CAMBRIDGE – By 7:35, 7:40ish on what was a December-like Saturday morning, Harvard players were trickling out on the field inside the historic stadium.
There was a unique energy to this particular spring practice because it was the first one following spring break.
Head coach Andrew Aurich was looking for his squad to pick up where it left off before break and for two hours, it looked like the Crimson did just that.
Here’s five things that stood out while spending some time with Harvard:
1. QB competition will be a lengthy one
It’s anybody’s ball game, with several guys get plenty of reps in 7-on-7 and team periods. Jr. Dante Torres had the best throw of the day, dropping a dime to tight end and classmate Logan Reaska down the left seam in the first bit of team period. Torress appears to be the (very) early leader in the clubhouse, but sophomore Sam Kaiser, freshman Charlie Smith and sophomore Ty Fein (Middlesex) all will get a chance to prove themselves the next five months. There’s no reason for the Crimson to rush the decision.
2. O-line is enormous
I’m well aware that you can say this for any O-line room at the D1 level (especially when you’re as short as me), and maybe it was just a few neck rolls or high shoulder pads throwing me off, but there are some HOUSES on the Harvard O-line. Most notably, sophomore Enzo Agostini (6’6,” 300 lbs.). Reading’s Thomas O’Brien is now a junior and listed at 6’6,” 310 lbs. Junior Spencer Doan (6’8,” 300 lbs.) and sophomore Max Wang (6’4,” 320 lbs.) are just a few of the names in an absolutely massive room. They’re going to make life easier for whoever ends up winning the starting job.
3. Defense dominates for the most part
While the O-line will be good and the QB competition will shake itself out, the defense had a great day. Early PBUs for sophomore DB Omari Gayless and junior LB Caleb Phillips, who probably should have had an interception. Freshman D-lineman Levy Kinlock pushed the pocket during team period. Sophomore D-lineman Chris Gorman and freshman JP Danaher combined for a sack. The secondary also had two picks. I didn’t see the first one, but junior Damien Henderson had one to end the day.
4. Wide receiver position is interesting
It’s just going to be a matter of who takes over as the ‘No. 1’ or if it’s just a ‘whoever’s open’ kind of thing for any of the quarterbacks, which is probably the more likely scenario. Freshman Ryan Tattersall stands out as a big target (6’5,” 195 lbs.). There were a bunch of drops during 7-on-7 (especially from TEs and RBs, had to be the cold). Former BB&N star Isaiah Kacyvenski Jr. is now the leader in the room. Sophomore Brady Blackburn and freshman tight end Henry Anthony should be reliable. Of course, there’s Mr. Reliable Seamus Gilmartin who’s also back for his junior season.
5. Attention to detail
Various ball security stations and tackling stations with basically everyone on staff involved, including Aurich tossing red balls at guys looking to get their hands up mimicking a pass rush. There’s a reason programs like Harvard and Yale continue to compete at the highest level of FCS football and it’s the little things in March and April.
There’s certainly some questions to be answered for the 2026 team, but given the experience returning – albeit not at the most important position – and the talent on defense, the Crimson should be right back in the hunt for another Ivy League title and FCS playoff berth.
