Syracuse football’s 2026 week-one opponent: Get to know the New Hampshire Wildcats

The 2026 college football season is fast approaching. After that disastrous 2025 campaign that nobody needs to remember, Fran Brown and the Syracuse Orange are ready for a fresh start. It’s time to start learning about the opponents Syracuse will face in the 2026 season. It begins with the Orange’s Week 1 opponent, the New Hampshire Wildcats, a prominent FCS program.

New Hampshire’s head coach: Sean Goldrich

New Hampshire football begins a new era with a new head coach in 2026. Goodrich played quarterback for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2015, amassing more than 7,500 passing yards and 67 touchdowns while leading New Hampshire to two conference titles. He’s now a first-time head coach at his alma mater at the age of 33. Goodrich spent the last four seasons on the staff at Delaware before getting his first chance to be a head coach.

Last meeting with Syracuse: None

This will be the first-ever game between Syracuse and New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s 2025 season

The Wildcats enjoyed a successful campaign in 2025, going 8-5 and reaching the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season. New Hampshire nearly pulled off a win over an FBS opponent, losing to Ball State 34-29, although that game was the start of four losses in a stretch of five games. The Wildcats managed to respond with five straight wins to secure a spot in the FCS Playoffs. However, they got blown out 41-3 by South Dakota State.

New Hampshire’s key returning players

Senior running back Myles Thomason will be a key figure for the New Hampshire offense this year, as the Wildcats are breaking in a new starting quarterback. However, Thomason only had 732 rushing yards and averaged a modest 3.8 yards per carry last year. Unfortunately, Thomason is also the team’s top returning receiver, with New Hampshire’s receiving corps taking a big hit. They will look to Josh Fillion to step up after catching 23 balls for 230 yards in 2025.

Defensively, the Wildcats are in a little better shape, with last year’s leading tackler, Trevor Barry, returning at the linebacker spot. Safety Cohen Cook also returns to anchor the secondary after a strong freshman campaign last year. However, the defensive line won’t return any significant contributors from last season.

New Hampshire’s notable additions

Even with Thomason back, the New Hampshire running back room should get a lift this season with the addition of Temple transfer Joquez Smith. His playing time and productivity diminished during his three seasons with the Owls, but a move to the FCS level could breathe new life into his career. Meanwhile, since the Wildcats are an FCS program, they can’t rely on a lot of blue-chip prospects contributing as true freshmen, so New Hampshire will be reliant on the development of returning players rather than new additions making an impact.

New Hampshire’s 2026 season outlook

With a new head coach, few returning starters, and an open quarterback competition, it’s hard to know what to expect from New Hampshire this season. Brooks Bentley, a Division II transfer, looks likely to be the starting quarterback, although that’s not set in stone. Whoever ends up being the quarterback will have their work cut out for them with so few experienced playmakers.

Nevertheless, the Wildcats have a long track record of success at the FCS level. Regardless of what happens in the season opener against Syracuse, they will expect to compete in the CAA and be in contention for a spot in the FCS Playoffs.

When and where New Hampshire plays Syracuse in 2026

Syracuse and New Hampshire are set to square off in the season opener on Saturday, September 5, at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game will start at noon.

Prediction: Syracuse 45, New Hampshire 10

Unlike last year when the Orange had to play a “neutral site” game against Tennessee, Fran Brown’s team is well-positioned to start the new season 1-0. Granted, Syracuse has some uncertainty on both sides of the ball heading into the season, so a ridiculously lopsided blowout may not be in the cards, especially since New Hampshire will be more competitive than most FCS opponents. Nevertheless, the Orange should win this game easily.

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