History of Pittsburgh–Syracuse football rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2026

The Pittsburgh–Syracuse football rivalry is a college football series that started in 1916 and has been played annually since 1955. Both teams were largely independent before joining the Big East in 1991 and later the ACC in 2013. Syracuse is Pitt's most-played opponent, while Pitt is Syracuse's third-most-played opponent. As cross-divisional opponents in the ACC, the rivalry continues with consistent matchups. Following the ACC's division elimination in 2023, Pittsburgh and Syracuse were named primary opponents, guaranteeing yearly games. Pittsburgh leads the overall series with a record of 45-32-3 in 81 games played.

1916: Early Series Lead

From 1916 to 1956, Pittsburgh led the series with a record of 8–2–2 against Syracuse.

1916: Rivalry Begins

In 1916, the Pittsburgh–Syracuse football rivalry began. They have played a total of 81 times, with Pittsburgh leading the series 45–32–3.

1923: First Game at Yankee Stadium

In 1923, the Pittsburgh and Syracuse teams played the first-ever collegiate football game at the original Yankee Stadium.

1955: Annual Game

In 1955, the Pittsburgh–Syracuse game became an annual event, continuing each year since.

1973: Pittsburgh Winning Streak

From 1973 to 1983, Pittsburgh achieved an 11-year winning streak against Syracuse.

1979: Big East Conference Founding

In 1979, Syracuse was a charter member of the Big East Conference, which was initially prioritized for basketball and did not sponsor football.

1982: Pitt Joins Big East

In 1982, Pittsburgh joined Syracuse as a member of the Big East Conference.

1984: Syracuse Success

From 1984 to 2001, Syracuse had a successful period against Pittsburgh, going 16–1–1 and taking the series lead.

1991: Big East Football Conference Formation

In 1991, both Pittsburgh and Syracuse moved their football teams, both playing as Independents, into the Big East Football Conference, along with other football-playing members and additional Eastern independent teams.

1991: Big East Conference

In 1991, the Pittsburgh Panthers and Syracuse Orange shared the same football conference after the Big East Football Conference was formed from Eastern football independents.

1991: Continued Play in Big East

Since 1991, Pittsburgh and Syracuse have played twenty-two times while in the Big East.

2001: Syracuse Series Lead

From 1984-2001, Syracuse went 16-1-1 to take the series lead (29-25-3).

2005: Conference Instability

In 2005, trouble began to rumble through the Big East Conference, between the "football" and "non-football" schools of the conference, which led to instability.

September 18, 2011: Acceptance into ACC

On September 18, 2011, Pittsburgh and Syracuse had their formal applications to join the ACC accepted.

July 1, 2013: Official ACC Membership

On July 1, 2013, Pittsburgh and Syracuse officially joined the ACC.

2013: Atlantic Coast Conference

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Panthers and Syracuse Orange shared membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

2016: TV Broadcast

In 2016, the game between Pittsburgh and Syracuse aired on Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE-TV's main signal, while the Michigan and Ohio State game aired on ESPN2 and on the This TV digital subchannel.

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November 11, 2023: 100th Anniversary Game at Yankee Stadium

On November 11, 2023, the Pittsburgh and Syracuse teams marked the 100th anniversary of their first game at Yankee Stadium by replaying at the new Yankee Stadium.

2023: ACC Division Elimination

Beginning in 2023, the ACC eliminated the Atlantic and Coastal divisions, going to one division. The Pittsburgh Panthers and Syracuse Orange were designated primary opponents, ensuring they will meet annually.

2023: ACC Scheduling Format

In 2023, after additions of California, SMU, and Stanford, the ACC announced a new scheduling format, which eliminated divisions and protects 16 annual matchups, retaining Pittsburgh–Syracuse as a protected rivalry.