Preseason Outlook
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports released his ACC preseason power rankings for the 2026‑27 season, positioning Syracuse at seventh overall. The Orange trail only Duke, Virginia, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina and Clemson, a placement that reflects both the program’s recent trajectory and the high expectations surrounding new head coach Gerry McNamara.
Rothstein’s national ranking of 45 teams lists Syracuse at No. 43, underscoring the Orange’s status as a mid‑tier contender entering a transitional year. The preseason countdown on 3 Man Weave and Basket Under Review also features Syracuse within its top ten, reinforcing the buzz generated by the coaching change.
The roster McNamara inherits is markedly different from the 2025‑26 squad. Only sophomores Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White Jr. return, while the rest of the lineup will be built around four newcomers: Gavin Doty from Siena, Aidan Tobiason from Temple, Garwey Dual from McNeese and Luke Wilson from Appalachian State. Adding to the excitement, four‑star point guard Ryan Moesch has committed to the program.
Rothstein projects the opening night starting five as Garwey Dual, Aidan Tobiason, Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White Jr. and Luke Wilson. This blend of experienced returnees and high‑impact transfers suggests a dynamic approach to both offense and defense as the team adjusts to McNamara’s system.
The McNamara era officially begins on Monday, November 2, when Syracuse hosts New Haven to kick off the 2026‑27 season. The matchup will serve as the first test of a revamped lineup and a new coaching philosophy, offering an early glimpse of whether the Orange can translate preseason optimism into on‑court success.