FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Ok we got a ninth NESCAC game, then playoff eligibility and expansion of roster limits. The next battle, at some point in the future, is probably a 10th (non league) game- but why push the envelope on roster numbers now. Enjoy the concessions we have seen in the NESCAC, all of which were never expected by NESCAC pundits especially given the time frame in which these concessions were made. Take the W for now instead of demanding things and filing lawsuits.

If Trinity, Wes and Tufts want a higher ceiling they should lead a move reinstate the UAA Football alignment with UChicago, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western, Rochester, and Wash U.  Tufts and maybe Wes are actually more closely aligned with these UNIVERSITIES.

Why kill the golden goose with some hastily structured lawsuit. It's still the NESCAC folks and I wouldn't try to push on this now. Further, not a time to look for expansion as budgetary cuts are flying in the Ivies which means they are probably imminent in the NESCAC as well. I'd be more concerned about cuts at this point.

[TheBoyfromBrunswick]

Greetings all, I haven't been able to find much so I'm searching for answers here. Any updates on NESCAC alumni/transfers pursuing NFL or D1 dreams? D1 Camp season is in full swing so I hope someone has heard an update!

[Pat Coleman]

I'm not typically tracking such things super closely but I did see the other day a cornerbacks positional preview by Furman that did not give much of a chance for Wesley Abraham to contribute.

https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2025/8/12/football-furman-position-preview-cornerbacks.aspx

[lumbercat]

I am unaware of any transfers other than Abraham but I'm sure there must be others. Any boardsters care to post any NESCAC transfers they may be aware of ?

(The term 'boardster' reminds of NESCACMAN. He must be near the end of his vacation on the Jersey Shore. His return is no doubt imminent as preseason camps prepare to open)

[MIDDFORTHEWIN]

Greetings all, I haven't been able to find much so I'm searching for answers here. Any updates on NESCAC alumni/transfers pursuing NFL or D1 dreams? D1 Camp season is in full swing so I hope someone has heard an update!

I have a connection with a coach at Marist and in conversation just happened to hear some nice things about Will Aaronson the grad transfer guard from Wesleyan. Sounds like he's making a strong push at being a contributor for the Red Foxes this season

[lumbercat]

Thanks MID

[Nescacman]

We are officially 30 days away from the kick-off of the 2025 NESCAC football season...are you ready for some football?!? For those of you who are regular viewers, great seeing you all again. For those new to the program, welcome to the jungle! NESCACMAN in the house! We've been quite busy shining our 2025 championship trophy but we digress...

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for the "9 Weeks NESCAC Podcast" 2025 season preview featuring many, if not all, of the NESCAC HCOFs and some of the student-athletes that will make headlines this season. Should be fun...for those that want to rewind the 2024 season, you can check out our 2024 "9 Weeks NESCAC Podcast" on Spotify, Youtube, and Facebook. Last year was a lot of fun...this year promises to be even better!

Of course, we will also be presenting NESCACMAN's much anticipated season predictions, our weekly picks and spreads, weekly rankings, and of course our end of season awards. Along the way, you'll get some special features from the NESCACMAN network scattered throughout New England and Clinton.

Should be a very interesting season with no less than 6 of the teams starting new QBs and many All-NESCACers moving on due to graduation and transfer. We expect this season to be perhaps the most wide-open NESCAC season in recent memory. Can Wesleyan defend their first ever outright NESCAC Championship? Can UBates finally get over the hump and finish over .500 with their converted WR running the flex option offense? How will the Jumbo's perform in the post-Berluti era? Can Hartford State get back into contention with their new transfer QB via the Pony Express? How will Middlebury be able to protect QB Brian Moran behind a rebuilt offensive line? Will the Lord Mammoths offensive score more than 12 points a game switching to the triple option? Soon enough, we'll have answers to those questions...

NM   

[nescac1]

This year will be the true test for Nescacman's prognostication skills because outside of Trinity at (or at worst near) the top and probably the bottom two it truly does feel wildly unpredictable.

Is this triple-option Amherst thing a joke / speculation, or for real?  On the one hand their offense could hardly be any worse, but on the other, I don't really see the personnel on hand for that - unless they have brought in some real burners, there is to put it mildly not a lot of high-level speed or game-breaking talent in the offensive backfield, and while I like Marek Hill's potential I didn't really see him as a triple-option type of QB (though maybe he was in H.S. or something?).  And OL has not exactly been a strength for that program in recent years as well. One guy on Amherst who did look interesting to me was Christian Moore, who played some snaps on offense very late in the season.  I'd try to get him more involved offensively as a weapon in whatever scheme they utilize. 

[lumbercat]

Can't see Mills running the true pure Triple like Harriman did at Bates.- but who knows.
My guess is he's adjusting the offense for the talent he has and may incorporate some read option sets within his offense. I won't question Mills though, he's the best HC in the league. It will be interesting to see when they open at Bates.

[Nescacman]

Can't see Mills running the true pure Triple like Harriman did at Bates.- but who knows.
My guess is he's adjusting the offense for the talent he has and may incorporate some read option sets within his offense. I won't question Mills though, he's the best HC in the league. It will be interesting to see when they open at Bates.

UBates v. the Lord Mammoths is one of many interesting Week 1 tilts...one of the more important games for the Kitties in recent memory. Very important for them to come away with a win in game 1 at home against a team that they have historically had a lot of trouble with (the Kitties have only won 1 of their last 14 meetings since 2002 and have not won at home against the Lord Mammoths since 1999). If UBates (Lewiston Campus) hopes to get to 5 wins in 2025 and start moving the program to the next level, this is a "must-win" for them, IOO.

Of course, we will be focused on the opener in Middletown where the defending champion Cardinals will be hosting Middlebury. Should be a good one. Both teams will have question marks but they are both well-coached, have a track record of success, they are stacked with athletes on both sides of the ball, and always battle to the final whistle (and sometimes past it). Can't wait!

NM

[Nescacman]

I am unaware of any transfers other than Abraham but I'm sure there must be others. Any boardsters care to post any NESCAC transfers they may be aware of ?

(The term 'boardster' reminds of NESCACMAN. He must be near the end of his vacation on the Jersey Shore. His return is no doubt imminent as preseason camps prepare to open)

Appreciate the shout-out Lumber. As you and the other Boardsters know, summer is the season for trips to Exit Zero, Taylor Ham (NOT Pork Roll), Silver Queen Corn, The Stone Pony, Bar A, Tony Bologna's, and Joisey HS Football practice.

Looking forward to another exciting year in the "CAC"! I know you are excited about the Kitties...   

[unionpalooza]

Word out of the trinity camp is that Dinapoli is looking skinny. Look for drake bellisari to make a major impact this year

Spoke to disgraced Lehigh transfer offensive lineman, Robby Mandel, about the situation, said bellisari is "in the best shape of his life" and is "poised to be a bellcow" for this bantam offense

Why would slam a kid because he transferred and then get the school wrong to make yourself look even worse.

Disgraced is a term of endearment, no? And I'm pretty positive he transferred from Lehigh to trinity. You should probably get your facts straight buster

I have it right- don't be a clown.

Now we have it right

https://goleopards.com/sports/football/roster/robby-mandel/10023

Disgraced is not a phrase of endearment.

Dusty disappeared awfully quick.  Nothing says parent burner account more than a few posts hyping a kid and knocking his competition that quickly get deleted 

[NESCACFball24/7]

Greetings all, I haven't been able to find much so I'm searching for answers here. Any updates on NESCAC alumni/transfers pursuing NFL or D1 dreams? D1 Camp season is in full swing so I hope someone has heard an update!

Jordan Atkinson from trinity is supposed to be a decent contributor at Georgetown this year. Also heard Ty Richardson who transferred from Tufts is starting for UC Davis this year.

[Charlie]

Week one interesting match up will be Trinity at Colby. Colby has always played Trinity Strong and HC Cosgrove has kept all the games very close in the first half. I know the scores do not show this but just an obvious perspective. Colby as well as Middlebury has had the bend but dont break defense. They play cover 2 and sometimes cover 3 and make Trinity move the ball up the field and take away the deep threat. Trinity eventually gets impatient and pushes the deep ball ,  turns the ball over or settles for field goals. Eventually Trinity's talent laiden teams in the past secure the win. However with this year being the year of tranisition at many positions specifically QB ths could be trap game.

Trinity the last three years does not take what the defense gives them and trys to dictate the game. Howvever without the star studded WR corp of the past could be an intersting twist. The fear I would think is that there are no scrimmages or preseason games , traveling away team chemistry questions could this be a trap game for Trinity. if so would turn this years standings upside down.

[Nescacman]

Interesting news out of Pats camp...

https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-sign-former-delaware-phil-lutz

Would be nice to see Lutz make the team, especially so close to home (another Joisey Boy)...