The first 2019 AP College football Top 25 poll has been released and Syracuse football fans can rejoice.

The Orange checked in at number 22, marking the first time since 1998 they have been ranked preseason. This number is yet another testament to the job Dino Babers has done, especially with a 10-3 record and Camping World Bowl game win last season.

Syracuse is one of just two ACC teams that made the Top 25, with the other being the defending national champion Clemson Tigers. This sets up a huge Week 3 meeting, the first home game for the Orange. Syracuse went 6-0 in the Carrier Dome last season and even knocked Clemson off in 2017.

The Orange return a loaded offense but do lose starting quarterback Eric Dungey. Not to fear, as sophomore Tommy DeVito looks more than capable of filling his shoes. Syracuse also returns a mean defensive line and lockdown secondary, and if they can figure out the linebacking group the defense can once again be a menace.

Game one and two will be ultra-important for the Orange, as they hit the road against Liberty and Maryland. If Syracuse truly is deserving of its ranking, they should take care of business in both of these games and be 2-0 entering that big Clemson game.

That No. 22 is right around where I had Syracuse in my preseason poll. I slotted them at No. 19. As we all know, preseason polls mean virtually nothing, but it’s nice to see the culture change going on at Syracuse be noticed.