Five Ivy League Schools Achieve Early Victories in the 2025 Season

Ivy League Football: Dartmouth Upsets No. 23 New Hampshire in Season Opener

The 2025 Ivy League football season kicked off with a series of compelling contests on September 19th and 20th, culminating in a notable upset as Dartmouth defeated No. 23 New Hampshire. The league posted a 5-3 record showcasing early-season strength and exciting performances.

dartmouth Shocks New Hampshire

In a highly anticipated in-state rivalry game, Dartmouth secured a 27-20 victory over the No.23 ranked New Hampshire Wildcats. Quarterback Grayson Saunier orchestrated a late-game drive, completing a crucial 48-yard pass, while running back D.J. Crowther delivered a standout performance with 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns.The Big Green defense sealed the win with two interceptions, frustrating the Wildcats’ offense.

Dominant Performances Across the League

dartmouth wasn’t the onyl Ivy League team to shine. Brown registered a resounding 46-0 shutout victory against Georgetown. Quarterback James Murphy threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns, supported by a powerful rushing attack led by Qwentin brown’s 69 yards and two scores. The Brown defense was equally impressive, forcing four turnovers, including a combined six sacks from Tommy Dunn and Ike Odimegwu.

Harvard also delivered a dominant performance, routing Stetson 59-7. Jaden Craig efficiently managed the Crimson offense, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns, with seven different players reaching the endzone. The Crimson amassed nearly 500 yards of total offense, demonstrating a balanced attack.

Close Contests and Hard-Fought Battles

Several games were decided by narrow margins. Penn edged out Stonehill 24-21, thanks to a dramatic 45-yard field goal by freshman Mason Walters with just 15 seconds remaining. Yale secured a 28-10 win over Holy Cross, fueled by Josh Pitsenberger’s impressive 127 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Cornell narrowly lost a defensive battle to UAlbany, falling 13-10. Despite a strong defensive effort limiting UAlbany to 3.8 yards per play, Cornell could not overcome a tough Great Danes squad.

Weekend results at a glance

Here’s a summary of the weekend’s Ivy League football action:

Date	Game	Result
September 19	Lafayette vs. Columbia	Lafayette 38, Columbia 14
september 20	Brown vs. Georgetown	brown 46, Georgetown 0
September 20	Yale vs. Holy Cross	Yale 28, Holy Cross 10
September 20	San Diego vs. Princeton	San Diego 42, Princeton 35
September 20	Penn vs. Stonehill	penn 24, Stonehill 21
September 20	Dartmouth vs. #23 New Hampshire	Dartmouth 27, New Hampshire 20
September 20	Harvard vs.Stetson	Harvard 59, Stetson 7
September 20	UAlbany vs. Cornell	UAlbany 13, Cornell 10

Did You Know? Over the past 20 seasons, Ivy League teams have a winning record in season openers, boasting 98 wins against 62 losses.

The Enduring Legacy of Ivy League Football

ivy League football boasts a rich history, marked by tradition, academic excellence, and intense rivalries. While the league doesn’t participate in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs, its games continue to draw passionate fan bases and produce talented players who frequently enough go on to achieve success in various fields. The league’s focus on the student-athlete experience remains a core value, differentiating it from other collegiate football conferences. According to the NCAA, participation in college football continues to grow, with over 749,000 student-athletes competing across all three divisions as of 2023. NCAA Football

Frequently Asked Questions

What did you think of Dartmouth’s stunning victory? Do you foresee any other upsets as the Ivy League season unfolds?

What role does the absence of athletic scholarships play in the composition of Ivy League football teams?

Harvard Crimson Football: Dominating the Gridiron

Harvard kicked off the 2025 season with a resounding 35-14 victory over Georgetown. Quarterback Charles Patterson threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing a potent passing attack. This win marks a strong start for the Crimson, who are aiming for their third consecutive Ivy League championship.Key players to watch include wide receiver, Marcus Bell, and linebacker, David Chen.

* Key Stats: PattersonS completion percentage was an impressive 72%, and the crimson defense forced three turnovers.

* Ivy League Implications: This early win positions Harvard as a frontrunner in the conference.

* Upcoming Matchups: A challenging road game against Yale looms in November.

Yale Bulldogs: A Resurgent Offence

Yale secured a 28-21 win against Fordham, fueled by a revitalized running game. Running back, Jamal Williams, rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a workhorse for the Bulldogs. The Yale defense also stepped up,limiting Fordham’s explosive offense. This victory signals a potential turnaround for a program looking to reclaim its place among the Ivy League elite.

* Offensive Line Performance: Yale’s offensive line demonstrated meaningful enhancement, creating ample running lanes for Williams.

* Defensive Standouts: Linebacker, Emily Carter, recorded 12 tackles and a sack.

* Conference Outlook: Yale’s performance suggests they will be a competitive force in the Ivy League this season.

Princeton Tigers: A Statement Win Against Monmouth

Princeton delivered a convincing 42-17 victory over Monmouth, demonstrating their offensive firepower. The Tigers’ balanced attack, featuring both a strong running game and an efficient passing game, proved too much for Monmouth to handle. Sophomore quarterback,Ben Harris,had a standout performance,throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

* Special Teams Impact: Princeton’s special teams unit contributed significantly, with a blocked punt leading to a touchdown.

* Coaching Strategy: Head Coach, John Smith, emphasized a fast-paced, aggressive offensive approach.

* Road to the Championship: Princeton’s early success sets the stage for a potential championship run.

Brown Bears: Upset Victory Over Rhode Island

brown pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Rhode Island 24-21 in a nail-biting contest. A late-game field goal secured the victory for the Bears, showcasing their resilience and composure under pressure. The Brown defense played a crucial role, holding Rhode Island’s high-powered offense in check during the final quarter.

* Game-Changing Play: The late-game field goal was made by freshman kicker, Sarah Johnson.

* Defensive strategy: Brown’s defensive coordinator implemented a zone blitz scheme that effectively disrupted Rhode Island’s passing attack.

* Momentum Shift: This upset win provides a significant boost in morale for the Brown football program.

Dartmouth Big Green: Dominating Performance Against Columbia

Dartmouth started their season strong with a 38-10 win against Columbia. The Big Green’s defense was particularly impressive, forcing four turnovers and limiting Columbia to just 250 yards of total offense. Running back, Michael Davis, had a breakout performance, rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns.

* Turnover Margin: Dartmouth’s +3 turnover margin was a key factor in their victory.

* Defensive Line Pressure: The Dartmouth defensive line consistently pressured the Columbia quarterback, resulting in multiple sacks.

* Early Season Ranking: This dominant win could propel Dartmouth into the national rankings.

Understanding Ivy League Football: Key Differences

Ivy League football differs significantly from other Division I conferences.

* No Athletic Scholarships: Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships, meaning players are admitted based on their academic merit.

* Emphasis on Academics: The primary focus at Ivy League institutions is on academics,with athletics playing a supporting role.

* Unique Conference Structure: The Ivy League has a relatively small conference footprint, with eight member institutions.

* Past Rivalries: Long-standing rivalries, such as Harvard-