Ivy League football is set to kick off this weekend with an exciting lineup of games that highlights the league’s competitive spirit and recent success. On Friday evening, the action begins with Columbia visiting Princeton for a nationally televised matchup on ESPNU, while Brown takes on the No. 8 team, Rhode Island, in the Governor’s Cup.
As the season gets underway, the Ivy League programs have made a strong impression, with Harvard recently entering the national rankings at No. 25 in the Stats Perform media poll. All three programs—Harvard, Dartmouth, and Yale—have started the season on a high note, boasting 2-0 records and gathering votes for further recognition.
In recent years, the Ivy League has showcased a robust performance in non-league play, achieving an impressive 8-4 record so far this season. Since 2017, the league’s non-conference record stands at a notable 127-53, reflecting a winning percentage of .706. This elevated level of play was illustrated by the Ivies finishing last season at 16-8, marking the 12th time in 14 years they ended the season with a .500 or better record.
The league has experienced a remarkable trend with the past two seasons concluding with three Ivy League champions—a feat that has only occurred six times in the league’s history. Over the last eight years, a diversity of six different programs has shared the glory of claiming at least one Ivy title.
As for individual achievements, six Ivy players have earned spots in the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000, signifying their standout performances: Dartmouth’s TE Chris Corbo, Harvard’s DB Ty Bartrum and QB Jaden Craig, Penn’s OL Netinho Olivieri and WR Jared Richardson, and Yale’s RB Josh Pitsenberger. Additionally, three Ivy players—Corbo, Richardson, and Craig—are listed among the Top 10 FCS prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.
In a groundbreaking move for the league, the Ivy League will also begin participating in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs this season, a decision ratified by the Ivy League Council of Presidents in late 2024. This marks a significant shift for the conference and offers exciting prospects for its teams and athletes.
As the weekend unfolds, several Ivy League players are not just making waves in their games but also finding themselves in top statistical rankings in the nation. For instance, Brown leads the nation with the fewest penalties per game, while other teams like Dartmouth and Harvard showcase formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.
With the launch of the season promising thrilling matchups and showcasing top talent, fans are eagerly anticipating the action on the field as Ivy League football sets the stage for a dynamic and competitive season ahead.