Returning All-Conference Players

2023 Co-champion Middlebury leads the league in returning All-NESCAC performers with 8.  The Panthers are followed by Tufts (5), Trinity and Wesleyan (each with 4).  Middlebury’s 8 returners tie the total for five other NESCAC teams combined (Colby or Bowdoin, Williams, Amherst, Hamilton and Bates).  Although new top players often emerge annually, these numbers are a good predictor of where teams may finish in the upcoming season.

Middlebury – 8:  DOPY DL Tomas Kenary (1^st team), OL Thomas Perry (1^st team), DL David Filias (1^st team), DB Rocco Stola (1^st team), WR Patrick Jamin (2^nd team), DB Teddy Daniel (2^nd team), Chris Fink (2^nd team) and K Zach Levy (2^nd team)

Tufts – 5:  DB Louis Timmins (1^st team), KR Aundre Smith (1^st team), QB Michael Berluti (2^nd team), RB Chartellis Reece (2^nd team) and WR Cade Moore (2^nd team)

Trinity – 4: RB Tyler DiNapoli (1^st team), WR Sean Clapp (1^st team), OL Anthony Casillo (1^st team) and K Matthew Jumes (1^st team)

Wesleyan – 4:  WR Chase Wilson (1^st team), DB Wesley Abraham (1^st team), LB Ben Carbeau (1^st team) and DL Declan Welch (2^nd team)

Bowdoin – 3:  LB Koy Price (1^st team), LB Max Jacobs (2^nd team) and OL Tal Brill (2^nd team)

Colby – 3:  LB Julian Young (1^st team), DB Joshua East (2^nd team) and KR Brendan Sawyer (2^nd team)

Williams – 3:  OL Tim Forth (2^nd team), DL Cameron Smith (2^nd team) and LB Ethan Scott (2^nd team)

Amherst – 1:  DB Luke Harmon (1^st Team)

Hamilton – 1:  P Tighe Hoey (1^st Team)

Bates – none

 

League Notes

Transfers: The NESCAC is not immune to the transfer trend in college athletics; multiple prominent players transferred out of the league following the 2023 season, including three top wide receivers.  Co-Offensive Player of the Year WR Jalen Richardson left Tufts for USC, Thomas Elkhoury left Wesleyan and Middlebury lost WR Donovan Wood to USC as well.  Trinity and Bates lost DB Tyler Jameson and OL Cole DeMagistris, respectively, to Sacred Heart.  Elkhoury, Wood and Jameson earned 2^nd team all-league honors in ’23.

Rushing is back: I cited the loss of top WRs in the transfer section above, and several teams will be breaking in a new quarterback this season, but the majority of the rushing leaders are back in the NESCAC.  8 of the Top 10 rushers from ’23 return in ’24, including Tufts RB Chartellis Reece (1^st in yards), Trinity’s RB Tyler DiNapoli (2^nd), Tufts’ QB Michael Berluti (4^th) and Williams’ QB Owen McHugh (5^th).  In addition, Williams RB Mario Fischetti, who led the league in rushing after four games in ’23 before getting injured, and Hamilton’s Kamau Hopewell are also back.

COVID-19 grad students: This season marks the final season for players who missed a season due to COVID-19 to be granted a make-up year.  Those players are described as grad students throughout my write-ups.

Brotherly Love:  Both Amherst and Tufts will feature a set of three brothers on their rosters.  Amherst has the Harmon brothers: 1^st team All-NESCAC sophomore Luke Harmon, who is joined by brothers junior Will and sophomore Miles.  Tufts has a set of triplets on their offensive line: Matthew, Micah and Michael Maiavia.

Media Sons in Clinton: Hamilton’s team has two players whose fathers are well-known in sports media.  Sophomore TE Jack Francesa is the son of New York sports radio icon Mike Francesa and freshman LB Mat Bucher is the son of ESPN NBA analyst Ric Bucher.

 

AMHERST

Coach: E.J. Mills (entering 27^th year)

Nickname: Mammoths

Location: Amherst, MA

Football – Amherst College

2023 Record: 4-5

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #5

5-year NESCAC Record: 23-22

 

2023 Recap

Amherst doubled its win total from ’22, finishing with four wins.  The Mammoths beat Hamilton and Bates and finished the year with back-to-back wins over Bowdoin and Williams.  The win over Williams snapped a three-game losing streak against their long-time rival.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: Returning starters at skill position and O-line

Key Offensive Question: Can Amherst improve their struggling offense?

Similar to 2022, the 2023 Mammoth offense struggled: it averaged just 14 points per game finishing 9^th in scoring, rushing yards and total offense in the NESCAC.  The quarterback position was in flux: Amherst began with freshman John Collier, switched to junior Jack Cox and finished with Mike Piazza.  Piazza, who led the Mammoths to big wins over Bowdoin and Williams in his two starts has departed, so a key factor in the Amherst’s success in ’24 is finding a productive QB between sophomore Collier and senior Cox.  The running game, which averaged just 2.3 yds per carry in ‘23, lost several top rushers, but returns senior RB Jack Roberge, who averaged 4.0 yds per carry in 23 rushes.  There is more experience returning at the wideout position, with three starters from ’23 back in senior Owen Gaydos and juniors Carter Jung and Sam Gerber.  Jung averaged 15.4 yds per catch, but the trio could only muster 6 TDs on the year.  The tight end spot is manned by two juniors, Tom Nash and Michael Quartermain.  The offensive line loses two starters, including 2^nd team All-NEACAC lineman Jake Yoffee.  Amherst’s offensive line returns grad student Nathan Frankel, junior Zack Walker and sophomore Miles Roberts, who started all 9 games as a freshman.  Senior OL Jack Nagy has experience on the line.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Luke Harmon and returning players at each level

Key Defensive Question:  Can their front seven stop the run and create pressure?

Amherst returns a slew of starters from a unit that finished 2^nd in the league in pass defense, including 8 of their top 9 tacklers from a year ago.  The Mammoths will look to improve their rush defense (9^th in the league) and its sack totals (only 10 in ’23).  Up front, Amherst returns their entire three-man line: two multi-year starting seniors in Anthony Leneghan and Phil Slaughter, as well as junior Kemit Fisher.  At linebacker, seniors Trey Doyle, who finished in the Top 10 in the league in tackles, and Ben Taylor are back, and juniors Anthony Kelly and Damian Carrano saw action in the front seven.  Injuries to the secondary led to 10 different players starting, but the unit was headlined by 1^st team All-NESCAC LB/DB Luke Harmon, who returns for his junior season.  The deep patrol should also feature seniors Solomon Christopher and Ryan Monteleone, juniors Matt Monteleone and Miles Harmon, with experienced depth in the form of juniors Kevin Agnew and Niles Riding and sophomore Tylik Sims.

 

Special Teams

Sophomore Matthew Kelley and senior Michael Mitchell are back to handle the kicking and punting duties, respectively for Amherst.  Sam Gerber (punts) and Tylik Sims (kickoffs) have experience at returner.

 

Outlook

Mammoths went 42-7 from 2013 to 2018, including winning the NESCAC three times during that span, but in their last five years, they have been a .500 team (23-22). The Amherst defense has returning starters at each level and will be one of the most experienced units in the conference but will need that experience to translate into to a stiffer rush defense and more sacks.  To get back to their winning ways, the Mammoths will also need their offense, which has struggled in ’22 and ’23, to improve across the board.

BATES

Coach: Matt Coyne (entering 3rd year)

Nickname: Bobcats

Location: Lewiston, ME

Football – Bates College (gobatesbobcats.com)

2023 Record: 0-9

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #10

5-year NESCAC Record: 8-37

 

2023 Recap

The Bates struggled in 2023, losing each of its games.  The Bobcats battled against Maine rival Colby coming within 3 points in the 4^th quarter but could not top the Mules and lost 30-24.  Bates finished the season a league worst in offense and defense yardage and endured a negative point differential of 207 points.

 

Offense

 Top Offensive Assets: Experienced QB and TE with an emerging star in Beltran

Key Offensive Question: Can Bates establish an effective running game?

 Bobcats return senior QB Colton Bosselait, who has been the Bates starter for the past two seasons, and he will look to improve his completion percentage, which was right at 50% for ’23.  Bates also returns sophomore QB Seneca Moore, who saw action and was more of a runner than a passer in his first season.  The Bobcat rushing game struggled, averaging less than two yards per carry, but ’23 leading rusher sophomore Ryan Lynskey is back and expect to see juniors Adam Steinberg and Jack Morrall get carries as well.  One of the bright spots in Lewiston was junior WR Sergio Beltran, who finished 3^rd in the NESCAC in catches (52) and in the Top 10 in receiving yards.  The rest of receiving corps returns including senior Drew Sachs, juniors Maverick Selementi and Matthew Holmes and sophomore Jake Walters.  Bates also returns tight end grad student Steve Guerrette, who finished 2^nd on the team in catches and receiving yards. The Bobcat offensive line loses two starters, but grad student Pete Simplicio is back as well as two sophomores, Kevin McDonald and John Antolik, who started as freshmen.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Juneau and experience on the defensive line

Key Defensive Question: Do the underclassman in the back seven show growth?

On defense, the Bobcats were last in points surrendered in the league for the 2^nd year in a row, yielding just under 35 points per game.  The Bates defensive line returns starters in grad student Kyle Hamilton and senior Finn Duffey, and junior Shane Broughton got some snaps in ‘23.  The unit could only generate a league low 5 sacks.  Matt Juneau, who will move to linebacker, had a strong campaign in ‘23, finishing 7th in the NESCAC in tackles and registering 4.5 TFLs.  All three starting linebackers from ’23 are back, including junior Jackson Collins and sophomores Ryan Rozich and Matthew-Michael Assivero.  Similar to the linebacking corps, the Bobcat secondary featured underclassmen in ’23.  Bates loses defensive back Jarrin Sato but brings back starters junior Presley Green and sophomores Jack Morrison and Michael Spencer. Senior Johnny Walker should see action in the secondary.

 

Special Teams

Sophomore Marcos Ruiz and junior Parker Huynh-Benningfield are back to handle the kicking and punting chores, respectively for the Bobcats.  Look for WR Jack Walters to be prominent in the return game.

 

Summary

Bates has the worst five year record in the league (8-37), went winless in ’23 and had no representatives on the 1^st or 2^nd All-NESCAC teams.  A plan for improvement appears to be in place, with the Bobcats using ’23 as a major rebuilding effort, starting 11 players who were either sophomores or freshmen.  The good news in Lewiston is 18 starters return, but the key for the ’24 campaign is improvement from those young Bobcats.  Expect Bates to leverage its seniors Bosselait and Guerrette as well as emerging WR star Sergio Beltran to try to find wins in ’24.

BOWDOIN

Coach: B.J. Hammer (entering 6^th year)

Nickname: Polar Bears

Location: Brunswick, ME

Football – Bowdoin College

2022 Record: 4-5

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #6

5-year NESCAC Record: 9-36

 

2023 Recap

Bowdoin beat Bates and Colby to win the CBB and reached 4 wins for the first time since 2011.  They were competitive in most all of their games, losing to Middlebury, Amherst, and Wesleyan by a total of 16 points.

 

Offense

 Top Offensive Assets: Five starters return on the O-Line

Key Offensive Question: Can the production of Boel, Eden, King and Fahey be replaced?

Several top performers from the NESCAC’s 3^rd best offense in ’23 have graduated, including the Polar Bears’ leading passer (three year starter QB Andrew Boel), rusher (RB Andre Eden) and its top two receivers.  Senior QB Robbie Long should start; Long has played in several games and is a strong rushing threat.  Sophomore Luke Watson has the most returning experience at running back (and was impactful in the passing game), and although the receiving corps loses 1^st team All-NESCAC players in receiver Colton Fahey and tight end Brendan King, seniors Jed Hoggard and Austin Hiscoe return along with junior Slade Postemski.  Junior James Doody has game experience at tight end.  On the offensive line, Bowdoin returns all its starters as well as key backups.  Returning to Brunswick are grad students Tal Brill (2^nd team All-NESCAC) and Tim Ladka, as well as juniors Ethan Escedy, Julian Brawn and John Penczar.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Experienced and talented front seven

Key Defensive Question: Can the secondary improve against the pass?

The Bowdoin defense finished 2^nd in the league in stopping the run and returns defensive line starters in senior Aidan Reidy and Axel Romell, as well as experienced lineman in grad student Mike Randall and senior Kanoa Young.  At the linebacker, the Polar Bears should be strong as senior 1^st team All-NESCAC linebacker Koy Price is back, and grad student Dan Fiore and senior Gordon Gozdeck should see join Price at linebacker.  Reidy and Price each registered 5.5 sacks in ‘23.  The Bowdoin secondary, which surrendered over 245 yds per game through the air in ‘23, has fewer returning starters: grad student Chris Althoff and junior Nick Viscusi, who finished second on the team in tackles, are back.  Expect sophomore AJ Muse to see time in the secondary.

 

Special Teams

Senior Jotham Casey returns as the kicker and punter for the Polar Bears.  Austin Hiscoe and sophomore Sean Ramos handled the punt and kickoff return duties, respectively in ’23.

 

Outlook

Bowdoin has steadily improved under coach BJ Hammer, winning one game in ’21, three games in ’22 and four games in ’23.  Many of their top offensive skill players and their related production have left Brunswick (including Fahey and King who combined for close to 100 catches, over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns in ’23), so the ability to generate offense will be a key factor in the Polar Bears’ success in ‘24.  Defensively, the front seven should be strong and stout against the run, but the play of several new starters in the secondary and their ability to defend the pass is another key question for their upcoming season.  Those answers will dictate whether Bowdoin can maintain its recent level of success in the NESCAC.

 

COLBY

Coach: Jack Cosgrove (entering 7^th year)

Nickname: Mules

Location: Waterville, ME

Football – Colby College (colbyathletics.com)

2023 Record: 3-6

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #9

5-year NESCAC Record: 16-29

 

 

2023 Recap

The Mules had an impressive win over Wesleyan and topped Amherst and Bates, but finished the year with four straight losses, including dropping home games to Hamilton and Bowdoin.  In those early wins, special team plays were critical: Colby blocked a punt for a TD (Bates), blocked a game winning FG (Wesleyan), and benefitted from a missed FG and PAT (Amherst).  Colby finished with a negative point differential of 111 points.

 

Offense

 Top Offensive Assets: Smart and a receiving corps largely intact from ‘23

Key Offensive Question: Can Drake and a slew of seniors elevate the offense?

 The Mules had the 8^th ranked offensive yardage in the NESCAC and will start a new quarterback in ’24.  Colby needs replace QB Thomas Keeling, and expect junior Miles Drake, who started the first two games of ’23 before getting injured, to start.  The good news for Drake is that most all of the other skill positions have returning experience.  At running back senior Keon Smart, who led the team in rushing yards and was 3^rd in receiving yards, and senior Brendan Sawyer are back.  Of the 159 passes Colby completed in ’23, receivers who caught 150 passes return, including senior receivers Matt McHugh, Jack Sawyer and Duke Ferrara as well as senior tight end Atticus Duncan.  The offensive line returns two starters in seniors Cooper Tamisiea and Bryce Leos and also brings back senior James Hoogstraten and sophomore Christian Gregory who saw snaps in ’23.

 

Defense

 Top Defensive Assets: Young is a star at linebacker

Key Defensive Question: Can the defense improve when breaking in 8 new starters?

Colby allowed just under 28 points per game in ’23 (9^th in the NESCAC) and endured major losses to their front seven.  All three starters on their defensive lineman have graduated, so expect seniors Wellington Pereira, Andrew Hart and Taj McDowell as well as sophomore Jack Mullen to see action on the defensive front.  Similar to the line, the linebacking corps took a hit from graduation, but returns LB Julian Young who was NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year, 1^st Team All-NESCAC and the leading tackler in the league.  Young should be joined by junior Dennis Dougherty and sophomore Lincoln Merrill, and senior Locksley Burke may also see time at linebacker.  In the secondary, the Mules return 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior corner Joshua East and sophomore Brody Rice.  The Mules will need to replace both safeties, but sophomore Christopher Milmoe (who saw time at QB in ’23) and junior Trevor Smith could see snaps in the secondary.

 

Special Teams

A pair of sophomores, Christos Tzoumakas and Eli Soehren handle the kicking and punting chores, respectively.  Senior Brendan Sawyer earned 2^nd team All-NESCAC honors as a kickoff returner in ‘23, and sophomore Brody Song returned punts.

 

Summary

Colby looks to rebound after a tough finish to its ’23 campaign.  After two 4-win seasons, they dropped back to 3 wins despite having an experienced roster.  The Mules will need to break in a new quarterback and have both their experienced skill players and offensive line improve.  On defense, Colby loses a lot of experience in their front seven and at safety, so their ability to replenish those units will have major impact on their success in ’24.

HAMILTON

Coach: Dave Murray (entering 11^th year)

Nickname: Continentals

Location: Clinton, NY

Football – Hamilton College

2023 Record: 3-6

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #8

5-year NESCAC Record: 14-31

 

2023 Recap

Hamilton beat Colby and Bates and had a stunning comeback overtime victory at home against Tufts.  They lost tight games to Amherst and Williams and were outmatched in their other games.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: Strong running game behind experienced O-Line

Key Offensive Question: Who will emerge as a playmaker in passing game?

Hamilton struggled in its passing game, finishing last in the NESCAC passing yardage, but featured a top four rushing attack by yardage.  Sophomore quarterback Luke Kurzum, who was NESCAC Rookie of the Year, returns and while he looks to improve his passing efficiency, proved to be a very effective running option.  Hamilton started another freshman at running back in Nate Wildman who should be a key offensive contributor.  Junior running back Kamau Hopewell returns to Clinton; he led the team in rushing in ’22.  Kurzum and Wildman finished 8^th and 9^th in the league in rushing yards.   The Continentals lose 2^nd All-NESCAC tight end Mark Howrigan, but return each starting receiver with grad student Ezra Lombardi, senior Luis Segnini-Perez and sophomore Jack Hoag; they were Hamilton’s top three leaders in catches.  The Continentals return several starters on their offensive line including seniors Matt Morgan, Andrew Chronis and Jake LaMalva and junior James Luce.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Veterans across the defensive line  

Key Defensive Question: Can the returning starters at each level improve the overall defense?

The Hamilton defense struggled in ’23: they finished 8^th in rush defense and 9^th in pass defense.  The defensive line, which looks to improve its sack total, returns a trio of senior starters in Aidan Held, Chase White and Gavin Lawlor.  Senior Jake Dale was used in the Continental defensive line rotation. At linebacker, Hamilton loses its top tackler Cole Rivell, but has returning senior starter Nick Hoff back, and he should be joined by senior Ian Fratarcangeli and junior John Young.  The secondary returns both corners in senior Joe Cairns and junior Kyle Bratcher as well as senior safety Tighe Hoey.  Bratcher showed some playmaking skills in ’23.  Senior Kevin Lyons and sophomore Nico Obregon saw time in the secondary last season.

 

Special Teams

Sophomore placekicker Carmen Velardo returns while Tighe Hoey, who earned first team All-NESCAC honors, handles the punting duties.  Hoey is a preseason D3football.com 3^rd team All-American.  Jack Hoag returned kickoffs in ’23.

 

Outlook

Hamilton increased their win total to three games in ’23 but has only featured one All-NESCAC position player (2^nd teamer) in the past two seasons.  In ’23, Hamilton featured three freshmen prominently on offense (Kurzum, Wildman and Hoag), so improvement is expected on that side of the ball.  The Continentals should be able to run the ball with Kurzum, Hopewell, Wildman and a veteran offensive line, but more production from their receiving corps is needed to assist their young signal caller.  The Hamilton defense has struggled for the past three seasons, giving up the most yards in the NESCAC in ’21 and ’22 and the 2^nd most in ’23.  7 starters return on the defensive side of the ball, but improvement in all defensive areas will be needed to position Hamilton to be more competitive in ’24.

 

MIDDLEBURY

Coach: Doug Mandigo (entering 2^nd year)

Nickname: Panthers

Location: Middlebury, VT

Football – Middlebury College

2023 Record: 8-1 (Co-champions)

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #1

5-year NESCAC Record: 32-13

 

2023 Recap

Middlebury lost a tight game to Wesleyan but won the rest of their games including close games against Williams (by 2), Trinity (by 5) Bowdoin and Colby (by 7).  Their victory in Hartford over a dominant Trinity team and their 19-10 win over Tufts late in the season propelled them to a co-championship in Coach Mandigo’s first season.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: WR Jamin and an experienced and decorated O-Line

Key Offensive Question: Can the running game be elevated?

Middlebury’s offense was pass heavy in ’23 and finished with the third highest points in the NESCAC.  The Panthers lose senior Cole Kennon at quarterback and would expect to start junior Brian Moran in ‘24.  Middlebury also loses wide receiver Donovan Wood who garnered All-NESCAC honors in the past two seasons.  The good news is the Panther’s leading receiver 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior Patrick Jamin and productive junior Michael Ahonen are back at the wideout spot.  Grad student Liam High should see action at tight end.  The Panthers finished in the middle of the pack in the league in rushing yards and had 5 different running backs carry 28 or more times in ‘23.  Depth is strong at the position as senior Carter Stockwell, junior Ollie Orvis and sophomores Caleb Smith and Cody Weitzman return at running back. Middlebury returns four starting offensive linemen in 1^st team All-NESCAC senior Thomas Perry, 2^nd team All-NESCAC grad student Chris Fink, grad student Leonardo Urena and junior Thaddeus Foote, while grad student Patrick O’Neill and senior Liam Mitchell have experience.  Perry is a preseason D3football.com 1^st team All-American.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: The NESCAC’s best D-line with Kenary and Filias

Key Defensive Question: Can the Panthers restock their LB position effectively?

The Panther defense ranked middle of the pack in yards allowed but only yielded 15 points a game in ‘23. Middlebury will have one of the top defensive lines in the NESCAC as they return the league’s Defensive Player of the Year Tomas Kenary, senior David Filias, who also received 1st team all-league honors, and junior Phineas Hunt.  Kenary and Filias are preseason D3football.com 2^nd and 3^rd team All-Americans, respectively.  The linebacking corps loses all four starters, but senior Cole Wiseman saw snaps in ’23 and senior LB Sean Link is expected to see action.  Two All-NESCAC defensive backs return in first teamer Rocco Stola and second teamer Teddy Daniel.  Grad student Adam Harrington should join Stola and Daniel in the secondary.

 

Special Teams

Middlebury returns senior kicker Zach Levy, who made 11 of 14 field goals in ’23, but needs to replace punter Cole Crider.  Rocco Stola returned punts, while Harrington handled kick-off returns in ’23.

 

Outlook

Middlebury has the 2^nd best record in the NESCAC over the past five seasons, and 2^nd year coach Doug Mandigo appears to have several key players to continue their winning ways.  The Panther offense returns experienced players at running back, wide receiver and offensive line, which will be instrumental in helping new quarterback Brian Moran find success in ‘24. On the defensive side, the top returning defensive line resides in Vermont, as well as two all-league performers in the secondary, so if they can get solid linebacking play, the unit should continue its strong play.

TRINITY

Coach: Jeff Devanney (entering 19^th year)

Nickname: Bantams

Location: Hartford, CT

Football – Trinity College (bantamsports.com)

2023 Record: 8-1

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #2

5-year NESCAC Record: 38-7

 

2023 Recap

The Bantams blew out most all of the NESCAC in a truly dominant season, but had a killer home loss against Middlebury, where they were stopped two yards short of victory on the game’s final play.  Trinity finished with a stunning positive point differential of 282 points, averaging wins by over 31 points per game.  The Bantams were fortunate that the NESCAC awards co-champions (and does not use head-to-head as the tiebreaker) but based on their performance, must wonder how such a dominant season resulted in sharing the crown.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: DiNapoli, Clapp and experience on the OL

Key Offensive Question: Can the new QB pick up where Fetter left off?

Trinity finished 1^st in the NESCAC in offense and 1^st in passing in ‘23.  The Bantams lose Co-Offensive Player of the Year QB Spencer Fetter, so grad student Zander Zebrowski, who played a backup role for past seasons, should take the reins in Hartford.  The new Trinity quarterback will have two 1^st team All-NESCAC players at the skill positions to leverage with senior receiver Sean Clapp and junior running back Tyler DiNapoli.  Clapp finished 1^st in the NESCAC in catches, yards and TD receptions, while DiNapoli rushed for the 2^nd highest yards in the league, running for 701 yds and 5 TDs.  Two other returning starting wideouts join Clapp in senior Matt Laughlin and junior Nolan O’Brien.  Grad student Max Roche should see action at the tight end spot. The offensive line returns two grad students including 1^st team All-NESCAC Anthony Casillo as well as Jaheim Scott.  Junior Robby Mandel, who started the last eight games at right tackle for Lafayette as a freshman in the 2022 season before transferring, should be a factor on the Trinity offensive line.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Davis and veterans at LB

Key Defensive Question: Will the new D-Line starters hold up?

Trinity had the league’s top rated rush defense in ’23, in large part due to starting graduate students at all front seven positions.  The Bantams will need to replenish each spot on its defensive line, but senior Anthony DiFederico has experience.  At linebacker Trinity lost all four starters from ‘23, but the Bantams will have players with experience in grad students Luca De Lancellotti and Sean Ryan as well as senior Kevin Keogh. In the secondary, only senior corner DB Ma-Lyke Davis is back; he finished tied for 1^st in the league with 5 interceptions in ‘23.  Grad student Dan Calderon, senior R.J. Martini and junior Alec Medwar have seen snaps in the deep patrol.

 

Special Teams

Trinity returns 1^st team All-NESCAC senior kicker Matthew Jumes who is a preseason D3football.com 3^rd team All-American.  Nolan O’Brien has experience in returning kicks and punts.

 

Outlook

In the past seven seasons, Trinity has asserted its dominance in the NESCAC; the Bantams have gone 54-8 and won 5 championships (4 outright) over that period.   The offense should be potent around new QB Zander Zebrowski, with stars at running back receiver and accomplished veterans on the offensive line.  On defense, Trinity has to replace 10 starters, including 7 All-NESCAC players, but has some grad students and seniors at spots to ease the transition.  Based on their history, one would expect another very strong season for Trinity.

TUFTS

Coach: Jay Civetti (entering 14^th year)

Nickname: Jumbos

Location: Medford, MA

Football – Tufts University (gotuftsjumbos.com)

2023 Record: 6-3

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #3

5-year NESCAC Record: 27-18

 

2023 Recap

The Jumbos were dominant in their 6 wins (winning by an average margin of 25 points) but lost a five OT stunner in Clinton to Hamilton, were blown out by Trinity in the opener and lost a tight one against Middlebury.  To a large degree, Tufts’ statistics and All-NESCAC honors would suggest a record better than 6-3.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: Trio of senior stars in QB Berluti, RB Reece and WR Moore

Key Offensive Question: Can they adequately replace four starters on the O-Line?

Tufts’ offense scored the 2^nd most points in the NESCAC in ‘23 and return several of their key offensive players.  Back at quarterback is 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior Michael Berluti, who will be the most accomplished quarterback coming back in the NESCAC this year.  In his first three seasons at Tufts, Berluti threw for over 6,600 yards and had 58 TDs to just 10 interceptions.  Berluti averaged over 55 yards rushing per game in ‘23.  In the backfield, Berluti is joined by senior RB Chartellis Reece, who led the league with 808 rushing yards, which was close to or greater than four NESCAC teams’ total rushing output.  At wide receiver, Berluti will be without NESCAC Co-Offensive Player of Year receiver Jaden Richardson, who has transferred to USC.  The good news at the wideout position is senior Cam Moore, who had over 500 yds receiving in ’23, is back (he and Reese were 2^nd team All-NESCAC) and senior Henry Fleckner and junior CJ Burton have seen action.  Senior Jack Elliott returns at tight end.  On the offensive line, Tufts loses four starters, two of whom were All-NESCAC players.  The lone returner is junior Jack Lynch, and senior Micah Maiavia has starting experience.  Micah is one of the triplets who play offensive line for the Jumbos; expect to see his brothers, Matthew and Michael, join him on the line in ‘24.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Timmins and Rios

Key Defensive Question: Can they replenish the stars lost at each level of the D?

On defense, the Jumbos lose 5 All-NESCAC performers, including 2 on their defensive line.  The line returns just one starter in grad student Javier Rios, who had 7.5 tackles for loss and 5 quarterback hurries last season.  Senior Jalen Hill has experience on the defensive line.  The linebacking corps loses its top two tacklers (All-NESCAC backers EJ Comerford and Shane Reiner) but has one returning starter in senior Will Duncanson.  Junior Jeff Xu is expected to join Duncanson at linebacker.   In the secondary where the Jumbos played five in ‘23, Tufts will have 1^st team All-NESCAC senior safety Louis Timmins and senior Jameer Alves back.  Senior DB Henry Ferrelli has seen action in the secondary, and Jaden’s brother, sophomore Ty Richardson, could also get snaps.

 

Special Teams

The Jumbos’ junior kicker, Vaughn Seelicke was an effective weapon and is back in Medford.  Tufts also will have a 1^st team All-NESCAC returner in senior Aundre Smith but will need to find a new punter.

 

Outlook

On offense, even with the loss of Richardson, Tufts returns plenty of proven offensive skill player firepower including the NESCAC’s top returning quarterback and one of its top running backs.  The key to Tufts continuing its offense prowess will be how well the Jumbos replenish its offensive line.  On defense, Tufts lost All-NESCAC players on each level, and 8 of its top 11 tacklers from last season.  The defense will need to find solid defenders to pair with Timmins and Alves in the secondary, as well as several starters in its front seven.  In short, how well Tufts can replace 13 starters will dictate if they can continue their winning ways.

WESLEYAN

Coach: Dan Dicenzo (entering 10^th year)

Nickname: Cardinals

Location: Middletown, CT

Football – Wesleyan University

2023 Record: 6-3

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #4

5 year NESCAC Record: 31-14

 

2023 Recap

Wesleyan upset Middlebury and beat rivals Amherst and Williams to take the Little Three crown.  The losses to powers Trinity and Tufts were to be expected, but the Cardinals had tough loss to Colby in OT.  Across its nine games in ‘23, Wesleyan was outgained by 62 yds and outscored by 17 points, but still found its way to win 6 games.

 

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: WR Wilson and an experienced QB Candido

Key Offensive Question: Can the O-Line help the run game and reduce the sacks?

Wesleyan finished middle of the pack on offense, with their passing game faring better than their rushing game.  Senior QB Niko Candido is back and is one of the more experienced starters in the league; he will look to increase his completion percentage and cut down on his interceptions.  The Cardinals lost one of their top receivers in Thomas Elkhoury (he was 2^nd team All-NESCAC), but Candido will benefit from the return of 1^st team All-NESCAC senior WR Chase Wilson.  Other wideouts include senior Rickey Eng and sophomore Jared Lindstrom.  The running game, which was pedestrian in ’23, should feature junior backs Tyler Flynn and James McHugh.  A new tight end will need to be found. On the offensive line the Cardinals return three senior starters in Ryan Caserta, Mario Lee and Gavin Tatum as well as an experienced senior Noah Lindstrom.  Wesleyan yielded a league leading 33 sacks in ’23.

 

Defense

Top Assets on Defense: Abraham, Carbeau and Welch

Top Question on Defense: Can the returning defenders improve the scoring D?

Wesleyan’s defense finished 8^th in the league in points allowed, yielding over 26 points per game but will return all-league players at each level.  Up front, the Cardinals return three of their ’23 starters including 2^nd team All-NESCAC junior lineman Declan Welch, senior Mike Rowan and grad student Pat Boujoukos.  Junior Corin Canada-Hunt and sophomore Brandon Kasanganayi should compete for the final spot. At linebacker, Wesleyan brings back 1^st team All-NESCAC senior Ben Carbeau, who will be joined by grad student Jake Edwards.  Senior Adam Elsais has experience at linebacker.  In the secondary the Cardinals return 1^st All-NESCAC corner Wesley Abraham, senior Sean Walker and junior Dylan Connors.  Wesleyan also picked up a grad student transfer from fellow NESCAC foe Colby, as safety Nick Donatio joins the team.  Abraham, who was a pre-season Division 3 All-American per Lindy’s and D3football.com, finished tied for 1^st in interceptions (5) in the league and returned 2 picks for touchdowns.

 

Special Teams

Sophomore punter Gage Hammond returns as well as Ricky Eng, who handled punt returns.  New kickoff specialists will need to emerge.

 

Outlook

Wesleyan has won 6 games in each of the last 3 seasons and won the Little Three title in ’22 and ’23.  The Cardinals return an experienced quarterback, a top wide receiver and veterans on the offensive line.  On defense, Wesleyan returns all-league players at each level including a true playmaker in Wesley Abraham.  The continued development of Candido, a more effective running game, better offensive line play and improvement on defense are needed for the Cardinals to increase its win total from ’23.

 

WILLIAMS

Coach: Mark Raymond (entering 9^th season)

Nickname: Ephs

Location: Williamstown, MA

Football – Williams College

2023 Record: 3-6

’23 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #7

5-year NESCAC Record: 27-18

 

2023 Recap

The Ephs opened the season with a win at Colby and went on to beat Hamilton and Bates. Williams lost their other games including a tough loss where they outgained Amherst, but turnovers cost them the game against their archrival.  Williams lost to Wesleyan to go 0-2 in the Little Three.

Offense

Top Offensive Assets: Fischetti and McHugh’s rushing prowess

Key Offensive Question: Can they upgrade their passing attack?

Williams’ offense finished 2^nd in league rushing but just 9^th in passing.  Sophomore QB Owen McHugh is back; he was a very effective runner as a freshman, and will look to improve his passing.  The run game was led by returning senior running back Mario Fischetti, who led the NESCAC in rushing in his first four games before going down with an injury.  Junior Jon Oris returns, and he performed well in Fischetti’s absence.  Two starters return at wideout: senior Cameron Lee and sophomore Holden Gering, and they will need to improve their production.  Tight end Michael Bedard graduated, so the Ephs will have a new face at tight end.  Williams brings back three starters on the offensive line including 2^nd team All-NESCAC grad student Tim Forth, senior Michael Tartaglia and junior Joseph Ngnombouowo. Junior Michael Sheskey also has game experience on the offensive line.

 

Defense

Top Defensive Assets: Returning experience in the front seven

Key Defensive Question: Can their experience translate into a top defense in the league?

Williams finished 3^rd in rush defense and 4^th in scoring defense in ‘23.  They return two of their three starting defensive lineman in grad student CJ Vilfort and senior Cameron Smith, who was 2^nd team All-NESCAC.  Senior Ryan Levrault had meaningful snaps on the defensive line.  At linebacker all four starters return including senior Ethan Scott, who was also 2^nd team All-NESCAC.  Scott should be joined at the linebacker by two grad students Tim Landolfi and Zach Barnes as well as senior Ben Paquin.  The Ephs return two starters in the secondary in juniors Justice McGrail and Cameron Pang.  Both junior George Papadopoulos and sophomore Wyatt Cotton should see time in the defensive backfield, and Williams has used Holden Gering as a defensive back in addition to his WR duties.  That group will look to improve a pass defense that ranked 6^th in the NESCAC in yards allowed.

 

Special Teams

Senior Evan Shuran returns to handle the kicking duties, while “do everything” sophomore Holden Gering returned kickoffs for the Ephs.

 

Outlook

After winning the championship in ’21, Williams won just 3 games in both ’22 and ’23, going 1-3 against their Little Three counterparts.  Their offense should be potent on the ground, and will look to improve through the air, where they averaged 11 completions per game in ’23, as McHugh gets more experience.  On defense, they return a large number of starters, especially up front, so they should be stout against the run.  The pass  defense needs to get better, but overall the pieces appear to be in place to improve their win total in’24.