Syracuse Orange to Face Buffalo Bulls in Season Opener Exhibition

Buffalo, N.Y. — The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is set to make its first appearance of the 2025-26 season in an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bulls at KeyBank Center on Saturday, October 25. The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be available for live streaming on Cuse.com.

This exhibition provides Western New York fans a chance to see the Orange team before the regular season begins. Syracuse and Buffalo are renewing their in-state rivalry, which has roots dating back to the 1917-18 season.

Head coach Adrian Autry is entering his third season with Syracuse, aiming for a strong performance in March tournaments. “We want to be able to make deep March runs. That’s always the goal,” he said. With only three returning players from last year, the team has built a new roster, acquiring six college transfers and five freshmen.

Returning players include senior guard J.J. Starling, who averaged 17.8 points last season, and sophomore forward Donnie Freeman, who had 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. “Anytime you get a guy like J.J. or Donnie coming back, that means a lot,” Autry added, emphasizing their importance to the team.

The Orange’s new recruits include junior guard Naithan George from Georgia Tech and several promising freshmen, such as shooting guard Sadiq White and center Kiyan Anthony.

On the other side, Buffalo is entering its third season under head coach George Halcovage III, known for his lengthy tenure at Villanova. Junior guard Ryan Sabol is a key player for the Bulls, having averaged 14.4 points per game last season.

This matchup is critical for both teams, serving as an early test ahead of their respective seasons. Fans can purchase tickets at the KeyBank Center’s box office or through the university’s website, marking an exciting time for basketball in the region.