Editor’s note: This post appeared earlier in the Syracuse Sports newsletter, delivered right to readers’ inboxes Thursday morning. Start receiving the newsletter by clicking here, and check out our full newsletter offerings.
Syracuse, N.Y. — Trying to predict what the sports world will deliver can be a foolhardy process, but there are a few things on the docket we know will bring intrigue.
Here are five stories I’ll be keeping a close eye on that will shape Syracuse sports in 2026:
Portal season
Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Atlanta, GA.
Scott Schild | [email protected] Scott Schild | [email protected]
We won’t have to wait long to hit the ground running as the NCAA transfer portal window in football is open through Jan. 16.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown needs to find a solid backup quarterback or two and restock the trenches in the portal to pair with SU’s highest-rated recruiting class in recent memory.
Unlike last year, when the Orange were able to salvage its quarterback situation (temporarily, as it turned out) by landing Steve Angeli from Notre Dame in the spring, Brown will only have the one portal session in January to get his roster right.
Autry’s fate
Syracuse Orange head coach Adrian Autry against the Northeastern Huskies at the JMA Wireless Dome Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y.
Scott Schild | [email protected]
Scott Schild | [email protected]
Is Adrian Autry’s fate as Orange basketball head coach directly tied to whether SU qualifies for the NCAA Tournament?
That is the question.
If SU doesn’t make it to March Madness, that would mark a five-year drought from the Big Dance and the third straight year under Autry with no meaningful games in March.
That’s an eternity by Syracuse basketball standards and will force athletic director John Wildhack’s hand to make a change.
Or will it?
If Syracuse doesn’t make a coaching change in that circumstance, it will be a sign it is A) not serious about competing in high-level Division I basketball B) can’t afford to or C) both.
Coach Jack jolt
Syracuse Orange head coach Felisha Legette-Jack against the Auburn Tigers during an NCAA basketball game at the JMA Wireless Dome Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Syracuse, NY.
Scott Schild | [email protected]
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.
If Autry can’t get his basketball team to the NCAA Tournament, maybe Felisha Legette-Jack can lead her squad to it.
Syracuse looked impressive in building a 10-1 mark in non-conference play and has won two of its first three ACC games.
Transfers Uche Izoje, Laila Phelia and Dominique Darius have injected new life into the program along with familiar faces like sharp-shooter Sophie Burrows.
SU led the ACC in scoring defense in allowing just 54.4 points per game entering ACC league play, with Izoje blocking nearly three shots per game.
Championship or bust?
Syracuse head coach Gary Gait talks a timeout with a loss immanent against Maryland in the NCAA Division I mens lacrosse final four at Gillette Stadium Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Foxborough, MA.
Scott Schild | [email protected] Scott Schild | [email protected]
The expectation will be a championship-or-bust run for Syracuse men’s lacrosse after a steady rise under head coach Gary Gait.
The Orange are stocked to the brim with experience and talent.
Syracuse returns a slew of offensive talent, including dynamic senior attack Joey Spallina, who finished fourth in the country with 90 points in 2025.
All told, SU returns eight of its top-10 scorers from last year.
Gait will have two dynamic senior long poles in Riley Figueiras and Billy Dwan III and senior goalie Jimmy McCool to anchor his defense.
Face-off specialist John Mullen, who finished second nationally with 283 wins last season, also returns.
For SU to reclaim a title, it will have to navigate one of its toughest schedules ever.
New leadership
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud greets students at commencement. Students were honored with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees by Syracuse University and SUNY ESF during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 14, 2023 at the JMA Wireless Dome. N. Scott Trimble | [email protected]N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syra
Syracuse University is set to name a new chancellor in 2026 to replace Kent Syverud.
How the new chancellor manages Syracuse University athletics will be a major part of his or her job in the modern era of collegiate athletics.
Will the new chancellor retain Wildhack to run the athletic department going forward?
What will their philosophy be on athletic spending and the pressure to fundraise in order to keep up with the Joneses and pay athletes?
Will the new chancellor have the connections and leadership skills to keep Syracuse well-positioned in a volatile environment of conference realignment?
Those are just a few questions that come to mind.
While we don’t know all that’s coming, what we do know to monitor already will be intriguing enough.
Happy New Year.
