Syracuse entered the 2024 season off the national radar as most did not expect much from the Orange. This despite adding transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Jackson Meeks, defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, defensive back Duce Chestnut, wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons and multiple offensive linemen in the transfer portal. However, once the season began, it was clear Syracuse was a much more talented team than it had been in years past. 

A win over Ohio in the opener was expected, but came with a cost as defensive leader Marlowe Wax suffered an injury that would cause him to miss several games. Week two saw a ranked Georgia Tech team, fresh off an upset of Florida State, come to the JMA Wireless Dome. It was a game Syracuse largely controlled, but hung on at the end due to some special teams issues. That put Syracuse in the headlines. 

It was not all roses early, however, as Syracuse lost to a subpar Stanford team at home. The Orange would respond with three straight wins including a blowout of Holy Cross and two road victories over UNLV and NC State. The win over UNLV was an overtime classic against a good, ranked Rebels squad. LeQuint Allen made multiple game winning plays down the stretch. 

The following week saw Syracuse travel to rival Pittsburgh who was coming off of a bye. It was the worst performance of the season as Kyle McCord threw multiple pick sixes and the Panthers won 41-13 in a route. The Orange would bounce back the following week with a comeback win over Virginia Tech. A setback at Boston College, highlighted by a failed defensive stop on fourth down in the fourth quarter, would ensue. 

At 6-3, Syracuse was still having a good season but felt like it should be sitting at 8-1. Syracuse would play like an 8-1 team the rest of the way. Syracuse won at Cal 33-25 in a game that felt like it was not that close. The Orange took care of UConn next 31-24 in similar fashion. That set up a showdown with then top-10 ranked Miami. The Hurricanes had a spot in the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff on the line.

Despite falling behind 21-0, Syracuse would dominate the final three quarters for a 42-38 victory that was the largest come from behind win in program history. Syracuse would win 52-35 in the Holiday Bowl over a depleted Washington State team to secure a 10 win campaign. 

McCord led the country in passing and cemented himself as a Syracuse legend. The influx of talent played key roles all season and Syracuse proved to be a together, cohesive team that bought into the DART culture instilled by head coach Fran Brown.Â