Syracuse University Athletics enters into Alliance with MEAC

In the wake of the previously announced ACC-Big 10-Pac 12 alliance, it appeared as if future scheduling concerns for the Syracuse Orange would be in part taken care of by the agreement between these three conferences to mutually schedule non-conference games with each other. As we’ve mentioned on this site many times before, this has not been one of Syracuse’s strengths, especially in the football department. It appears as if they are looking to use this model with other schools in hopes of solidifying long term schedules.

Syracuse University and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced a 10 year alliance that is “designed to connect institutions, students-athletes, staff and alumni.”

“On behalf of Syracuse Athletics, I would like to thank Commissioner Thomas for his enthusiastic support of this unprecedented agreement,” John Wildhack, Syracuse Director of Athletics, said. “My thanks extend to the MEAC Staff and Syracuse Athletics and University staff who have worked diligently to make this idea a reality. We are excited with the opportunities this alliance will create for MEAC institutions, Syracuse University, thousands of Student-Athletes, coaches and staff from MEAC institutions and Syracuse University.”

More directly, Syracuse University will have at least 50 MEAC competitions over the next ten years across all sports, with the following matchups already scheduled:

• Football vs Morgan State, 2029
• Women’s Basketball vs Morgan State, Nov. 17, 2021
• Softball vs Maryland Eastern Shore and Coppin State, 2022 Spring

This is an interesting scheduling model for sure, as Syracuse makes sure to indicate in the press release that this is a “first-of-its-kind agreement,” between a single school and an entire conference. It presents other sports besides Football and Basketball an easy connection for long term scheduling, and could open the door for easy last minute scheduling gap filling should that need arise.