By Ryan Barry
NEFJ Correspondent

AMHERST – A cool spring afternoon at McGuirk Alumni Stadium was the setting for the 2026 UMass Football Spring Game in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Unlike last year’s event that featured a Team Maroon vs. Team White format, this year was a lot simpler with four quarters, a running clock, and an offensive vs. defensive unit without points.

Across 13 total drives, fans saw four touchdowns and two field goals, which after a difficult  0-12 regular season in 2025, was a much welcome site.

Second-year UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak seemed happy with today’s performance.

“I thought it was a good script,” said Harasymiak. “We moved the ball well, had some explosives over the top, and I thought they did a good job.”

While the game was wrap-up between the tackles and tag on the outside, the in-game situations presented a good challenge for his squad .

“Anytime you do this it’s the closest you’re going to get to a Saturday, “ noted Harasymiak. “I thought that they battled, played well, and stayed healthy, which is the biggest result, so I’m pleased.”

The team didn’t keep official stats from today, though there was plenty to gather from the four quarter scrimmage:

Pop Watson pops 

The Virginia Tech transfer quarterback was the biggest name on the roster listed as playing today and for good reason. A local product out of Springfield Central High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, many onlookers, which included several of his family and friends, were treated to a solid performance. His connection with redshirt senior receiver Joseph Griffin Jr., a Wisconsin transfer who played with Watson at Springfield Central, was one of his go-to receivers on three of his drives. Watson’s five-yard scramble for a touchdown on the first drive of the game gave fans plenty to be excited about in addition to several solid throws throughout the day. Watson also had a viral moment, saying the program was going to “F**k the MAC” this season.

Watson has certainly never lacked for confidence and the swagger may actually be much-needed within the program. Whether or not the other MAC teams ultimately use it as fuel remains to be seen.

Quarterback room looks capable 

Last year’s quarterbacks felt to be one of the most game-ready in some time, though that quickly went belly-up by September. This year’s crew, which features just one returner by the way of redshirt sophomore Will Perry, had a lot of nice moments. Perry, the local Andover, Massachusetts product, threw an interception on his first drive of the game, but finished with a dazzling 40-yard touchdown to redshirt junior receiver Devin Williams. While Perry doesn’t appear to be lining up as the #2 option behind Pop, true freshman Aedan McCarthy and Florida A&M transfer RJ Johnson III appear to be locked in a battle for the back-up job. McCarthy, an early enrollee, might’ve finished the game with a pick six, but had several nice throws throughout the day. Johnson III, if I had a vote, would probably be #2 at the moment, with him leading two scoring drives, including a 40-yard QB keeper. There’s still plenty of time to decide, but there was a lot to like about what we saw behind Watson today.

Ty Harding is back and ready to go

The redshirt senior receiver was set to be one of the best offensive weapons the Minutemen had last season before going down with an injury. While many were worried he might transfer out and start anew, he returned to Amherst and especially after today appears set for a big season. He looked as fast as ever, and connected well with whoever was throwing to him. A perfect 30-yard pitch and catch from Watson to Harding was one of the best plays on the day, which should have UMass fans excited at the prospect of those two increasing their connection together.

Tight ends stand out 

The Minutemen have struggled for years to maintain consistency and depth at the tight end position, but today showed that might be a thing of the past. According to Harasymiak, he thinks this group has a chance to be special. “That’s our best group,” said Harasmiak. “By far and away, they’re our most mature group, experienced group, they look like what you’re supposed to look like, as the five of them have done a really good job.” Those skills were on display all afternoon with the likes of Max Dowling, Owen Anderson, and Matt Ogunniyi all making an impact. Hopefully this group can continue to grow and be a presence in the offense next year.

Other than Raheim Sexil, the defensive backs have a mixed afternoon

Like the title says, Raheim Sexil, please stand up. The redshirt sophomore had not one, but two interceptions, with his second coming on a 30-yard pick six. The young gun looked more than capable at cornerback, and appeared to play with tremendous confidence. The rest of the group was up and down. While there were a few standout plays here and there, there was a lot of open space at times throughout the field, with big holes forming especially in the middle of the field. It felt like nearly every receiver had a catch today, and while that could be a matchup situation across different units, it felt like anyone was eligible to make an impact in the pass catching game.

Defensive line active up front

The Minutemen needed to retool their front seven and did the best they could addressing said issues this offseason. Aubrey Melvin, a redshirt freshman transfer from UConn, was highly disruptive upfront, as his massive 6’3, 300 pound frame was active in the trenches. Romando Johnson, a fellow redshirt freshman transfer from West Virginia, was also involved throughout the game, with UAlbany transfer Zakar Morris also a force. The running game was large and part not as active throughout the game due to the defensive line unit putting the stop to many explosive plays. The more this unit develops together this summer the better.

Special Teams limited, but proves ready when tagged in

Junior kicker Derek Morris went three for three in field goal opportunities, with his best being a 45-yarder right down the middle. He was relatively decent for the Minutemen last year, so if he can continue to improve that’ll be a massive boost. With Keegan Andrews graduating, a big leg at punter is certainly missing for UMass, though his replacement Edward Phillipson proved to show promise in his debut. The fellow Aussie had a booming 65-yard punt as his highlight of the day, along with a 54-yarder that was a difficult line drive to catch. Hopefully he won’t be as in service as last season, but if so, the Minutemen appear to be in capable hands.