2026 Preseason League Notes

Division Three Playoffs: 2026 is the first season that NESCAC will compete in the NCAA Division III Football Championship.  Although there is uncertainty about how the league will fare in the playoffs, a couple things to note:

·       The 2026 NESCAC teams return several talented players including 39 All-NESCAC players, so it is a good season for the league to take its inaugural trip to the playoffs.

·       The NESCAC has a strong track record in other sports: over the past two years the NESCAC won Division 3 championships in field hockey (both years), men’s soccer (both years), men’s basketball, men’s hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse (both years).  Those champions came from 5 different NESCAC schools showing a broad-based commitment to athletics within the league.

·       Several NESCAC players have performed well in their grad years at higher level college football spots.

·       Using it as a proxy for a high academic league making their initial foray into the playoffs, the Ivy League, specifically Yale, held their own in the FCS playoffs, winning their first round game and then losing to eventual champion Montana State, by just 8 points.

Top QBs return across the NESCAC: The NESCAC will have 7 of its 10 teams with quarterbacks who played in the majority of their games in ’26, including all three quarterbacks who received All-NESCAC honors in Wesleyan’s Matt Fitzsimons, Hamilton’s Luke Kurzum and Williams’ Owen Johansen.

Returning All-NESCAC players in 2026: The 2026 season will feature 39 returning All-NESCAC players; in 2025 only 17 were back. The full 2026 list by school is below:

Wesleyan (8) – QB Matt Fitzsimons (1^st team), WR Blake Newcomb (1^st team), WR Donte Kelly (1^st team), OL John Bohnsack (1^st team), LB Austin Baker (1^st team), DB Vincent Lytle (1^st team), OL Gerard Garafolo (2^nd team) and DB Aiden Nelson (2^nd team)

Williams (7) – WR Zach Falls (1^st team), DL Ben Yedid (1^st team), QB Owen Johansen (2^nd team), OL Cam Maguire (2^nd team), DL Will Gale (2^nd team), LB Zakkai Moore (2^nd team) and P Leonardo Maiuolo (2^nd team)

Trinity (6) – WR/KR Nolan O’Brien (1^st team), LB Lincoln Moore (1^st team), DL Luke Ventura (2^nd team), DL Matt Hickey (2^nd team), LB Ethan Krauss (2^nd team) and LB/DB Shane Mosia (2^nd team)

Amherst (4) – OL Miles Roberts (1^st team), DB Tylik Sims (1^st team), WR Christian Moore (2^nd team) and LB Carson Skotak (2^nd team)

Colby (4) – DB Ameer White (1^st team), P Eli Soehren (1^st team), WR Jack Nye (2^nd team) and DB Drew Ramos (2^nd team)

Bates (3) – LB Ryan Rozich (1^st team), DB Michael Spencer (1^st team) and RB Ryan Lynskey (2^nd team)

Tufts (3) – OL Brad Abbott (2^nd team), DB Cam Pineda (2^nd team) and KR Keller Rogers (2^nd team)

Bowdoin (2) – DL Angus Leary (1^st team) and P/K Caden Perry (2^nd team)

Hamilton (1) – QB Luke Kurzum (2^nd team)

Middlebury (1) – RB Connor McClellan (1^st team)

AMHERST

Coach: E.J. Mills (entering 29^th year)

Nickname: Mammoths

Location: Amherst, MA

Football – Amherst College

2025 Record: 5-4

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #4

5-year NESCAC Record: 18-27

2025 Recap

Amherst opened the season with an overtime loss at Bates, but then won four straight contests, including solid wins over Tufts and Middlebury.  The Mammoths then lost three straight games, including tight losses to Colby and Trinity.  Amherst finished the year with a one-point win over archrival Williams.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: QB Marek Hill and WR Christian Moore

Key Offensive Question: Who will emerge opposite Christian Moore?

For the first time in several seasons, the Mammoths bring back a standout returning starter at quarterback, junior QB Marek Hill.  Hill finished 3^rd in the league in passing as well as 3^rd in total offense.  There is also experience at running back where Amherst welcomes back their leading rusher, senior RB Demitrius Smith and sophomore Michael Dunmore may get some carries.  At receiver, the bad news is the Mammoths lose 3 of their top 4 wide receivers, including 1^st team All-NESCAC WR Carter Jung; the good news is 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior WR Christian Moore is back in Amherst.  Junior Connor Bunnak and sophomores Jadon Davis and Max Alexander are in the mix to start at wide receiver.  Starting tight end senior Matthew Diaz returns.  The Mammoths bring back three starters on their offensive line including 1^st team All-NESCAC senior T Miles Roberts, junior C Jonathan McLaughlin and sophomore T Jack Martin.   Sophomore G Emmett Haughney saw significant snaps in ’25 and senior G Ryan McGurn should play upfront as well.

 Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: LB Carson Skotak and DB Tylik Sims

Key Defensive Question: Can Amherst reload in the secondary?

On the defensive line, the Mammoths lose NESCAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year DL Kemit Fisher but return two starters: senior DE Jackson Duncan and junior DE Wyatt Morgan.  Morgan finished ’25 with 5.5 sacks.  Sophomore NT Izaiah Gallagher has experience upfront.  Senior DE/LB Ty Kazanowsky should start again as will 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior ILB Carson Skotak and junior OLB Matt Callahan.  ILB Noah Onkst will likely round out the linebacking corps.  The Mammoths lose 1^st Team All- NESCAC DB/LB Luke Harmon along with three of the four starters in secondary.  Despite those losses, Amherst returns 1^st team All-NESCAC senior S Tylik Sims.  Seniors Benjamin Henry and Donovan Pitts have experience at safety, and at corner senior Matt Kelley and sophomores Gabriel Taylor and Jordan Summers should see action.

Special Teams

Junior Hudson Fulcher-Melendy returns to handle the kicking chores, with sophomore Efe Ilger back as the Mammoth punter.  Amherst will need to replace its punt and kick returners.

Recruiting

The Mammoths were returning just 7 defensive backs in 2026 (3 seniors and 4 sophomores) so they needed to add the secondary and did so by adding 5 defensive backs as well as 4 wide receivers in the class.  In addition, Amherst brought in 5 offensive linemen in their 25-man class, as well as 2 tight ends.  8 of the new players were from outside the Northeast.

Outlook

Amherst won just 8 games in the three seasons between ’22-’24 but jumped up to 5 wins in ’25 helped by finding an answer at quarterback in Marek Hill.  The combination of Hill, Smith and Moore provides the Mammoths with a strong skill player trio, and the offensive line should be a strength.  On the other side of the ball, the Amherst defense loses two premier players in Fisher and Harmon but have productive experience in the front seven and Sims in the secondary.  For Amherst to increase its win total in ‘26, it will need to find another receiving threat opposite Moore and get solid play from newcomers in their secondary.

BATES

Coach: Matt Coyne (entering 5th year)

Nickname: Bobcats

Location: Lewiston, ME

Football – Bates College (gobatesbobcats.com)

2025 Record: 2-7

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #10

5-year NESCAC Record: 10-35

2025 Recap

The Bobcats opened the season with an overtime victory over Amherst, then lost to the top NESCAC teams: Trinity, Wesleyan and Colby.  Bates had an impressive win at Tufts but then lost their final four games, including tight games against Williams, Bowdoin and Hamilton.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: RB Ryan Lynskey

Preseason Offensive Question: Can the passing game be more effective?

Bates started three different quarterbacks in ’25, with now sophomore QB Connor Hennessey starting the final game.  Both Hennessey and fellow sophomore Jack Gilmore are in the mix to start at quarterback.  The Bobcats will feature one of the top rushers in the league, senior Ryan Lynskey, who was slowed by injury and limited to effectively 6 games in ‘25, but was impactful and rushed for 221 yards against Tufts.  Bates lost Sergio Beltran, who only played just 2 full games in ’25 but was a key contributor as a passer, runner and receiver, but welcomes back three starting receivers including their leading pass catcher, junior Quinn Carver as well as senior Ryan Gleason and junior Jeff Vidou.  Junior Bryce Carberry has experience at tight end.  The offensive line, which was impressive in blocking for the run game, returns all five starters: seniors T Kevin McDonald, G John Antolik, T Andrew Finn and C Zach Louvet and junior G Ryder Smith.  Back from injury is ’24 starter junior C Matthew Pierotti.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: LB Ryan Rozich and a veteran secondary

Preseason Defensive Question: Can the defensive line generate more sacks?

On the defensive line Bates returns one starter in senior DE Ryan Kimmel, and fellow seniors Josh Ezerioha and Camden Zambrowicz played meaningful snaps at defensive tackle.  Three starting linebackers are back in Lewiston, including 1^st team All-NESCAC senior ILB Ryan Rozich; Rozich was the top total tackler in the league. Rozich should be joined by junior ILB Carmel Crunk and sophomore OLB Liam Kearney.  All starters are back in the Bobcat secondary led by 1^st team All-NESCAC senior safety Michael Spencer.  Michael is joined at safety by his brother junior Major Spencer with juniors Marquez Narvaez-Estrada and Samuel Christopher manning the corner spots.  Senior DB Jack Morrison should start as well and fellow senior CB Payton Francis provides quality depth.

Special Teams

Senior K Marcos Ruiz is back, but the Bobcats will need to find a new punter.  Quinn Carver returned punts in ’25, while senior WR Jake Walters has experience fielding punts.

Recruiting

The Bobcats only had 2 quarterbacks returning to Lewiston, so they addressed that position by adding 3 to that position in their 25-player recruiting class. Other focus areas were defensive line and tight end: the Bobcats added 5 players listed as defensive ends and 2 tight ends.  The class was almost entirely Northeast based.

Outlook

After starting a slew of young players in ’23 and ’24, the ’25 season appeared to be a year the Bobcats could break through, but injuries on the offensive side of the ball derailed their campaign.  The return of Lynskey and a veteran offensive line should be pillars of a good offense and offset the loss of Beltran.  The defense, with a slew of returning starters spearheaded by Rozich and Spencer, improved materially from ’24 to ’25: the Bobcats improved from 9^th to 5^th in terms of yards allowed and increased their interceptions from 1 to 9, but struggled to rush the quarterback.  Bates welcomes back their top seven tacklers from ’25, and if they can complement their defense and rushing attack with a competent passing game, the Bobcats should see their win total rise significantly.

BOWDOIN

Coach: B.J. Hammer (entering 8^th year)

Nickname: Polar Bears

Location: Brunswick, ME

Football – Bowdoin College

2025 Recap
Bowdoin opened the season with five straight double-digit losses before upsetting NESCAC champ Wesleyan in Middletown. The Polar Bears then lost badly to Trinity, beat rival Bates, and lost their finale to Colby, thereby losing the CBB. Bowdoin had the league’s worst point differential of negative 129 points.

Offense
Preseason Assets & Question
Top Offensive Assets: Experienced offense line
Preseason Offensive Question: Can the young QB generate more points?

The Polar Bears welcome back sophomore QB Soren Hummel, who started the final four games for Bowdoin last season. Hummel will benefit from a slew of skill players returning to Brunswick. The Polar Bears’ top two rushers from last year, senior RB Ty Connolly and junior RB Nelson Dorsey are back as is senior Sean Ramos, who missed last season due to an injury but was a featured back in ‘24. At wideout, Bowdoin’s top three receivers by catches and yards return in senior WR Michael Wolfendale and sophomores Jude Baker and Conrad Babka. The Polar Bears will need to replace departing TE Jack Gaylord, so expect to see sophomore Cole Daignault at that spot. The offensive line loses 2nd team All-NESCAC C Tyler Lawson but welcomes back three starters in senior tackles Jacob Cappuccelli and James Lucey as well as junior G Maddox Metzger. Sophomore Lorenzo Petrucci saw snaps in ’25 and senior Will Hoffman has experience.

Defense
Preseason Assets & Question
Top Defensive Assets: DE Angus Leary
Preseason Defensive Question: Can the slew of returners improve the defense?

On the defensive line, 1st team All-NESCAC and 3rd team AP Div 3 All-American junior DE Angus Leary is back; he had a league leading 8 sacks in ’25. Leary is joined upfront by fellow returning starter junior T Abe Herzog and junior Charlie Saurack, who saw action on the defensive line. Bowdoin welcomes back both starting inside linebackers in juniors Zach Taylor and Owen Lydon, and junior Jake Reisner and sophomore Noah Direnzo should man the other linebacker spots. The secondary returns all of its starters, including junior safeties Ferris Collins and Sam Schwartz as well as sophomore corners Steven Vargo and Max Oenning. Junior Lucas Van Vlerah has experience in the back end.

Special Teams
Senior Caden Perry returns as the Polar Bears kicker and punter, earning 2nd team All-league honors for his punting. Jude Baker and Steven Vargo have kick return and punt return experience, respectively.

Recruiting
The Polar Bears added 23 new players after losing just 17 seniors. Of those seniors, 6 were offensive linemen, so Bowdoin went heavier at that spot, adding 5 freshmen. They also added 5 wideouts and 5 defensive backs. After mining the California area heavily in past classes, this group only added one player from that state in this class but several from Massachusetts.

Outlook
The key question in Brunswick is whether the Polar Bears’ commitment to younger players in ’25 and the associated growing pains (10th in offense and 9th in defense in ‘25) will translate into more success in ’26 as they mature. The offense has several returning players, including their leading passer, rusher and receiver, but their top rusher and receiver finished just 12th and 24th in yards, respectively in the ten team NESCAC. On defense, Bowdoin has a bonafide star in Leary and 11 of their top 12 tacklers back from a year ago, so the foundation is there for improvement as well.

COLBY

Coach: Jack Cosgrove (entering 9^th year)

Nickname: Mules

Location: Waterville, ME

Football – Colby College (colbyathletics.com)

2025 Record: 6-3

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #3

5-year NESCAC Record: 21-24

2025 Recap

The Mules opened the season with an upset over Trinity, then lost badly to Williams and then to Middlebury, but followed that up with winning 5 of their last 6.  Their only loss down the stretch was to eventual champion Wesleyan, with the wins including a blowout of Tufts and a sweep of their Maine rivals to capture the CBB.  The Mules earned their first winning season since 2005.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: WR Jack Nye

Key Offensive Question: Can Colby improve its passing game?

The Mules have two players in the mix at quarterback: sophomore QB Patrick Miller, who started the final 3 games of their ’25 season and junior transfer Stephen Gill, who played last season at Trinity College in Texas.  Colby’s leading rusher in ‘25, senior Antone Moreis is back in Waterville.  At wide receiver, 2^nd team All-NESCAC junior WR Jack Nye returns; Nye had by far the most receptions and receiving yards for the Mules. Junior Sean Trinder is also back as a starter at wideout.  Colby will be looking for a new starting tight end; Senior TE John Ogletree has experience at that spot.  The Mules return four starters on their offensive line in juniors G Liam Welch and T Nicholas Deshong and sophomores C Ryan Bachmore and T Davaughn Russell.  Junior Bryce Malary has experience up front.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: Decorated veteran secondary

Key Defensive Question: Can the Mules replenish its front seven?

Upfront the Mules lose two of their three defensive line starters, including 1^st team All-NESCAC DE Jack Mullen.  Returning starter senior DE Montrail Holmes is back and junior DT Cooper Bunnell and sophomore DE Bryan Joseph have game experience.  At linebacker, three of their four linebackers have also departed, including two All-NESCAC players, but senior Lincoln Merrill returns.  Expect to see senior Nicolas Cox, junior Owen Haight and sophomore Quinn Delorey man the linebacker spots.  Unlike the front seven, Colby welcomes back three starters from a decorated secondary: 1^st team All-NESCAC junior CB Ameer White, 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior S Drew Ramos and senior CB Brody Rice.  Senior Chris Milmoe and sophomore Noah Abdur Rahim have experience in the deep patrol.

Special Teams

Sophomore Avi Gotshalk handled the kicking chores in the back half of the ’25 season, and 1^st team All-NESCAC senior Eli Soehren is back to punt.  Junior Corey Aubuchon has kick return experience, but the Mules will need to find a punt returner.

Recruiting

The Mules were returning just two quarterbacks back to campus, so they addressed the position by bringing in 1 quarterback in their 26-player class as well as a transfer.  In addition, Colby graduated 6 linebackers, so they recruited heavily in the front 7: they welcomed 6 defensive linemen and 6 linebackers to Waterville.  The Mules’ class added 10 players from outside the northeast.

 Outlook

In ’25, Colby broke through with six wins and their first winning season since ‘05.  The model for the Mules last year was to lean on strong defense and a running game: five of their wins were by scores of 13-6, 13-6, 13-9, 17-10 and 16-6.  The defense loses its top five tacklers in their front seven, so the new players’ production in that group will be pivotal in determining the Mules’ success in ’26.  On offense, Colby struggled in the passing game in ’25 (last in the NESCAC) but has several starters back and will need that part of their attack to improve to enjoy another winning season.

HAMILTON

Coach: Dave Murray (entering 13^th year)

Nickname: Continentals

Location: Clinton, NY

Football – Hamilton College

2025 Record: 2-7

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #8

5-year NESCAC Record: 10-35

2025 Recap

Hamilton opened the season with competitive losses to Williams and Amherst, before beating Bowdoin.  The Continentals lost their next five, which included getting blown out by Wesleyan and Trinity, but playing Colby, Tufts and Middlebury competitively.  Hamilton picked up their 2^nd win over Bates in the finale.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: QB Luke Kurzum

Key Offensive Question: Can the returners on the O-Line elevate their play?

The Continentals welcome back senior QB Luke Kurzum, a 2^nd team All-NESCAC player who led the NESCAC in total offense.  Kurzum will be aided by returning senior Nate Wildman at running back.  At receiver, three of the Hamilton’s top four receivers are back in Clinton: senior Jack Hoag, junior Matthew Kearns and sophomore Mitchell Ivatts.  Returning starter, senior Jack Francesa, is back at tight end.  The Continentals return four starters along the offensive line in sophomore C Jack Larkin and a trio of juniors: T James Heide, G Carter Rae and G Lee Wehbeh.  Senior Edward Tracy has experience on the offensive line.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: LB Mat Bucher

Key Defensive Question: Can Hamilton improve their chronic defensive woes?

The defensive line returns both starting ends in senior James Bailey and junior Gunnar Watson.  At the tackles, junior Nick Angelini and sophomores Justin Edwards and Nolan Schrimpff have experience.  Hamilton welcomes back its top tackler, senior OLB Mat Bucher and he will likely be joined by senior OLB Gavin Haley and junior MLB Jack Quinn.  The Continental secondary returns intact: senior CB Nico Obregon, junior CB Ian Redzepagic and two sophomore safeties, Jake Iacobaccio and Ryan Torrello are back in Clinton.

Special Teams

Senior PK Carmen Velardo returns, but Hamilton will need to identify a punter.  New kickoff and punt returners will also need to be identified as Liam Leonard has graduated.

Recruiting

Hamilton brought in 29 new players to replenish their ranks and increase their overall roster as only 12 seniors departed in the spring.  A key focus was on the lines, with the Continentals adding 8 offensive linemen and 6 defensive linemen.  After not bringing in a quarterback or running back among last season’s recruits, the Continentals welcome in one of each in this class.  Hamilton class has a strong northeast focus, including most from New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts.

Outlook

The Hamilton offense, which finished 2^nd in the league in passing, returns Kurzum and a slew of starters from a year ago.  If the returners on the offensive line can decrease the sacks allowed and elevate the running game which lagged the passing attack, Hamilton should have a strong offense.  Defense has been a chronic problem for the Continentals: the unit has finished last or next to last in the past five seasons.  Bucher has been impactful, but other defensive playmakers need to emerge for Hamilton to have a chance to improve their win total.

MIDDLEBURY

Coach: Doug Mandigo (entering 4^th year)

Nickname: Panthers

Location: Middlebury, VT

Football – Middlebury College

2025 Record: 5-4

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #6

5-year NESCAC Record: 29-16

2025 Recap

Middlebury opened the season losing to Wesleyan, followed by beating Bowdoin and Colby, before losing three successive games to Amherst, Williams and Trinity.  They closed the season with wins over Bates, Hamilton and Tufts, who they beat in overtime.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: RB Connor McClellan

Key Offensive Question: Who leads the offense at quarterback?

Middlebury graduated a two-year starter at quarterback, and the candidates to take the reins in Vermont include senior Aidan Moss, junior Julian Schneider and sophomore Beckett Long.  Whomever starts at quarterback will have the benefit of the league’s leading rusher 1^st team All-NESCAC junior Connor McClellan, who rushed for 959 yards in ‘25.  There is veteran depth at running back, including seniors Caleb Smith and Cody Weitzman.  Middlebury loses their leading receiver but brings back a trio of wideouts who were productive including junior WR Jeremy Kiefer and sophomores Luis Kuehberger and Jordan Angstreich.  The Panthers will need to find a replacement at tight end: junior Tom Welker is an option.  Middlebury welcomes back three starting junior offensive linemen: G Forrest Nelson, T John McGurk and G Frank Fehrenbach.  Senior T Will Lazzaro has experience and two sophomores, Matthew Capella and Michael Paine may see action upfront.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: 8 returning starters

Key Defensive Question: Can the experienced defenders elevate their play?

On the defensive line, Middlebury brings back two starters in senior DT Casey Adjei and junior DE Calvin Szoradi, and senior Gianluca Saracino and junior Brendan Coakley have seen snaps upfront.  At the linebacker spots, the Panthers welcome back three senior starters including ILB Matt Shaw, OLB Michael Votta and OLB Gabe Harris.  Shaw led Middlebury in tackles. Unfortunately, junior Tommy Schwartz will miss time with an injury, but senior LB Alex Hartigan is back.  At defensive back, Middlebury returns three starters: senior CB Charlie Grant, senior S Charlie Ozolin and junior S James Woodward.  Senior Matthew Piechota and junior Charlie English have experience in the secondary.

Special Teams

At kicker, 2^nd team All-NESCAC Tony Wang has graduated, but Middlebury returns junior punter Ty Brinkman.  Charlie Grant handles punt return duties and Cody Weitzman and Jordan Angstreich have kickoff return experience.

Recruiting

Middlebury were returning just 2 quarterbacks back to campus, so they addressed the position by bringing in 2 more in their 22-player class.  In addition, the Panthers have 7 senior linebackers, so they added 5 linebackers in this class.  They did not bring in any defensive linemen but added 5 defensive backs.  The Middlebury class included 7 players from outside the northeast.

Outlook

Middlebury averaged 7 wins a year from ’22 through ’24 but dropped to 5 in ‘25.  McClellan is a key asset for their offense, and there is experience at receiver and offensive line.  On defense, 8 starters and 3 of the Panthers top 4 tacklers return, including a very productive player in Shaw.  The defensive unit struggled against the pass last season but was able to offset that issue by leading the league in interceptions.  To increase their wins from a year ago, Middlebury will need solid play from its new quarterback and improvement from their returning defenders.

TRINITY

Coach: Jeff Devanney (entering 21^st year)

Nickname: Bantams

Location: Hartford, CT

Football – Trinity College (bantamsports.com)

2025 Record: 7-2

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #2

5-year NESCAC Record: 39-6

2025 Recap

Trinity opened the season with a stunning loss to Colby but then found their footing, winning their next 7 games.  During the winning streak, they had three close games (wins over Williams, Middlebury and Amherst) and four lopsided wins over Bates, Tufts, Hamilton and Bowdoin.  The Bantams fell three points short in the final to Wesleyan, effectively losing the NESCAC Crown.  Trinity finished with a league high +140 point differential.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: WR Nolan O’Brien

Key Offensive Question: Does Trinity have the offense to match Wesleyan?

Senior Jaxon Carroll returns at quarterback and threw for just under 2,000 yards in ’25.  The Bantams lose a decorated skill player in RB Tyler DiNapoli, but Trinity welcomes back three backs who rushed for over 200 yards in ’25 in senior Jack Tosone and juniors Tate Hoffmeister and Josh Woodford.  At wide receiver, senior WR Nolan O’Brien, who was a 1^st team All-NESCAC performer at receiver and returner as a sophomore and junior, is back in Hartford for the final year of his impressive career.  Junior Darison Hooper, who had a big game against Wesleyan in the finale, is the other returning starter and junior Patrick McCaffery returns from injury.  Senior Jamieson Hodlin is back at tight end.  On the offensive line, the Bantams lost two 1^st team All-NESCAC linemen, but three senior starters return in C Aidan Murphy, G Cole Cortez and G/T John Curran.  Senior Tomas Schulz-Langendorf, junior T Lucas Ricci and sophomore Lucas Candiotto all have experience and will compete for action along the offensive front.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: Senior laden front seven

Key Defensive Question: Can Trinity restock its secondary around Mosia?

On the defensive line, Trinity brings back three starters: two 2^nd team All-NESCAC seniors in DE Luke Ventura and NG Matthew Hickey, as well as senior DE Luke Pickard.  Two more seniors, Wesley Selmani and Joe Toyias will also rotate into action up front. At the inside linebacker spots, junior Lincoln Moore and senior Ethan Krauss, who were 1^st and 2^nd team All-NESCAC, respectively, are back in Hartford. Senior John Toyias and junior Charlie Newhall should round out the linebacking corps. In the secondary, just one starter returns in 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior safety Shane Mosia.  Senior CB Bryce Ferrell has experience in the deep patrol and junior Michael O’Connor is in the mix for playing time.

Special Teams

Sophomore PK Max Wallace is back, but Trinity will need to replace their punter.  On the return front, Nolan O’Brien earned 1st team All- NESCAC honors as a returner (in addition to as a receiver).  Bryce Ferrell and Josh Woodford have kick returner experience.

Recruiting

The Bantams brought in 29 recruits, and went heavy on the offensive line, running back, safety and tight end.  Trinity welcomes 7 offensive linemen with only 6 in total on their roster from their previous two classes.  The Bantams also added three safeties, three running backs and two tight ends.  22 of the recruits are from either Massachusetts, New Jersey or Connecticut.

Outlook

The Bantams have been dominant with the best 5-year record in the NESCAC and 75 wins over the past 10 seasons, but in the last two seasons Trinity has fallen to Wesleyan, who captured back-to-back NESCAC crowns.  On offense, there is plenty of talent, including an ascending QB in Carroll and a highly decorated star in O’Brien.  On the defensive side, the Bantams have returning All-NESCAC players at each level including their top three tacklers, senior depth in their front seven, but the secondary needs new faces to emerge.  Expect Trinity to have another strong year and challenge Wesleyan for the NESCAC crown.

TUFTS

Coach: Jay Civetti (entering 16^th year)

Nickname: Jumbos

Location: Medford, MA

Football – Tufts University (gotuftsjumbos.com)

2025 Record: 4-5

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #7

5-year NESCAC Record: 27-18

2025 Recap

The Jumbos opened the season with wins over Bowdoin and Wesleyan, before losing three straight including a tight loss to Bates.  Tufts followed that stretch by beating Hamilton, drubbing Williams but then losing to Colby and Middlebury to close the season.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: RB Christian Shapiro   

Preseason Offensive Question: Can an emerging Weidman be a top QB in the NESCAC?

The Jumbos return junior QB Hudson Weidman, who took over as Tufts’ signal caller in their final 5 games and averaged over 300 yards passing in his final 4 games.  The Jumbos also return its leading rusher from ’24 and ’25, senior Christian Shapiro, who finished 4^th in the league in rushing yards and 2^nd in total points scored.  At wideout, the Jumbos lose their top receiver from ’25 but return two starting wideouts in seniors Matt Rios and Matt Greco.  Two juniors, Granville Anderson II and Keller Rogers will also see time at receiver.  Tufts will need to replace their starter at tight end; senior Ned Righellis has game experience.  On the offensive line, three senior starters return: 2^nd team All-NESCAC OT Brad Abbott, C Charlie Kremin and OT Ian Miller.  Senior James Thom and juniors Carter Campbell and Benner Miller are in the mix to start.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: Cornerbacks Pineda and Watson

Preseason Defensive Question: Can the rush defense improve?

Up front, Tufts loses two starters, including 2^nd team All-NESCAC senior DT Vince Gilchrist, but starting sophomore, DL Zahir Orozco is back.  Two seniors, DE Will Astorino and DL Parker Scott have played on the defensive line.  Two starting linebackers are back in Medford, senior Johnny Ferrelli and junior Ryan Horigan.  Two other linebackers, senior Riley Yaker and junior Dazer van Leeuwen saw game action in ‘25.  The Jumbos lose all three starting safeties but return both corners who are juniors: Cam Pineda and Amari Watson.  Pineda earned 2^nd team all-league honors in ’25.  Junior James Brunson and senior AJ Lysko have played meaningful downs for Tufts at safety while converted QB senior Justin Keller and junior Brayden Beyer may also see time.

Special Teams

The Jumbo lose 1^st team All-NESCAC PK Vaughn Seelicke, but welcome back senior Andrew Leigh at punter.  Cam Pineda handled punt returns in ’25 and Keller Rogers returned kickoffs.

Recruiting

The Jumbos brought in the NESCAC’s largest freshman class, adding 30 players.  Tufts added players at each position, with a heavier focus at the offensive skill spots of running back (2) and wide receiver (5); the Jumbos returned just 3 running backs from last year’s team and only brought in 1 wideout in last year’s recruiting class.  Tufts added 6 defensive backs and mined players from the most different states in the league with half of their recruits from outside the northeast.

Outlook

Tufts won 6, 6 and 7 games in ’22, ’23 and ’24, but dropped to 4 wins in ’25.  In ’25, the Jumbos found a productive quarterback in Weidman, and this season bring back accomplished players at running back, wide receiver and on the offensive line.  On the defensive side, there are more questions. Ferrelli is back at linebacker as well as two good corners, but Tufts will need their new defensive starters to improve their rush defense (which ranked 9^th in the league a year ago) to achieve winning record.

WESLEYAN

Coach: Dan DiCenzo (entering 12^th year)

Nickname: Cardinals

Location: Middletown, CT

Football – Wesleyan University

2025 Record: 7-2

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #1

5-year NESCAC Record: 33-12

2025 Recap

The Cardinals won decidedly over Middlebury, Bates, Hamilton and Colby, but lost a tight game to Tufts and a head scratching home game to Bowdoin.  From there, Wesleyan won both their Little Three games including beating Amherst and rallying late to top Williams.  Wesleyan closed the season with a win over Trinity to take their second consecutive NESCAC Championship.

Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: QB Matt Fitzsimons and WR Donte Kelly

Preseason Offensive Question: Can anyone stop the Wesleyan offense?

The Cardinal offense is loaded, starting with 1^st team All-NESCAC and NESCAC Offensive POY, senior Matt Fitzsimons.  Fitzsimons led the league in passing yards and touchdowns.  At running back, the Cardinals’ leading rushers, senior Angelo LaRose and junior Matt Diaz, return to Middletown.  The Cardinals also welcome back two 1^st team All-NESCAC receivers in senior Blake Newcomb and sophomore Donte Kelly.  Junior Sam Wien and senior Sean Cannon also return, as does senior Justin Meyreles.  At tight end, sophomore Jake Sallfrank started several games for the Cardinals.  Four offensive line starters are back, including 1^st team All-NESCAC senior C John Bohnsack, 2^nd team all-league senior T Gerard Garafolo, and two juniors: G Jack Turner and T Ben Ryan.  Senior Robbie Meno and sophomore Curtis Edwards have seen game snaps.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: CBs Aiden Nelson and Vincent Lytle

Preseason Defensive Question: Can the Cards replenish their front seven?

On the defensive line, Wesleyan lost three of their four starters, including two all-league players, but DE Owen McDevitt is back.  Senior DTs Brody Alston and Ben Perkins as well as junior DE Eamonn Welch have playing experience upfront.  Only one starting linebacker returns, but its 1^st team All-NESCAC senior LB Austin Baker.  Senior Jack Eisenhardt and junior LB Dylan Minnick have seen snaps at linebacker.  In the secondary, one of the more decorated players in Wesleyan history, S Dylan Connors has graduated, but two all-league players are back: senior S Aiden Nelson and junior CB Vincent Lytle.  Two juniors, CB Jack Bronikowski and S Tony Contaldi may see action in the deep patrol, and converted QB Chase Vaughn is also in the mix at safety.

 Special Teams

Senior Gage Hammond returns, and he handled both the kicking and punting chores for Wesleyan in ’25.  Donte Kelly and Justin Meyreles have punt and kick returner experience.

Recruiting

Wesleyan added 20 players in their recruiting class, and after not taking a quarterback last year, added 2 signal callers.   The Cardinals went heavier at wide receiver (4) but lighter at offensive line (2) after previous classes featured 5 to 6 offensive linemen each year.  The class had a strong northeast influence.

Outlook

The Cardinals have won back-to-back NESCAC championships, and the ’25 campaign featured several new faces at key spots who excelled.  The ’26 team appears loaded on offense, including the reigning NESCAC Offensive Player of the Year, last season’s Rookie of the Year and a total of five All-NESCAC players.  The defense has three All-NESCAC returners as well, and if the upperclassmen can effectively replenish key spots at defensive line, linebacker and safety, Wesleyan will be well positioned for their third straight NESCAC crown.

WILLIAMS

Coach: Mark Raymond (entering 11^th season)

Nickname: Ephs

Location: Williamstown, MA

Football – Williams College

2025 Record: 5-4

’25 NESCAC Football Report Ranking: #5

5-year NESCAC Record: 25-20

2025 Recap

Williams jumped out to a 5-1 record, including a 38-0 win over Colby, with their only loss in that span to Trinity in overtime.  From there the Ephs dropped their final three games: Williams lost to Tufts by 21, had a crushing late collapse against Wesleyan and fell one point short at archrival Amherst.

 Offense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Offensive Assets: QB Owen Johansen and WR Zach Falls

Key Offensive Question: Can the Ephs keep their rush dominance rolling?

The Ephs welcome back senior QB Owen Johansen, who was a dominant player through Williams first 6 games before getting injured; he earned 2^nd team All-NESCAC honors in ’25.  The Ephs lose a very talented running back in 1^st team All-NESCAC RB Jon Oris but return junior Matt Bott and add freshman Aidan Clark at the position.  At the receiver spot, 1^st team All-NESCAC junior WR Zach Falls is back in Williamstown, as are senior Brady Stahelski (back from injury) and sophomore Daven Bailey.  Falls provided almost 50% of the Eph receiving yards in 2025.  The Ephs will have to replace 1^st team All-NESCAC TE Riley O’Connell, but junior Jimmy Montesanto is back and had 4 TD catches in ‘25.  On the offensive line, Williams loses two starters, including one 1^st team all-league lineman, but welcome back 2^nd team All-NESCAC 5^th year senior T Cam Maguire, 5^th year senior C Michael Sheskey (who missed ’25 with an injury) and two starting guards in senior Will Robke and junior Declan McKiernan.  Junior Owen Fitzsimmons has seen action on the line.

Defense

Preseason Assets & Question

Top Defensive Assets: DL Ben Yedid and William Gale

Key Defensive Question: Can the Eph secondary improve their pass defense?

On the defensive line, Williams returns two of its three starters, junior DE Ben Yedid and DT Will Gale who earned 1^st and 2^nd all-league honors, respectively.  Expect to see seniors James Barber and William Baker at the ends.  At linebacker, Williams returns two junior linebackers in Zakkai Moore and Luke Mangini; Moore garnered 2^nd All-NESCAC honors. Sophomore Connor Acheson may see action at linebacker.  The Ephs return several senior starters in its secondary: CB Holden Gering, DB Wyatt Cotton, S Brady Carroll and S David Hyde.  Gering earned all-league honors in ’24 and may see some snaps at wide receiver.  Junior S Andrew Kreakie and sophomore CBs Lucas Cardinale and Brant Bickford have experience in the deep patrol.

Special Teams

Senior Leonardo Maiuolo returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties; he earned 2^nd team All-NESCAC honors as a punter.  Williams will have to replace its kick and punt returner.

Recruiting

The Ephs shored up areas they had recruited less heavily in past years in their 23-man class.  They added 3 running backs (took none in ’25) and 4 defensive linemen (took just one in ’25).  The class featured 3 players with older brothers on the team: DB William Machnik, TE Jake Falls and TE/DL Danny Montesanto.  Eight recruits hail from outside the northeast.

Outlook

Williams jumped out to a 5-1 record, but injuries derailed their title chase.  Johansen and Falls should fuel a strong offense, and the Eph interior defense, including Yedid and Gale upfront and Moore and Mangini at linebacker, should be stout.  Williams came close to beating Wesleyan in ’24 and ’25, and if new starters can keep the running game at a high level and the returners in secondary elevate the pass defense, Williams should challenge for the NESCAC title.