LIU Will Need a Fast Start in 2026

Credit: Daniela Bedoya

After beating Eastern Michigan in 2025, the Sharks looked like the class of the NEC and suddenly became the favorites to win the league title. That didn’t happen. LIU lost the next four games and, hampered by injuries, dropped the first two conference games to Stonehill and Mercyhurst.

They’ll be able to do it if they can stay healthy, especially at the quarterback position. They like to use both Luca Stanzani and Ethan Greenwood, and with both players coming back, the Sharks will be on the attack offensively. They use the quarterbacks as runners and passers. Greenwood could be the best athlete on the entire team.

Defensively, Trey Watkins is among the returners. He’ll be one of the favorites to win the NEC Defensive Player of the Year. He racked up 51 tackles last year (8 tackles against Eastern Michigan) and actually had an argument for NEC Defensive Player of the Year last season.

The great thing about Greenwood and Watkins returning is that both tested the transfer portal and felt their best move was to stay home. Recruiting is still the lifeblood of college football, but re-recruiting your players in this era is vital. LIU has been able to do that.

They’ll face a lot of adversity with some tough games early in the season including two FBS games, but once they hit the meat of the season they’ll have to be ready to hit the ground running, injuries or not. They were probably historically unlucky last year. Let’s hope lightning doesn’t strike twice in New York.