Courtesy of Merrimack Athletics Villanova University announced on Thursday that the football program is going to be leaving the CAA and joining the Patriot League. The Wildcats join William & Mary and Richmond in making the move to the Patriot League. In the past four years, James Madison, Delaware, William & Mary, Richmond and Villanova have all left the CAA. At one time, those were the top five programs in……

Villanova joining the Patriot League. What does it mean for New England College Football?
The CAA has lost another long time member to the Patriot League. Villanova is joining William & Mary and Richmond in making the move to the league starting in 2026. Villanova will be entering the league as a football member only. The Patriot League released a statement earlier today announcing the move. Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel praised the addition of Villanova to the Patriot League as the league’s 10th……

Underclassmen Spotlight: Jackson Sparks, DB, Phillips Exeter Academy
Coming off of an impressive performance at the Mega Camp at Boston College, we got a chance to talk to one of the newest members of the Phillips Exeter football program, Jackson Sparks. Sparks is bright, articulate and mature. He is a terrific athlete with the size and speed required to be FBS Football player. Here is our interview with Jackson Sparks. NEFJ: What made you decide on transferring to……

Recent official visits at BC have left recruits extremely impressed
As we’ve talked about on the site and The New England Football Show recently, June is actually the busiest month of the season for most college football programs. Between running and attending camps, recruiting and getting things together for the 2025 season before a roughly two or three week break in July prior to training camp, this is the time where programs truly establish a culture of winning. Building the…

Are the Patriots already better? Final thoughts from OTAs before mandatory minicamp
FOXBOROUGH – The impact of Mike Vrabel’s presence in Foxborough has been undeniable already. Are the Patriots suddenly a 10-win team that will be fighting for a playoff spot? Well, no, they haven’t even put pads on yet. But, there’s plenty of encouraging signs coming out of voluntary OTAs and heading into the mandatory minicamp portion of the offseason that runs next Monday through Wednesday. Here are some of the…

Patriots reportedly sign Will Campbell to rookie deal
Courtesy of the New England Patriots The Patriots have officially signed fourth overall pick Will Campbell to a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth an estimated $43.66 million, including a $28.39 million signing bonus. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was first to report the signing. Courtesy of the New England Patriots Campbell was widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in this year’s draft. His signing brings a sigh…

Efton Chism III making a strong impression with the Patriots
Courtesy of the New England Patriots FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As the New England Patriots continue their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), an unheralded rookie wide receiver is quickly making a name for himself. Efton Chism III, an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, has turned heads at OTA’s, drawing significant attention for his quickness, elite change-of-direction ability, and reliable hands. Chism, who was the highest-paid undrafted free agent signed by…

David Andrews’ message to current Patriots stands out during emotional retirement
FOXBOROUGH – Tears were flowing inside the GP Atrium high above Gillette Stadium on Monday afternoon. David Andrews – one of the true ultimate Patriots during the second half of the dynasty – officially announced his retirement in an extremely emotional speech that lasted just over 25 minutes including a brief Q&A. With his family looking on as well as past teammates, Dante Scarnecchia, Mile Vrabel and about a dozen…

The Recruiting Round-Up: Staples Wreckers
Our latest edition of the Recruiting Round-Up features Staples High School. Staples is now under the direction of new coach Matthew Jacowleff who took over for Adam Beherends. Jacowleff is a Staples alum and the former offensive coordinator. He returns a talented team, one that is primed to once again be a contender in Class LL. Here are some of the college prospects to watch for the Wreckers. Coach Jacowleff……

Azumah, Ingoglia among the local college legends on the NFF 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot
The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced on Monday the names on the 2026 Ballot under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, including 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks. The ballot was emailed on Monday to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current NFF Hall of Famers whose votes will be……