Otto is going on the Syracuse helmet. Syracuse Football announced on Monday, October 26, that it will "debut helmets featuring our Hall of Fame mascot Otto for the FIRST TIME ever" this Saturday, October 31. That is Halloween, and the Orange host No. 19 SMU at the JMA Wireless Dome at noon Eastern on ESPN2. The game has not been played yet, so this is what Syracuse announced, and we will confirm it from the broadcast on Saturday.
Syracuse's Otto helmet reveal, via @CuseFootball
What the Syracuse Otto Helmet Looks Like
Syracuse posted it as "Hall of Fame lids," with four photos of the helmet set in fall leaves and next to a pumpkin. Here is everything you can see in them:
- A white shell. It is a Riddell SpeedFlex, with the Riddell name on the chin strap clip.
- Otto on the side. The decal is Otto the Orange as a cartoon: an orange, fuzzy Otto in an orange cap with a navy brim and a navy S, with navy arms and legs, pointing.
- A navy and orange center stripe. An orange stripe with navy on both sides runs front to back over the top of the helmet.
- A white facemask.
- ACC on the front bumper, in orange.
It is a change from Syracuse's regular helmet, which is orange with the navy block S.
Jake's Take: Right Look, Right Week
"I also really like the Syracuse helmets. Perfect time for Halloween and it looks nice on a white helmet. Although I think the logo could be a bit bigger."
Halloween weekend is the right time for an orange mascot, and the white shell is what makes Otto look good. My one note is size: I would make the Otto decal a bit bigger.
What About the Jersey and Pants?
Syracuse has only shown the helmet. It has not said which jersey and pants go with it. The SMU game is at home, and Syracuse wore the navy jersey and orange pants in both home games we have confirmed this season, against New Hampshire and Cal, so that is the expected pairing until the team says otherwise. The full season, every confirmed look and the expected color for each game left are in our Syracuse 2026 uniform schedule.
Syracuse vs. SMU: Game Info
- When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at noon Eastern
- Where: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
- TV: ESPN2
- The matchup: Syracuse is coming off a 31-30 overtime win at North Carolina. According to Syracuse Athletics, it is only the third meeting between the two programs, and SMU's first visit to the Dome.
SMU is the visitor, so the Mustangs are expected in white. See the SMU 2026 uniform schedule for their side.
Halloween game week, via @CuseFootball
The Bottom Line
Syracuse will wear a helmet featuring Otto the Orange for the first time ever against No. 19 SMU on Halloween: a white Riddell SpeedFlex with the Otto decal, a navy and orange center stripe and a white facemask. Only the helmet has been shown, so navy at home is still the expected jersey. It is the right look for the right week, and our one wish is a bigger Otto. We will confirm it from the broadcast on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Otto on Syracuse's helmet?
Syracuse is putting its mascot, Otto the Orange, on the helmet for its Halloween game against SMU on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The team called it a helmet "featuring our Hall of Fame mascot Otto" and revealed it with fall leaves and a pumpkin.
When did Syracuse last wear the Otto helmet?
Never. Syracuse said the October 31, 2026 game against SMU is the first time ever it will wear helmets featuring Otto.
What does the Syracuse Otto helmet look like?
A white Riddell SpeedFlex shell with a cartoon Otto decal on the side, an orange center stripe with navy on both sides, a white facemask and ACC in orange on the front bumper. Otto wears an orange cap with a navy brim and a navy S.
What is Syracuse wearing against SMU?
The Otto helmet has been announced. Syracuse has not said which jersey and pants go with it. Syracuse wore the navy jersey and orange pants in its confirmed home games against New Hampshire and Cal, so that is the expected pairing.
When is Syracuse vs. SMU in 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, at noon Eastern at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game is on ESPN2.
What is Syracuse's regular helmet?
Orange, with the navy block S and a navy and white center stripe. Syracuse has worn it in every 2026 game we have confirmed.
