Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team will open its 2026‑27 campaign with a much‑anticipated non‑conference game against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
A Renewed Rivalry
The meeting marks the first contest between the two programs since the 2022‑23 season, when St. John’s edged out a 76‑69 overtime victory. Since then the Red Storm have taken four straight meetings, pushing their all‑time series lead to 52‑43.
Gerry McNamara will guide the Orange in his second season as head coach, while Rick Pitino, the former Syracuse assistant who helped the program during its recent resurgence, now leads the Red Storm. Under Pitino, St. John’s posted a 30‑7 record and reached the Sweet 16 in the 2025‑26 campaign.
Adding intrigue, former Syracuse standouts Donnie Freeman, Kyle Cuffe Jr., Ian Jackson and Theo Edema are slated to wear the Red Storm jersey for the 2026‑27 season, bringing familiar talent to Pitino’s lineup.
Non‑Conference Landscape
The Orange’s schedule features 14 non‑conference matchups, with 13 dates already locked in. In addition to the St. John’s showdown, Syracuse will face New Haven, Indiana and Rutgers as part of a slate designed to test the team early in the season.
Fans can expect a high‑energy atmosphere at the iconic Madison Square Garden, a venue that has historically amplified the intensity of college basketball contests.