The Syracuse Orange has a passionate fan base, there's no denying that. Sure, when SU teams aren't faring well, 'Cuse fans aren't shy about bemoaning said struggles.
At the same time, Syracuse fans, myself included, fervently cheer on their favorite 'Cuse squads and support them, through good times and tough times. As the summer quickly carries onward, SU football will begin its preseason camp ahead of the 2026 campaign next week.
I've had a few SU fans ask about the start date for Syracuse football's preseason camp. A team spokesperson just confirmed to our @NeilAdlerSU that the Orange's fall camp has a report date of August 4, and practices will start on August 5. Who is ready? 🧡
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) July 30, 2026
Fans are hoping that head coach Fran Brown and his staff can rebound from a disastrous 2025. National and Atlantic Coast Conference pundits aren't super optimistic about the Orange's prospects in the 2026 season, but that's why the games are played on the field.
SURPRISE! Cu(s)e the confetti because we did it Orange Nation!! I’m officially a Hall of Famer!!! Thank you so much @MascotHall for such an amazing honor!!🏆🎉🥳🧡🍊 pic.twitter.com/tiNGXdkc9I
— Otto The Orange (@TheOttoOrange) June 24, 2023
On the court, excitement is brewing over legendary guard Gerry McNamara taking over Syracuse men's basketball, while the women's program looks to build on a 24-win season in 2025-26, when SU reached the NCAA Tournament's second round.
So what are the top five Syracuse Orange sports traditions? Let's review them, in reverse order.
No. 5, Varsity (non-Blues)
Over the years, following a win by SU football or Syracuse men's basketball, the Orange band would head down to Varsity to play music at this iconic establishment, while flipping a banner with the opponent's name on it after those victories.
No. 4, Taco Time
I like tacos! Especially free ones! When Syracuse men's basketball scores 70 or more points in a home game, 65 or more points on the Hill for SU women's hoops and/or a home triumph by Syracuse men's lacrosse, those fans in attendance can claim a free crunchy beef taco within 48 hours at local Taco Bells by saying "Taco Time" when they order.
No. 3, Stand and Clap
I'm not a huge fan of this tradition, candidly, but it's a big one in Central New York. At the start of each half at Syracuse men's basketball games, fans stand and clap until the Orange makes its first field goal (no, a free throw doesn't count). If SU takes a while to notch a field goal, it can get old standing and clapping for minutes on end.
No. 2: Number 44 in Football
At most schools, this tradition would check in at No. 1. However, I've got it second here. The iconic number 44 is associated with Syracuse and 'Cuse football perhaps as much as any number at any other school. Legendary Orange running backs such as Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little wore this number, helping to give Syracuse the reputation as Running Back U.
No. 1: All Orange (Hi, Otto)
In 1890, Syracuse became the country’s first college or university to designate orange as its official color, and the rest is history. I know that I'm biased, but there aren't many schools out there more closely associated with their team color (or colors), than SU and orange. Otto was officially named Syracuse's mascot in 1995. Three years ago, in 2023, Otto was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. As I say on social media all the time, "Bleeding Orange forever."
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