Image courtesy of Rob Gullo

By Rob Gullo
NEFJ Corespondent

As the 2026 college football season nears each day, the Sacred Heart Pioneers wrapped up its spring football session on Friday, April 10, 2026. The mood in Fairfield, Connecticut is different, as the Pioneers join the Coastal Athletic Association, marking their first time as a conference member since the 2023 season.

Last year, Sacred Heart finished its 2025 campaign with an 8-4 record in its last season as an independent program. Heading into the 2026 season, there’s a lot to follow and a lot left to be discovered about this year’s Pioneers football program.

Here are five observations from our spring visit:

1. Nofri, team excited to compete in the CAA – No more competing as an independent college football team. After playing the last two seasons in the independent ranks, the Pioneers will officially become a member of the Coastal Athletic Association for the 2026 season.

Head coach Mark Nofri and his players are ready for the challenge of playing in a competitive FCS conference that features games against Monmouth, Elon, New Hampshire, Maine, Hampton, Stony Brook, Towson, and Bryant.

“What we did in the past was great, but the NEC is not the CAA,” said Nofri. “The CAA to me is one of the top three conferences in the FCS. We have to step up our game on the field. We have to understand that every week is going to be a dog fight, week-in and week-out. We’re going to be prepared for it and hopefully our kids come out and play and we get some wins.”

2. Offense will have a re-vamped line – Last year’s entire offensive line for Sacred Heart featured five graduate students who had all been with the program for 4-5 years each. This season, they’ll have the tough challenge of figuring out who will lead the trenches up front. Tim Suk returns as an experienced lineman and is expected to lead the bunch.

“I’m a firm believer in the offensive and defensive line,” said Nofri. “I still think you build a program from the inside out, we’ve always been that way since I’ve come over here.”

3. Snyder looks to be more of a vocal leader of the offense – Quarterback Jack Snyder took over as the team’s starting quarterback last year as a sophomore. He threw for 1,867 yards, completing over 70% of his passes and threw for 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Leading the offense under center this season and having a full season of experience under his belt, Snyder is looking to be a more vocal leader, and looks forward to setting the tone for the team.

“Be more of a vocal leader, I know I set the tone everyday and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Snyder. “I want everything on my shoulders, lead by example, be a vocal guy, lead the offense, and give it to the defense when we have to.”

4. Summers expected to step up as a leader on offense – Sophomore running back Mitchell Summers burst onto the scene last year as a freshman. He earned All-American honors after rushing for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns on 197 carries. He also had 119 receiving yards.

Nofri said he expects Mitchell to step up in the leadership role, returning as the team’s feature back, and wants to see continued growth throughout the season.

“I do, I’m hoping he doesn’t take a step back,” said Nofri. “What he did as a freshman is outstanding, and I’m hoping he continues to get better each year and by his senior year, he’s going to be unbelievable. He had a great freshman year, I’m hoping to see growth each year with him.”

5. Five captains were revealed which were voted on by the players – Following the conclusion of Sacred Heart’s final spring practice, this year’s captains for the upcoming season were revealed. Quarterback Jack “Poochie” Snyder, defensive back Curtis Whiting, defensive back Kenny Selby, tight end Logan Lyson, and offensive lineman Tim Suk.

This year’s group is one that Nofri feels is a great representation of their program and praised each student-athlete’s character.

“I think our kids did a great job voting for them,” said Nofri. “I think the five guys they picked are outstanding, high-character student-athletes who do a great job on and off the field. They’re leaders on the field and off the field, and they’re going to represent the program in a great way.”