College – New England Football Journal®

No. 8 Rhode Island 34, Merrimack 7 – Rams defense leads the way in opener

August 28, 2026

NORTH ANDOVER – Eighth-ranked URI blew out Merrimack 34-7 in the season opener for both schools on Friday. On a perfect night for football in North Andover, Duane Stadium was packed with a standing room only crowd. The Rams’ defense forced four turnovers, setting up a few touchdowns for a Rhode Island offense without its All-American QB Devin Farrell. Georgia Southern transfer Tyler Budge got the start and went 13-29……

2026 New Haven Chargers Season Preview

August 28, 2026

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The New Haven Chargers head into the 2026 football season poised to build upon their identity as a physical and disciplined program. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Powell and newly appointed offensive coordinator Brian Scott, the Chargers enter the season focused on fundamental execution, and establishing control at the line of scrimmage. With a blend of seasoned veterans and explosive underclassmen on both sides of the ball, New Haven aims to establish momentum early in non-conference play and maintain high-level execution through every quarter of the regular season.

2026 Central Connecticut State Season Preview

August 28, 2026

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The Central Connecticut State University football program has established itself as an undeniable powerhouse, entering the season as the two-time defending Northeast Conference champions. Following back-to-back league titles and consecutive FCS playoff appearances under back-to-back NEC Coach of the Year Adam Lechtenberg, the league’s coaches once again tabbed the Blue Devils as the preseason favorite, collecting six first-place votes. Central Connecticut State returns ten Preseason All-NEC selections across its…

2026 Rhode Island Rams Season Preview

August 28, 2026

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The Rhode Island Rams enter the 2026 season riding considerable momentum following a deep FCS playoff run and an eleven-win campaign. Ranking among the top programs in FCS football entering the fall, Rhode Island will navigate an intriguing slate that features five home contests played at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket during ongoing facility upgrades at Meade Stadium. Leadership remains a clear strength for the program, highlighted by the election of fifth-year wide receiver Marquis Buchanan and fourth-year defensive lineman Case Mankins as team captains following vote by their teammates. With high expectations across the Coastal Athletic Association, the Rams possess the veteran experience and transfer portal additions needed to challenge for a conference championship and make another extended postseason push.

Maine 21, Towson 18: Black Bears open season with big CAA win

August 27, 2026

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Image courtesy of Maine Athletics It took a little longer than anyone would like, but a win is a win. Maine held on for a 21-18 season-opening CAA victory over Towson on Thursday night after building a 21-0 lead. The game was delayed about an hour for lightning with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Leading by three with a little over nine minutes remaining, Maine went for it…

5 observations from our camp visit with CCSU

August 27, 2026

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By Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — Slated to win a third-straight Northeast Conference title, the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils football team is ready to tackle the 2026 season with a target on their back. This summer, the Blue Devils have had several positional battles including at quarterback and will have a number of key players stepping up following major departures from the 2025 season. The Blue…

2026 Merrimack Warriors Season Preview

August 27, 2026

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The 2026 Merrimack Warriors enter a vital third season under Head Coach Mike Gennetti as they navigate life as an FCS Independent. Following a transition out of the NEC, the program continues to test itself against high-caliber regional and national opponents. The Warriors face a demanding 12-game slate featured around tests against FBS programs Delaware and Wake Forest, alongside a full run of regional Northeast powers like Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Monmouth, and Yale. With a deep roster blending proven regional veterans and high-level FBS transfer additions, Merrimack aims to construct a physical, fast brand of football that can hold up under a grueling travel and non-conference schedule.

2026 New Hampshire Wildcats Season Preview

August 27, 2026

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The New Hampshire Wildcats football program enters the 2026 season with a new era underway, as former UNH standout Sean Goldrich takes the reins as head coach. Goldrich brings fresh energy to a program built on deep-rooted Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) tradition. The Wildcats face a challenging 2026 schedule, kicking off early with a Friday night CAA showdown at UAlbany on August 28, before taking on an FBS opponent in the Syracuse Orange on September 5. The home slate at Wildcat Stadium features critical non-conference and conference matchups against Stonehill, Harvard, and Elon, forcing the Wildcats to balance out-of-league tests with a grueling conference gauntlet. With a mix of veteran returning talent and emerging underclassmen, New Hampshire looks to establish Goldrich’s culture immediately and compete for an FCS playoff spot.

2026 Maine Black Bears Season Preview

August 27, 2026

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The Maine Black Bears head into the 2026 season looking to build on the clear momentum generated under head coach Jordan Stevens. Coming off their best campaign of Stevens’ tenure—a 6-6 finish that included a strong 5-3 mark in Coastal Athletic Association play—the Black Bears open the 2026 slate with immediate CAA action on the road at Towson. Facing a challenging schedule that features non-conference road tests against FBS programs Appalachian State and Boston College, alongside home showdowns at Alfond Stadium against Merrimack, Sacred Heart, Bryant, and rival New Hampshire, Maine’s mix of returning leaders and fresh faces aims to solidify the program as an annual contender in the CAA.

2026 Bryant Bulldogs Season Preview

August 26, 2026

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The Bryant Bulldogs enter the 2026 campaign aiming to make a distinct statement in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Football under head coach Chris Merritt. Coming off a period of roster transitions and step-ups in competition, the Black and Gold head into a historic twelve-game regular-season schedule. For the first time in program history at the Division I level, Bryant opens the year with three consecutive road contests, highlighted by a high-profile showdown against FBS power Army and a renewing of local rivalries against Stonehill. The home slate at Beirne Stadium features a non-conference matchup with Ivy League contender Princeton and key CAA showdowns against regional programs like Rhode Island, UAlbany, and Stony Brook. Armed with an intriguing blend of battle-tested upperclassmen and talented incoming transfers, the Bulldogs are focused on improving physical execution, depth, and overall execution against one of the toughest schedules in program history.

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