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……
Takeaways from the first episode of ‘Forged in Foxborough’
The first episode of Forged in Foxborough dropped a few days ago and boy, oh boy, was it good. For those who haven’t fully boarded the Mike Vrabel hype train yet, the first part of this very well-produced behind the scenes look should convince you. There was a lot to take away from the first episode, which had several different sections throughout the full hour-plus. Here’s what stood out: First…
Recapping the 2025 Connecticut NEPSAC Showcase Day
The Connecticut NEPSAC Schools once again left a lasting impression during Monday’s Showcase Day. As always, the top rising seniors worked and impressed but there were also some underclassmen that made their mark. Here are some observations. *Cheshire quarterback Keegan Croucher really turned some heads and proved why he is one of the two best signal callers in New England in the 2027 class. He showed good touch, timing and……
Catching up with Osiris Lopez after his commitment to Coastal Carolina
Courtesy of Osiris Lopez We had a chance to catch up with Leominister quarterback Osiris Lopez after his commitment to Coastal Carolina. Lopez talked about why he committed to Coastal, why he stayed at Leominister despite pressure to transfer and his upcoming senior season. Here is our interview with Osiris Lopez. NEFJ: Why did you commit to Coastal Carolina? What appealed to you about the school and the program? OL:……
Eagles have a Top 25 recruiting class in 2026 according to ESPN
Image courtesy of ESPN The Boston College Eagles have a Top 25 recruiting class according to ESPN. The Eagles currently have 12 hard commits. It is a class that became a focal point for Bill O’Brien and his staff when he took over last off- season. The 2026 class features several of area’s top recruiting including Arlington offensive lineman Brady Bekkenhuis, Xaverian defensive end Dominic Funke, Catholic Memorial offensive lineman……
Rhode Island Showcase closes out busy week in New England
By Charlie Adams NEFJ Correspondent WARWICK – The Ocean State displayed some of its football talents in a free showcase held at Bishop Hendricken High School on Friday. “I’m excited for high school football in Rhode Island,” Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said. “We had about 16 programs here represented, it’s just a great way for our guys to network.” On the field, players were split between freshmen, who made…
Underclassmen Spotlight: GaVin English, OL/DL, Springfield Central
Courtesy of GaVin English We got a chance to speak to a rising star in the Class of 2027, Springfield Central offensive and defensive lineman GaVin English. GaVin is a well thought out, mature young man who not only walk the walk on the field but off the field as well. English holds offers from Liberty, URI and UMass. Get to know GaVin English. NEFJ: Talk about your football journey…….
2nd annual Catholic Conference Showcase takes big step forward
By Charlie Adams NEFJ Correspondent WESTWOOD – The Catholic Conference’s second annual showcase took a major step forward on Thursday as some of Massachusetts’ top talent drew over 60 colleges to the event. Once again hosted by back-to-back state champion Xaverian Brothers High School, this year was the first in which NCAA Division-I FBS programs were approved to attend. Representatives from Boston College were among the FBS schools in attendance,…
Barmore says he’s ready to go for 2025 after health scare
FOXBOROUGH – On paper, the idea of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams just causing all kinds of havoc on opposing offensive lines and running games next year should have Patriots fans salivating. But, after a blood clot scare last season that cost Barmore 2024 and almost cost him his life, the big D-lineman out of Alabama is feeling good and says he believes he’s ready to go heading into OTA’s…
6 reasons why the Patriots schedule makes them a potential playoff team
AP Photo, Michael Dwyer It is well known that a favorable schedule provide a boost to a team’s playoff chances. On paper, the Patriots’ 2025 schedule makes them a playoff contender requires a nuanced look at both the schedule itself and the team’s projected capabilities. The 2025 Patriots schedule has been released, and based on traditional metrics, it is indeed one of the easiest schedules in the National Football League….