Two ACC rivals are set to square off under the Saturday night lights in the Empire State, as the Pitt Panthers roll into town to clash with the Syracuse Orange in a pivotal conference matchup.
Pitt comes in riding a wave of momentum after a gutsy 34-31 upset victory over the No. 25 Florida State Seminoles last weekend — their second straight win and perhaps their most impressive of the season. The Panthers now sit at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play, clawing their way back into the conversation after a rocky start. Against Florida State, Pitt held their nerve in a back-and-forth battle, pulling away late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal with a two-score cushion. It was the kind of win that can define a season — gritty, timely, and full of belief.
Syracuse, meanwhile, is trending in the opposite direction. The Orange stumbled to their second consecutive defeat, falling 31-18 on the road to the SMU Mustangs. That setback dropped them to 3-3 on the year and 1-2 in conference play, leaving head coach Dino Babers and his squad searching for answers. Syracuse dug themselves into a deep hole by halftime, and despite flashes of fight in the second half, the comeback effort fell short.
For the Orange, quarterback Kyle McCord will need to rediscover his early-season rhythm, while running back LeQuint Allen Jr. remains their most reliable offensive weapon. On the other side, Pitt’s resurgence has been fueled by the sharp play of Christian Veilleux under center and a defense that’s tightened up when it matters most.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the Syracuse vs Pittsburgh NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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Syracuse vs Pittsburgh: Date and kick-off time
The Orange will take on the Panthers in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT |
| Venue | JMA Wireless Dome |
| Location | Syracuse, New York |
How to watch Syracuse vs Pittsburgh on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: ACC Network
- Streaming service: Fubo
Streaming the game with a VPN
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Syracuse vs Pittsburgh news & key players
Syracuse Orange team news
As for the Syracuse Orange, their offense runs through the air as well — ranking an impressive sixth nationally in passing at 320.7 yards per game — though their rushing attack lags behind at 117th (111.7 yards per contest). They average 29.0 points per game (69th) but have struggled defensively, surrendering 29.8 points per outing, good for 113th in the FBS.
Before his season-ending Achilles injury, Steve Angeli was delivering steady production, completing 98 of 156 passes for 1,317 yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Now, the offense belongs to LSU transfer Rickie Collins Jr., who has thrown for 607 yards, three touchdowns, and five picks while adding a rushing score.
The ground game is led by Yasin Willis, who has totaled 337 yards and four touchdowns on 78 carries, with Will Nixon contributing 210 yards and two scores. In the passing game, Johntay Cook headlines the unit with 31 catches for 390 yards and two touchdowns, while Darrell Gill Jr. (342 yards, three TDs) and Justus Ross-Simmons (294 yards, five TDs) bring plenty of firepower. Dan Villari (311 yards) and Jaylan Hornsby (103 yards, TD) round out a deep rotation that keeps defenses on edge.
Kicker Tripp Woody has been money in the clutch, drilling all 17 of his extra points and seven of eight field goals, including a long of 49 yards.
Pittsburgh Panthers team news
The Pitt Panthers have built their success this season through the air, boasting the nation’s 12th-ranked passing attack with a sharp 309.3 yards per game. Their ground game, however, has been far less explosive, ranking 105th nationally at 122.5 yards per contest. Offensively, Pitt has been a juggernaut — 15th in the FBS at 39.8 points per game — while their defense sits middle-of-the-pack, conceding 21.5 points per outing (54th overall).
Quarterback Eli Holstein got the early nod under center, completing 74 of 118 passes for 1,058 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while adding 83 rushing yards and a score. But it’s now Mason Heintschel, the freshman sensation, steering the ship after taking over in early October. Heintschel has impressed in limited action, hitting on 54 of 74 throws for 680 yards, six touchdowns, and just two picks, while also flashing mobility with 92 yards on the ground. Backup Cole Gonzales has chipped in sparingly with 118 passing yards and a touchdown.
In the backfield, Desmond Reid leads the charge with 187 yards and a touchdown, while Ja’Kyrian Turner (182 yards, four TDs) and Juelz Goff (179 yards, three TDs) have provided solid support. Through the air, Raphael Williams Jr. has been the go-to guy, hauling in 24 passes for 398 yards and four scores.
Kenny Johnson (334 yards, two TDs), Reid (226 yards, two TDs), Cataurus Hicks (197 yards, three TDs), and Bryce Yates (165 yards, TD) have each played key supporting roles in a deep and dangerous receiving corps. Kicker Trey Butkowski has been nearly automatic, nailing 27 of 28 extra points and 12 of 13 field goals with a long of 47 yards.

