The Syracuse Orange program holds a proud place in college sports history. Known for legendary Syracuse Orange football teams and celebrated Syracuse Orange basketball championships, the school has built a reputation for excellence. Its athletic tradition spans decades, inspiring generations of fans and athletes with memorable performances and enduring success across multiple sports.
College Sports Established
1889
Location
Syracuse, New York
College Name
Syracuse University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2013 - Present / ACC
1979 - 2013 / Big East Conference
1889 - 1978 / Independent
Nickname
Orange - The Syracuse Orange is a powerhouse in NCAA athletics, with a storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. As one of the most successful teams in college sports, it's no surprise that they have an equally iconic nickname. But where did this iconic moniker come from? Look at how “Orange” became synonymous with Syracuse University Athletics!
Syracuse Orange Origin
The official story is that “Orange” was chosen as the school color by Dr. Archibald Lansing Collins and Mrs. Olive Bronson Strong after they visited Cornell University in the 1889-1890 academic year, where they saw Cornell students wearing orange ribbons and scarves during sporting events – which were said to be inspired by Princeton who had adopted orange as their school color some years prior due to its symbolic meanings of strength, power, courage, and success; all qualities associated with great universities like Syracuse! The name has stuck ever since then - although there has been speculation over other possible origins, such as honoring William DeWitt Hyde (the first president of SU) or because it was thought at one point oranges grew on campus trees (they don't).
Regardless of why "Syracuse Orange" came about, though – we can all agree it's become an integral part of what makes up our beloved university today! It represents excellence on the field and pride off-field for alumni everywhere who proudly sport apparel adorned with this timeless logo & mascot every day around town & beyond - showing just how much everyone loves being part of something bigger than themselves: Go 'Cuse!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
2003, 1926, 1918
Women's Basketball 0
Football 1
1959
Soccer 0
- 1956
- 1959
- 1983
- 1988
- 2003
- 2013
-
Syracuse Great – Jim Brown
As a sophomore at Syracuse University (1954), Brown was the second-leading rusher on the team. As a junior, he rushed for 666 yards (5.2 per carry). In his senior year in 1956, Brown was a consensus first-team All-American. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting and set school records for highest season rush average (6.2) and most rushing touchdowns ... -
Syracuse’s 1959 National Championship
1959: The football team wins its second and most recent national championship under coach Ben Schwartzwalder and features running back Ernie Davis. -
Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team reaches the Final Four
In 1983: The men’s basketball team reaches the Final Four for the first time under coach Jim Boeheim and features forward Leo Rautins. -
Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team reaches NCAA
In 1988: The women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament for the first time under coach Barbara Jacobs and features guard Julie McBride. -
NCAA Basketball Champs for Orange in 2003
The 2002–03 Syracuse Orangemen basketball team represented Syracuse University in NCAA men’s basketball competition in the 2002–03 Division I season. The head coach was Jim Boeheim, serving for his 27th year. The team played its home games at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. The team finished with a 30–5 (13–3) record while capturing its first modern-era NCAA Championship. ... -
Orange Football team joins the ACC conference and reaches the Texas Bowl
In 2013: The football team joins the ACC conference and reaches the Texas Bowl, where it defeats Minnesota 21-17.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Syracuse Orange History
The Syracuse Orange is one of NCAA's most respected athletic programs. From the early 1900s, the Orange have built a tradition of excellence. Their history includes standout seasons in Syracuse Orange basketball and Syracuse Orange football, and success in other sports as well. Many fans remember the Orange for its legacy, rivalries, and star players.
In Syracuse Orange basketball, the program won the NCAA men’s championship in 2003 under coach Jim Boeheim, defeating Kansas in a memorable title game. Boeheim’s long tenure included multiple Final Four appearances, Big East regular-season and tournament titles, and a reputation for developing top talent like Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Coleman. The Syracuse Orange basketball roster over the years has featured many NBA players and All-Americans, further solidifying the program’s prestige.
Syracuse Orange football also has proud moments. The program claimed a national championship in 1959, led by Ernie Davis who became the Heisman Trophy winner. Over decades, Syracuse football has generated strong seasons and bowl appearances, contributing to the broader success of the Syracuse Orange name in NCAA history.
Beyond football and basketball, the Syracuse athletic department fields numerous varsity sports. The Orange compete in baseball, soccer, lacrosse, track & field, and more. This wide participation helps to build a well-rounded Syracuse Orange roster each season, reflecting both athletic depth and academic commitment at Syracuse University.
Achievements of the Orange
The Syracuse Orange boast 16 NCAA team national championships across all sports, including men’s basketball (2003), lacrosse (multiple years), cross-country, and even field hockey. Their repeat success in lacrosse makes Syracuse Orange one of the top programs in that sport nationally. Wikipedia
More than individual sports, the Syracuse Orange have produced legendary athletes. In basketball, names like Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Coleman, and Jim Boeheim shaped national prominence. In football, Ernie Davis left a lasting legacy. The combined achievements of the Syracuse Orange roster across basketball, football, and other sports make their history among the richest in NCAA athletics.
