How will college football in New England navigate the $20.5 Million Cap? Time will tell

June 7, 2025

The landscape of Division I college football has been permanently altered with the approval of the House v. NCAA settlement that was announced on Friday. The settlement is ushering in an era of direct athlete compensation under a reported $20.5 million annual salary cap per institution.  While this represents a seismic shift for all of college athletics, its impact on Division I college football in New England—a region not traditionally……

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Projecting the UMass Minutemen 2025 win total

May 31, 2025

Courtesy of UMass Athletics After two seasons as an independent and a 2-10 record in 2024, UMass makes its long-awaited return to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2025. The move brings a more structured schedule and familiar opponents, but also a step up in consistent competition. With a new head coach in Joe Harasymiak and a number of transfer portal additions, the Minutemen are looking to turn a new page…….

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UMass Transfer Portal Update

May 19, 2025

Courtesy of UMass Athletics The UMass Minutemen football program, under the direction of first-year head coach Joe Harasymiak, has experienced significant activity in the NCAA Transfer Portal leading up to the 2025 season.1 As UMass prepares for its return to the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the coaching staff has been actively reshaping the roster through both incoming and outgoing transfers. Influx of Talent via the Portal: Harasymiak and his staff have……

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Recapping the UMass spring game

April 19, 2025

By Ryan Barry NEFJ Staff AMHERST – A warm afternoon at McGuirk Alumni Stadium was the setting for the unofficial start of a new era as the 2025 UMass football spring game took place in Amherst between Team Maroon and Team White. Using a mostly traditional format of four quarters and a running clock, Team Maroon outlasted Team White 18-17 in what was a very entertaining event. While every program…

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Harasymiak, Minutemen ready for spring game on Saturday

April 17, 2025

AMHERST – With the annual spring game just a few days away, new UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak met with the media after practice on Thursday. UMass will take the field at McGuirk Stadium ‘officially’ for the first time under their new leader at noon with anticipation just as high – if not higher – than it was when Don Brown took over a few years ago. Here’s everything Harsymiak…

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5 observations from our spring visit with UMass

April 1, 2025

By Andrew Gundon NEFJ Correspondent AMHERST – On Tuesday, several Minutemen flashed during UMass’ morning spring practice as new head coach Joe Harasymiak continues to implement his new regime. The program is in the midst of week three for spring practices as the team prepares for the spring game on April 19. A lot of excitement circles UMass as it heads into its first season back in the Mid-American Conference….

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UMass Pro Day Recap

March 26, 2025

Images courtesy of UMass Athletics By Andrew Guindon NEFJ Correspondent AMHERST – Seven NFL scouts lined up in the Amherst bubble field on Wednesday as 18 players from UMass and four from various regional schools tested to prove they belong at the next level. Scouts from the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets were in…

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New UMass offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian encouraged with spring start

March 25, 2025

AMHERST – For the first time since being hired as Joe Harasymiak’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bajakian spoke with the media for the first time after practice on Tuesday. Here’s everything he had to say: On bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the NFL to the younger guys “Football is football. I’ve coached at every level. High school, college, NFL. I’ve been playing since the Pop Warner level. A…

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UMass announces lengthy Pro Day list

March 20, 2025

New England will be swarming with NFL executives, scouts and even some head coaches next week. While Pro Days around the country have already kicked off heading down the home stretch of the NFL Draft process, the region will be hosting a bunch of them next week. BC’s is Monday, UConn’s is Tuesday and Holy Cross is holding its big event on Thursday. In between all of that will be…

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UMass fans may finally be able to see light at the end of the tunnel

March 15, 2025

FOXBOROUGH – On Friday night at Gillette Stadium, new UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak presented for one hour about the culture of his program. Minutes later, Harasymiak was kind enough to take some time out of his evening to chat with us for a toughly 10-minute interview (you can find the full segment here). It’s one thing to say you’re going to change a culture, but since its decision to…

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