Syracuse University’s men’s basketball program has officially released its non‑conference schedule for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, confirming a slate that blends exhibition matchups with high‑profile contests against Power‑Conference opponents.
The Orange will play 14 non‑conference games before turning their attention to the ACC Tournament, a number made possible by the NCAA’s recent decision to permit a 32‑game regular season.
Among the exhibitions are meetings with Connecticut, Siena and Niagara, while five of the seven non‑conference games are slated against teams from the Power Conferences, underscoring the program’s ambitious out‑of‑conference agenda.
The first of those contests will take place on Saturday, November 21, when Lafayette visits the Dome in Syracuse, NY, marking the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back to the 1957 NCAA Tournament.
A Historic Rivalry Revived
The 1957 tournament featured a memorable performance by Gary Clark, who poured in 34 points for Syracuse, a record that stood for nearly five decades before Gerry McNamara eclipsed it with 43 points in 2004.
Lafayette finished the previous season with an 11‑21 record under head coach Mike McGarvey, and the Orange hold a perfect 9‑0 all‑time edge over the Leopards, heightening expectations for a decisive victory.
In addition to the Lafayette showdown, the schedule includes regular‑season games against traditional Power‑Conference foes, providing the team with early‑season tests that could shape its NCAA Tournament résumé.
Coach [name not specified] will rely on the depth built through these non‑conference battles, aiming to translate early momentum into success when conference play begins.
The full schedule not only showcases Syracuse’s commitment to competitive out‑of‑conference play but also reflects the broader evolution of college basketball’s regular‑season structure.