact on both defense and special teams.

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Yahoo Fantasy Sports is launching college football fantasy leagues this year, letting fans draft teams with a twist: you also pick a “Team Offense” and play through the full college regular season, culminating in playoffs. With 68 Power Four teams to choose from, Syracuse fans have four players on Yahoo’s top-300 list — QB Steve Angeli (272), WRs Cole Weaver (172) and Umari Hatcher (185), and RB Ahmad Miller (193). Miller, a running back dominating fantasy rankings, could be a sleeper if he delivers. Angeli, recovering from an Achilles injury, might be a late-round steal if he returns strong — boosting his WRs’ value. Syracuse’s defense, though inconsistent last year, could improve with new transfers and coaching — a risky but potentially rewarding pick.

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Elijah Moore, a towering redshirt sophomore wide receiver for Syracuse, is poised to seize his moment after transferring from Florida State. Standing 6’4” and packing 204 pounds, Moore brings elite size and a proven track record — including offers from Ohio State and Michigan — to a Syracuse offense missing key receivers. With quarterback Steve Angeli back under center, Moore’s height could be a game-changer, turning big plays into reality. Though his stats so far are modest, his potential is undeniable, especially with a high school legacy that includes NFL stars like Stefon Diggs. This season, Moore might just become Syracuse’s unexpected third-down weapon.

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Derrick Fletcher, a towering 6’6”, 238-pound tight end from the 2029 class, is already a hot name in college football with over a dozen offers, including from Florida, Florida State, and Georgia Tech — and Syracuse just added their name to the list. Fletcher, who’s eyeing the NFL, sees Syracuse’s track record with tight ends like All-American Oronde Gadsden as a major selling point. He’s also aware of Syracuse’s strong Florida recruiting pipeline and admires head coach Fran Brown’s reputation. Already a standout pass catcher and basketball player, Fletcher is training to become a more complete tight end — with strength, blocking, and route-running skills that could make him a matchup nightmare. And with his versatility, he might even play wide receiver.

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Syracuse football just did something powerful: they hosted a one-hour camp for athletes with disabilities, blending drills, teamwork, and inspiration under the Beautiful Lives Project. Coaches and players broke down barriers on the field — passing, catching, tackling — while Coach Fran Brown, fresh from donating school supplies in his hometown, showed up with heart and purpose. The day ended with awards and goodie bags, but the real gift? A sense of belonging. And they’re not done — next stop: Charlotte. This is sports at its most unifying.

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