The Harvard Crimson enter the 2026 college football season with high expectations and a mix of veteran talent and intriguing new playmakers. Coming off competitive campaigns in the Ivy League, Harvard looks to establish dominance early in non-conference action before navigating a challenging Ivy slate. A early-season benchmark comes in late September with a crucial conference opener against Brown, followed by non-conference matchups against Colgate and Holy Cross. The season culminates in late November with the 142nd playing of The Game against rival Yale, which will feature a dramatic setting at historic Fenway Park. To make a serious run at the Ivy League crown, the Crimson will rely on explosive playmaking, physical front-seven play, and fundamentally sound special teams execution. 

The 2026 Yale Bulldogs football season marks a significant transition point for one of college football’s most historic programs. Fresh off an impressive campaign that featured an FCS Playoff victory over Youngstown State and a narrow loss to Montana State, the Bulldogs enter 2026 under new leadership. First-year head coach Kevin Cahill takes over the reins, inheriting a team picked to finish atop the Ivy League preseason poll. With high expectations and a rigorous non-conference slate featuring Holy Cross, Merrimack, and Rhode Island, Yale looks to re-establish itself as the premier program in the Ivy League. The season culminates in a historic neutral-site edition of “The Game” against rival Harvard at Fenway Park.