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
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
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
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.
Connecticut preseason Top 25
The Connecticut high school football season begins in nearly two weeks, kicking off on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Many teams that were in the championship games a season ago return as some of the most talented teams in the state while other teams will look to make a name for themselves this upcoming season. Here are the top-25 CIAC teams heading into the 2026 season: 1. New Canaan The New…
Connecticut High School Class Previews
By Andy Close & Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondents There’s guaranteed to be at least one new state champion in 2026 in the CIAC. Several prominent programs are moving classifications this season, a shakeup that should lead to some potentially intriguing postseason matchups. With that in mind, here’s a look at the six classes, featuring favorites, contenders, and teams that could surprise. Class LL: Greenwich once again the favorite Greenwich is…
New England College Football Preview – Week 0
Image courtesy of Sophie Weller Ready or not, the New England college football season has arrived. With a whopping nine of the 17 D1 teams in the region kicking off during Week 0, it’s officially go time for 2026. Here’s our first weekly preview breaking down the local action…be sure to tune in to our College Football Preview Show (presented by Sonic Boom Football) on Wednesday night at 8:30 too….
Wolf addresses several topics in preseason press conference
FOXBOROUGH- New England Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf addressed the media on Tuesday, August 25, delivering key updates on roster depth, contract negotiations, and recent trades as training camp comes to a close. Opening Statement & Training Camp Progress Wolf kicked off his media availability by expressing enthusiasm for head coach Mike Vrabel’s leadership and the team’s trajectory heading into the season: “First of all, though,…
Marcus Jones wins the Ron Burton Community Service Award
Courtesy of Steve Burton The New England Patriots named cornerback and return specialist Marcus Jones as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Ron Burton Community Service Award. The annual honor represents the organization’s highest individual accolade, celebrating a player’s off-the-field leadership, commitment to philanthropy, and dedication to uplifting the local region. Since being drafted in 2022, Jones has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s rare dynamic dynamic three-phase…
Patriots wrap up training camp with final practice on Tuesday
FOXBOROUGH – Just like that, training camp has come to an end for the 2026 Patriots. Tuesday’s practice behind Gillette Stadium officially marked the end of summer sessions as the preseason ends Thursday night in Cleveland. Following the final whistle against the Browns, the season opener with the world watching against Seattle will be just 13 days away. Here’s a quick run down of what happened in Foxborough on Tuesday…