Stonehill Will Feature Experienced Quarterback O’Connell

I’ve seen Stonehill picked 8th. It’s possible. As Coach Masella said, “The NEC is a funny thing.” I’m not sure even he knew just how funny it is.

But what I’ve seen out of the Skyhawks so far leads me to think this is an underrated team heading into 2026. Coach Eli Gardner knows how to recruit to Stonehill and what type of player seems to , well, work in Shovel Town. I think last year when I was bullish, I was a year early. I like this team.

At the center of this optimism is quarterback Jack O'Connell, a hyper-accurate passer who is a team captain in 2026. In 2025, O'Connell started all 12 games and put up numbers, throwing for 1,875 yards—the eighth-most in a single season in program history—and 15 touchdowns.

He currently ranks ninth in school history with 2,555 career passing yards and 10th with 23 career passing touchdowns. Whether he’s orchestrating a game-winning 34-yard touchdown pass against Maine with under two minutes remaining, or putting up 269 yards and three scores against Lafayette, O'Connell is a proven playmaker who anchors this offense and should take a step forward with a second year in the offensive system.

The Skyhawks possess a dynamic weapon to pair with O'Connell. Versatile receiver in Torrance Washington returns. He’s proven to be a reliable target and explosive playmaker. Across 11 games in 2025, he tied for the team lead with 33 receptions for 298 yards and two touchdowns.

His impact goes beyond just catching passes; he is a threat in the return game as well, having logged multiple kickoff and punt returns throughout the season, including a 48-yard kick return against Lafayette.

On the other side of the ball, the defense is bolstered by returning veteran Mo Seide. Across his 24-game career at Stonehill, Seide has been a steady presence, amassing 59 total tackles (40 solo, 19 assisted) and proving his ability to disrupt the passing game with 17 pass defenses and five career interceptions. While his 2025 campaign was limited to four games, his ability to anchor the secondary (4 picks in 2024) will help the defense to improve in 2026.

Look for the Skyhawks to exceed expectations.