SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — California defeated Syracuse 21-18 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at JMA Wireless Dome in an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision game. The Golden Bears scored seven points in each of the first three quarters. The Orange finished with 18 points. California improved to 1-1, and Syracuse also moved to 1-1. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw touchdown passes to Chase Hendricks and Jordan King. Steve Angeli connected with Daunte Bacheyie for a Syracuse touchdown, and Ju’Juan Johnson added a rushing score. Tripp Woody made field goals from 25 and 33 yards and missed attempts from 31 and 46 yards. Towns McGough made extra points and missed a 46-yard field goal. Syracuse’s late field-goal tries failed as California held on for the road win. David Omopariola and Zamondre Merriweather were among Syracuse’s key contributors. Darius Johnson, Darien Williams, Umari Hatcher and Justus Ross-Simmons also played for the Orange. California’s supporting cast included Ian Strong, Cooper Perry, Kyion Grayes, AJ Tuitele and Daniel Harris.