NEC Football Power Rankings Week 2: Mulligan!
There’s no point in doing power rankings in week 1; that’s just your season predictions. For the NEC, in a lot of ways, there’s not always a ton of value in doing Week 2 power rankings, either.
The membership of our league was not upset, nor did it pull any upsets; everything went pretty much chalk with one exception- S&P+ had New Haven, a school playing their first Division I football game with a new team as a road favorite against Marist. Just pointing that out to be truthful. I think it’s not a huge stretch to say that context matters and whatever metrics go into S&P+ create a strong, fun system. That said, you can’t draw on much of New Haven’s production or performance in prior seasons given both the transition and the team’s lightning-fast rebuilding effort. So we’ll chalk it up as a possible upset, but realistically, I’m not real sure I’d put a ton of stock into that one.
So there’s not too much movement here, but here we go: our power rankings after Week 1.
Duquesne
Duquesne had a tough first game against in-city rival (they call it the City Game, after all) Pitt in front of 53,006 fans. That’s actually more than the Dukes saw whenever they opened up the season against Florida State several years ago, but that makes a lot of sense. Not only were Pitt fans hyped up to see Duquesne, the Dukes faithful didn’t have much of a journey to go on a road trip, either. There was kind of a buzz around the game and in the press box opinion seemed fairly split as to whether or not Duquesne could muddy up the game with their offensive and defensive lines, or if Pitt was just too much for the Dukes to handle.
In the end, it was definitely the latter. The Dukes fell 61-9, but they were very competitive in the first quarter and Pitt certainly got off to a slow start. The offensive line wasn’t able to stay on the field with the Pitt pass rush or run stuffers, but Joey Isabella certainly handled himself well with over 100 yards through the air, Ty Riddell showed some promise with a great deep ball when he had the time to throw, and Jack Dunkley had some big moments from an athleticism standpoint. Point being, we’re not penalizing the Dukes for this one. But we will not tweet for them to be ranked this week.
Central Connecticut State
The Blue Devils had an in-state opponent of their own. While they got on the board first, they weren’t able to keep pace with what is expected to be a very good UConn team. Maybe the most troubling news is that Elijah Howard was on crutches on the sidelines during this game. Rob Gullo at the New Britain Herald tweeted out that it was a calf injury and that he’s been dinged up since camp. We do not speculate on injuries, but certainly hope Elijah is feeling better and is ready to go this week.
Robert Morris
We’re giving Bobby Mo a little bit of a bump northward here as they were able to hang with a West Virginia team for a half (heading into the locker room at 10-3) and the defense that we hoped for out of the Colonials seemed to be present. There’s been a lot of coaching turnover for Robert Morris, but we liked the promotion of Coach Makrinos to defensive coordinator and oftentimes the problem against FBS teams (and especially P4 teams) for FCS teams is depth more than first string talent. That seemed to be the case as the Colonials might have gotten a little gassed later on as the game got out of hand. This is a West Virginia team welcoming back a previous head coach, so we won’t know exactly what they’ve got until later in the season. Still, it was a solid first half performance and enough to get a bump up here.
Mercyhurst
I’m not all-in on the Lake Show after one week, but it would feel pretty criminal not to at least give them a few spots up after playing what was one of the most competitive games for the conference in week 1- in a situation where they were definitely expected to be playing up a few levels. The Lakers hung with the Youngstown State Penguins and showed off new wide receiver Dylan Evans, who caught 7 passes and looked like yet another weapon at receiver for Mercyhurst. Defensively, they hung well with well-regarded offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s first outing in Youngstown, although Gino Leone tells us that it may have been a somewhat vanilla gameplan. In any case, the Lakers were probably a handful of miscues away from winning this game. They’ve got a lot of tough road games ahead, but we’ll be in town to see them take on New Haven this Saturday.
Long Island
You just can’t take that much from a game against Florida with 89,000+ fans in The Swamp at night. You just can’t. The negative here for the Sharks from a ranking perspective is that we didn’t really see much to tell us who they are this season yet. Stanzani and Greenwood weren’t able to get much going through the air, and Ingram and Ross pretty much split the tailback carries. Greenwood wasn’t the same weapon on the ground against a top-15 team as he is against more reasonable competition. Deion Richardson had a 28 yard catch, but other than that it was tough going for the Sharks and we’ll have a better chance to truly evaluate them next week against Eastern Michigan. Don’t consider this the Sharks dropping from the preseason so much as getting a better idea of some of the other competition and some more standout performances from them. Teams moved up; the Sharks didn’t really get knocked down.
Wagner
The Seahawks opened up a new and improved stadium for Kansas on a weeknight and the atmosphere and talent from the other side was always going to be a little much to handle. We did get an idea on Wagner’s QB situation (it looks like it’ll be R-Fr Jack Stevens) and a viral interception came of the game from Jayden Brown. What did we say last year- the NEC is the Conference of Insane Interceptions. I’m not really convinced that there’s much to go on from the Seahawks offensively, but this might be an opportunistic team on Grymes Hill as Wagner did win the TO battle at 2-0 against Kansas.
Stonehill
The Skyhawks barely made it to their game (reportedly, they got a flat tire and were almost late) and that might have had an impact offensively. Defensively, they were stout as expected, giving up only one touchdown (they surrendered a field goal and the offense gave up a safety). A 12-7 win is a tough way to lose in week one, but there were bright spots here. Charles Battaglia was as good as hoped for with 9 tackles, and Jack O’Connell was 30-39 through the air. Offensively, they’ll need to turn those completions into yards (212 through the air for O’Connell) and points. It’s not where we hoped Stonehill would start on week one, but it’s a long season.
New Haven
New Haven hung with Marist in their first game in Division I and, much like Mercyhurst, had opportunities to win the game that weren’t able to be capitalized on, especially on special teams. You make your biggest improvement from Week 1 to Week 2, and gametime decision Zaon Laney will hopefully be healthy heading into Mercyhurst this weekend as we’re expecting rainy, grind-it-out weather up on Lake Erie. A.J. Duffy absolutely looks like the real deal, but we’re in a kind of wait-and-see mode on the Chargers until this Saturday when we get a real data point for them against Erie. The Chargers certainly look like they’ve got a playmaker under center, and I do not think next week is at all out of reach for this team.
Saint Francis
Saint Francis headed into Louisiana-Monroe and after a weather delay weren’t able to get off the blocks offensively. Geno Calgaro had an outstanding performance with 12 tackles, and the Red Flash were able to block two extra points. Unfortunately, the longest play for the other side of the ball was 14 yards, and while the Red Flash were able to go into half time at 10-0, Louisiana-Monroe is not traditionally the same level as a West Virginia and so you have to adjust the credit that you give the defense accordingly. Still, just like every season in the portal era, the Red Flash lost plenty and were still able to rebuild their defense. Hopefully, we get a little bit of a better idea of what to expect offensively next week before they open up the NEC season on the road in Hard Hittin’ New Britain.
NEC Football Preview and Predictions 2025: “The NEC is a Funny Thing.”
We’re going to try and provide predictions for the order of finish in this preview, but as a sitting NEC head coach once told me, “The NEC is a funny thing.” It was the first interview I’d ever done as a media member covering the league, and for the time I’ve been covering it has been a repeated statement I’ve made, most obviously when Central Connecticut State- picked last in 2024- won the league and challenged Rhode Island on the road in the first round of the playoffs.
If you bought the magazine, please don’t worry- this is more of a primer on the season than the full blown deep dive you’re enjoying as a reader. However, I noticed some errors in other previews and felt a set of corrections was necessary as a result. The league is kind of hard to follow casually; if you’re not embedded in it, you’ll miss transfers and graduations. It’s part of what makes it so much fun.
1. Duquesne
CCSU was picked first in the coaches preseason poll, but in our NEC preview magazine we picked Duquesne first after the meticulous research and coach interviews we conducted with the schools over the offseason. There’s just very few questions with Duquesne. We wondered about the QB situation with the graduation of Darius Perrantes- easily the best QB in the league last year and the likely Offensive Player of the Year prior to a poor performance in the season finale in a loss to CCSU- but the Dukes were able to reload here. Ty Riddell, a former SoCon champion, joins the team as a heavily experienced transfer. The Dukes lost RB JaMario Clements in the transfer portal to the P4 at Wake Forest, but they’ve got Taj Butts and Offensive Rookie of the Year Shawn Solomon available. It barely matters who has the rock, though, because they return 5 linemen with significant starting experience and will ave the best offensive line in the league without question. On the DL, they return A.J. Ackerman and Jack Dunkley. We have two all-NEC Blitz first teamers on the back end with Antonio Epps and DJ Cerisier. We had some questions at linebacker, but transfer Tyson Meiguez has gotten rave reviews and the Dukes should be favored in every NEC game this season.
2. CCSU
The defending champions were picked first by the coaches, but they’re actually something of a wildcard. They return Offensive Player of the Year Elijah Howard, so the offense should still be potent. They’ve actually added here as well, with WR Donovan Wadley transferring in from Merrimack. Wadley is the former NEC Offensive Player of the Year from 2023, so the Blue Devils now have the past two OPOYS in the year at QB Brady Olsen’s disposal. Olsen is solid and experienced, even if he’s not in the conversation for the best QB in the league. The real trouble for the Blue Devils is what they’ve lost in the trenches, with most of their vaunted OL graduating or transferring- it was easily the best in the league last season and a huge part of their success. The issue is only compounded by OL coach Jeff Ambrosie departing for Syracuse. They’ve also lost the two leading pass rushers on the defensive line and their prduction will be difficult to replace even with Derek Berlitz coming in from WVU. Christopher Jean in the secondary was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, and the linebacker corps is led by Jack Stoll, but this is still a unit that has to replace Defensive Player of the Year Kimal Clark although they added a ton of transfer depth to try and do that. It’s hard to know what the Blue Devils will be without the same line play as they enjoyed last year, and they did benefit from a lot of bounces their way last season. I have them at second, but this is a competitive league and close losses could easily be coming their way if they lose some of their turnover production.
3. LIIU
The Sharks are likely going to become a bigger force in the league moving forward as the program opted in to revenue sharing- one of 3 NEC football squads to do so. They return all purpose threat Ethan Greenwood, rushed and threw for over 900 yards last season despite earning the starting job midway through the year. The Sharks were historically unlucky last season, losing close games to open 0-6. Greenwood took the reigns and the team led in the rest of their games in the 4th quarter and went 4-2. They’ll still use two QBs this season and run the most unique and unconventional offense in the NECC. They’re difficult to prepare for and talented, but will have a lot of new starters. They lost 4 OL this offseason to the FBS- OL coach Ian Pace does a tremendous job here and recruits as well as he coaches. On the defensive side of the ball, DQ Watkins, Rafael Fasolino, and Todd Bowels are all returning players that we love at each level (Edge, LB, DB respectively). The Sharks might actually surprise people on defense this season and with Ethan Greenwood as the most dynamic player in the NEC, they’ll challenge for the title.
4. Stonehill
Stonehill?! Everyone else has them picked 8th, including the league Coaches Poll. I like Stonehill because my philosophy has always been that the most important metric in college football- and particularly in the transfer era- is returning production and continuity. The Skyhawks have more of that than anyone else in the NEC. The trouble is that they had a poor showing last year with only one win. The coaching staff responded by changing things up in the offseason, revamping the strength and conditioning program and accordingly the Skyhawks set over half of their 30 strength records they track this offseason. Charles Battaglia at LB and Mo Seide at DB lead what should be a much improved defense- probably by more than a touchdown per game. The offense returns two solid RBs and WR Brigham Dunphy, but the QB situation took the entire season in 2024 to resolve. Hopefully, this is now settled with Jack O’Connell, and if so Stonehill will have a big turnaround. It’s also worth noting that they’ve defeated Duquesne 2 of the last 3 years.
5. RMU
RMU is the wildcard this season. They were hit harder by coaching turnover (including two coaches in the past month) and the transfer portal than anyone. Noah Robinson, the star WR and engine of this offense, transferred to Tennessee Tech and was the biggest loss, but they lost effectively the entire RB room and QB Anthony Chiccit to Temple. The OL was injured in spring and didn’t get as much work as you’d hope. Defensively, they lost some of the best players in the NEC and will have to rebuild at almost every position. Acrobatic viral sensation Rob Carter Jr. graduated and is currently in the CFL. RMU is skilled at building through the portal and has done it at a scholarship disadvantage in the Big South-OVC before, but this might be a down year with the coaching turnover getting settled still.
6. Wagner
The Seahawks should be improved in 2025 but face a logjam ahead of them. They’ll be running two quarterbacks out on the field against Kansas (that’s Jordan Barton and Jack Stevens) and will have to decide between young potential and JUCO experience at the position. WR Jaylen Bonelli departed in the portal, but Terree McDonald should be able to step into the lead receiver role. Brady Anderson anchors the offensive line and Logan Barnes will be a force on the defensive line. It’s not really a question of if Wagner has improved- they’re more talented and deeper offensively than they’ve been since Coach Masella began rebuilding his alma mater- but they may have been hit harder in the transfer portal over the years then you’d like to see from a contender. They’re capable of surprising anyone, though.
7. Saint Francis
This is Saint Francis’s last season in the NEC before they drop to Division III and the PAC, which does include perennial powers like Grove City and especially Carnegie Mellon, which they’ll have to find a way to recruit successfully against when they’re at the same level. Coach Villarial is one of the best to ever coach in the NEC, and they’ve only lost the usual amount of production that they go through every offseason. We should note here that Markell Holman has departed in the transfer portal despite some reporting to the contrary and Andrew Vines, a DB, was listed at RB in the spring and may be switching positions this season. The Red Flash will lean on three QBs with starting experience, an experienced OL, and Geno Calgaro and Trey McLeer on defense (LB and DB respectively). The Red Flash always seem to have players ready to step into the voids filled by transferring players, but it’s hard to know what to expect with the talent dropoff they’ll likely start to experience with the transition down to D3.
8. Mercyhurst
The Lakers have begun to build a Division I caliber program after their transition from the PSAC. They return the best QB in the NEC, Adam Urena, RB Brian Trobel, and an experienced WR corps including Rylan Davison and Adam’s brother, Austin Urena. The issue for the Lakers is that they’re replacing an OL and good DL, including Camden White. While they return a lot in the receiving room, WR Cameron Barmore transferred into the Big 12 with Arizona where he’ll play tight end. Barmore is a legit pro prospect and a big loss for the Lakers. When you have a quarterback, you have a chance, but the Lakers are still building up to the level of the rest of the conference.
NEC Releases Coaches Poll
The official NEC Coaches Poll just dropped.
I’m always the first to say it- those guys are the experts, not me. But football is fun, and so are friendly disagreements. Let’s compare the coaches poll and our rankings and then dive into four places where our opinions differ.
2025 NEC Preseason Coaches Poll
CCSU (5)
Duquesne (2)
Robert Morris (1)
LIUWagner
Saint Francis U
Mercyhurst
Stonehill
And here’s how we see it:
NEC Blitz Rankings
Duquesne
CCSU
LIU
Stonehill
RMU
Wagner
Saint Francis U
Mercyhurst
Let’s get to the meat of it.
1. Duquesne at #1?
We like the Dukes to be at the top of the conference, while the coaches picked them at second with two first place votes. The Dukes feel that they have five starting offensive linemen are back. That alone should send a message. Jack Dunkley and A.J. Ackerman return up front on defense, and on the back end, DJ Cerisier and Antonio Epps keep things locked. Add in Joey Isabella at wideout and Taj Butts in the backfield? There are questions for the Dukes, but there are a lot more answers than unknowns.
We had a lot of questions about the linebackers heading into practices this summer, but word out of camp is clear: they’ve reloaded at that spot and will be just fine. Duquesne is the most complete team on paper and deserves the top spot.
2. CCSU: Still Dangerous, Still Some Holes
CCSU deserves their place among the league’s elite, and we like them as a close second place, while the coaches have them favored to repeat. Donovan Wadley’s arrival bolsters the receiver corps, and there’s transfer talent across the board, especially in the secondary to replace Kimal Clark. Elijah Howard remains the best offensive player in the league until proven otherwise, and there’s a good stable of backs behind in for depth.
But replacing most of that offensive line and the OL coach? That’s not a small thing. On the defensive front, Jalen Howard and Dan Toatley are gone. Those are huge losses. While there’s a lot of solid talent we’ve heard great things from coming in, the Blue Devils still have to find a way to replace the NEC Defensive Player of the Year, and while Christopher Jean is a good answer, it’s still a big question. Derek Berlitz is a great get from WVU, but CCSU has more to replace than people realize.
3. Stonehill Deserves More Respect
This was the real head-scratcher. Last in the coaches poll? I guess I get it, but if you look past the record there’s some good things here. Stonehill returns a lot of pieces, and that matters in a conference with razor-thin margins. The Skyhawks had a great offseason in the weight room, and they showed fight last year even against the league's top teams. They’ve got a shot to open up at 1-0 against Sacred Heart, and doing that might be enough to give them the confidence to find their way through league play. On one hand, I think I might be a year early on sounding the alarm for the Skyhawks. On the other hand, as a head coach in this league once told me: The NEC is a funny thing.
They might not win the league, but they’re a long way from the bottom.
4. RMU: One Big Mystery
We’re all for bold picks, but a first-place vote for Robert Morris? It’s hard to know what team you’re voting for. Coaching turnover, roster overhaul, and a rebuilt skill position group make this team a big question mark. RMU has experience reloading through the transfer portal and it’s certainly within the realm of possibility that they’ll be in the top tier of the league, with the RMU vs. Duquesne game at Joe Walton determining the fate of the league. It’s possible, but it’s so hard to work out where the standouts for the Colonials are with all of the big losses. Players always step up, but I’m hesitating until I get more information.
They’ll be very strong on defense again with Coach Makrinos becoming the new defensive coordinator, but they’re breaking in new backs, receivers, and a tight end. There's talent in the DB room and at linebacker, but far too many unknowns to justify a top-3 spot.
Bonus: Stop Snubbing Urena
We get it. Picking preseason awards is tough. But once again, the league has opted to not name Adam Urena to the all-NEC team. That’s a mistake that’s going to age badly. You’ve just given one of the NEC’s top returning signal-callers a giant chip on his shoulder. Best of luck with that.
The season can’t get here fast enough.
RMU Lands First 2026 Commit, Russell Holmes Jr.
Robert Morris just kicked off its 2026 recruiting class. And the first commit for 2026 was also the first RMU commit for Coach Derrick Nsubuga.
That’s a big kickoff.
Russell Holmes Jr. is a 6’1”, 215-pound edge threat out of Lansdale Catholic (PA), who locked in his D1 future with the Colonials after an offer he couldn’t refuse. Holmes had interest elsewhere. Wheeling University offered, and he made the rounds on the local camp circuit, with the expectation that more opportunities will or would have come. Those phone calls will probably still arrive, but this past week RMU sealed the deal with the Keystone State standout.
From the jump, Holmes says Coach Zoo- that is, Coach Nsubuga- was relentless. “Coach Zoo stayed in contact the most throughout the whole process,” Holmes told NEC Blitz. “I came out to camp in late June, their last camp of the year. I knew I had to ball out- and I did. That led to more recruiting attention and eventually the offer.”
That offer moment? Pure cinema. And the pun is very much intended.
“We had just gotten into Coach Zoo’s office for a presentation,” Holmes said. “There was a picture on the projector of me and two other guys visiting. He said he’s trying to build the Avengers and that we’re the three guys he needed. Then he told us the other two were offered- ‘and now you, Russ, have received an offer from Robert Morris University. Clap it up for him.’ Everyone in the room clapped. It was a great moment to experience.”
Coach Zoo arrived this offseason from Utah State, where he served as a graduate assistant. The Colonials faced a lot of turnover this offseason both on the field and on the sidelines. There’s a ton of new faces out in Moon Township with the expectation that there will also be a new special teams coach, as the Colonials will lose Bart Tanski to Kent State. Of those coaches, people in the know have repeatedly brought up Coach Zoo to us as a recruiter and a high energy presence in the offices. It really feels like the Colonials unearthed a diamond here.
As for Holmes, RMU gets a versatile outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid who patterns his game after the likes of Nolan Smith, Haason Reddick, Dylan Stewart, and Collin Simmons. Fast, physical, disruptive—he’s coming to get quarterbacks.
His visit to campus sealed it: “There was just so much love and support from the coaching staff and players. I enjoyed the facilities, the environment- it just felt like the right fit.”
The 2026 class will continue to be built up until the opening whistle of the season. But it’s a good feeling to get on the board, and with Holmes, the Colonials have done just that.
NEC Blitz Unveils Our 2025 All-NEC First and Second Teams
PITTSBURGH, PA – NEC Blitz is proud to release our inaugural 2025 Preseason All-NEC Football Teams, showcasing the league’s top players. Featured in the NEC Blitz 2025 magazine, this elite lineup previews the Northeast Conference season, providing a watchlist for fans and analysts. Both magazine cover athletes, Adam Urena and Zaon Laney, are featured on the first team.
2025 Preseason All-NEC Team:
First Team Offense:
QB: Adam Urena (Mercyhurst)
RB: Elijah Howard (CCSU)
RB: Zaon Laney (New Haven)
WR: Joey Isabella (Duquesne)
WR: Donovan Wadley (CCSU)
TE: Noah Canty (Duquesne)
OL: Brian Beidatsch Jr (Duquesne)
OL: Michael Fallah (Duquesne)
OL: Donnie Hardin (LIU)
OL: Isaiah DeLoatch (CCSU)
OL: Brady Anderson (Wagner)
Second Team Offense:
QB: Ethan Greenwood (LIU)
RB: Brian Trobel (Mercyhurst)
RB: Taj Butts (Duquesne)
WR: Teree McDonald (Wagner)
WR: Brigham Dunphy (Stonehill)
WR: Rylan Davison (Mercyhurst)
OL: Cameron McLaurin (Duquesne)
OL: AlecZander McCoy (CCSU)
OL: Mofe Adewole (RMU)
OL: Gary Satterwhite III (Duquesne)
OL: Connor Van Tassell (Saint Francis)
First Team Defense:
DL: A.J. Ackerman (Duquesne)
DL: Jack Dunkley (Duquesne)
DL: DQ Watkins (LIU)
DL: Logan Barnes (Wagner)
LB: Geno Calgaro (Saint Francis)
LB: Charles Battaglia (Stonehill)
LB: Malachi Wright (CCSU)
DB: DJ Cerisier (Duquesne)
DB: Christopher Jean (CCSU)
DB: Antonio Epps (Duquesne)
DB: Mo Seide (Stonehill)
Second Team Defense:
DL: Sharod Watkins (CCSU)
DL: PJ Williams (Stonehill)
DL: Jonas King (Mercyhurst)
DL: Zack Athy (Stonehill)
LB: Rafael Fasolino (LIU)
LB: Jack Stoll (CCSU)
LB: Jordan Nelson (RMU)
DB: Trey McLeer (Saint Francis)
DB: Dylan Merrell (LIU)
DB: Jordan Irvine (Stonehill)
DB: Todd Bowles Jr. (LIU)
First Team Special Teams:
K: Jayson Jenkins (RMU)
P: Will Lynch (LIU)
AP: Ethan Greenwood (LIU)
Selected by NEC Blitz, this team predicts 2025 potential, including New Haven’s FCS transition with Zaon Laney. Full analysis of the schools and players is in the NEC Blitz 2025 magazine, available at NECBlitz.com and Amazon.com.
Follow @NECBlitz on Twitter for season updates and join the NEC conversation.
Plenty of Reps, Real Results: RMU Mega Camp Delivers for WPIAL Talent
School is still in session.
The first Saturday of June usually signals the start of summer break. For high school football players in Western Pennsylvania (that’s a proper noun), it was more than the last week of school.
It was an opportunity.
RMU hosted its Mega Camp on June 1, and by all accounts, the event lived up to its name. Five FBS programs were in attendance, but RMU was the only NEC team on-site. That gave them the advantage of getting a firsthand look at the region’s top talent, with no other conference rivals on the gridiron. The early evaluations (and some early offers) might be the difference in recruiting down the line.
Among the biggest winners was Kaiyen Mbandi, a versatile lineman from Gateway High School in Monroeville. Just a short drive across the city from RMU’s Moon Township campus, Mbandi didn’t waste the chance to showcase what he’s been building in the offseason.
“The camp was great. I loved it there and I loved competing!” Mbandi told NEC Blitz. “It was really a product of all the training I’ve been doing. During the one-on-ones, I really showed my versatility by dominating at all five positions on the line.”
His effort didn’t go unnoticed. Mbandi left the camp with an offer from RMU, likely as an offensive lineman.
Not everyone walked away with an offer, but the feedback and exposure still matters as players kick off their senior year recruitment. Dylan Rogers, a DE/EDGE/LB from Montour (another WPIAL school), turned in a strong performance. While this was his first in-person introduction to many on the RMU staff, he’s already thinking long-term. He’s spoken with the Colonials staff on the phone, but showing what you can do in person is what earns you an offer.
“It was a well-organized camp that really gave all players an opportunity to get reps and to get better,” Rogers said. “The coaches had so much attention to detail, and they encouraged players to compete in almost every drill, which really brought out the best of us.”
Rogers made an impression on the staff and especially appreciated working with new defensive line coach Benjamin Nsubuga. We’ve heard nothing but praise for the new DL coach at RMU. He’s brought a new energy level to the program that will help with development and recruiting for the Colonials.
“Coach Nsubuga had so much energy throughout the whole camp and gave me good advice for my pass rushing,” Rogers said. “I also had the opportunity to meet the head coach and defensive coordinator. I’m hoping to stay in touch and continue the recruiting process. I know I can be a playmaker for RMU.”
Mega Camps often carry a reputation for being overcrowded, with players getting lost in the shuffle. That wasn’t the case here. Multiple attendees noted how the setup allowed for actual instruction, real reps, and meaningful feedback. Kudos to RMU for pulling off a pretty difficult event.
As summer unfolds and camp season hits full swing (we’ve got two NEC camps tomorrow), RMU’s approach at this Mega Camp set the tone. First impressions matter everywhere in life. For players like Mbandi and Rogers, this was a strong one for both sides.
RMU First Offer In On Local Standout Tristan Reed
There’s something about WPIAL players.
You’ve heard it before—and you’ll hear it again. Programs in the NEC recruit nationally- that’s the reality of Division I- but they don’t just win with their local talent. They build with it. And RMU made sure to be first in line for one of the region’s most versatile athletes.
Tristan Reed, a standout from Washington High School, picked up his first Division I offer from RMU after a strong showing at camp. The Colonials didn’t wait. They made the move.
“First and foremost, I want to thank WPIAL Insider for inviting me to the camp. Overall, the experience was great. It was well-run, and the competition was strong,” Reed said. “It started when Coach Makrinos came up and asked if I was going to play wide receiver or quarterback. We talked for a bit, and I told him I’d be at WR that day.”
That’s when Reed started making noise.
“At the combine portion, I ran a 4.54 on my first 40. Coach Makrinos said he was impressed and told me to run it again. On my second try, I clocked a 4.50 flat. Then he walked up to me, shook my hand, and said, ‘Tristan, we’re going to offer you a scholarship here at RMU.’ That was the highlight of my life. All the work I’ve put in for years is finally paying off. I just want to thank Coach Makrinos and RMU for taking a chance on me.”
Reed’s been drawing more attention recently after committing to playing defensive back and wide receiver moving forward. With his versatility, there’s plenty to like—especially for a Colonials program eager to reload with regional athletes. They were the program with the most WPIAL recruits in the nation for the 2025 class.
Reed has not committed to the Colonials. It’s early in the process, but there’s often said to be an advantage for being the first offer in. RMU evaluated Reed and was the first to recognize his talent in Division I.
And again, let’s say it louder for the people in the back:
You can win a lot of games with WPIAL players.
Makrinos Expected to Become Defensive Coordinator at RMU
RMU is keeping continuity on the defensive side of the ball. According to sources around the program, Jason Makrinos has been promoted to defensive coordinator after serving as the Colonials' defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Makrinos will assume the position following the departure of former DC Dave Plungas to James Madison University.
Makrinos joined the RMU staff in 2023 from North Carolina A&T, where he played a key role in the Aggies' defensive resurgence. His ability to develop talent, particularly in the secondary, has already paid dividends for the Colonials. One of his recent standouts, cornerback Rob Carter Jr., made national headlines in Week 1 of the 2024 season with a viral acrobatic interception against Utah State.
In an offseason marked by significant coaching changes, Makrinos’ promotion provides stability to the RMU program. His tenure has already seen improvements in the secondary, and now he’ll have the opportunity to implement his vision across the entire defense. Given his track record of success, the Colonials appear to be in good hands.
NEC Blitz first reported on this story 2/28 on Twitter. There’s been significant, steady approval on that social media post among fellow defensive coaches of Makrinos’ promotion. One of the most notable responses was that of former DC Plungas, who stated: “Lets go @CoachMakrinos the @RMU_Football Defense is in great hands!” It’s hard to imagine a better stamp of approval than from the prior Defensive Coordinator.
Makrinos’ Twitter bio was also updated to reflect his new position. We’ll update this story as needed.
First Glance: What Game Should Each Fanbase Be Most Excited For?
With the 2025 NEC football schedule officially released, each team has at least one marquee matchup that could define their season. Whether it's a rivalry clash, an early test against an FBS opponent, or a key conference showdown, these are the games that we’re looking forward to most for each team.
CCSU at Connecticut (8/30/25)
Coming off a Fenway Bowl victory, UConn will have plenty of momentum entering 2025, and Storrs should be electric for this in-state matchup. Electric, yes- but also maybe overconfident. The Blue Devils, fresh off an NEC title, aren’t in rebuilding mode—they’re reloading. Week 1 tends to deliver surprises, and an upset here would certainly make waves across the NEC and beyond.
Duquesne at Robert Morris (11/22/25)
This game carries the most weight for both programs, especially as RMU navigates key coaching and personnel changes. The Colonials start their season with a major test at West Virginia, while Duquesne begins its campaign against city rival Pitt. By the time these two meet in late November, playoff implications could be in play, making this rivalry battle one of the biggest games in the conference. And obviously, in-city rivalry games are what college football should always be about.
LIU at Rhode Island (9/20/25)
Last year, LIU led Rhode Island in the fourth quarter before a late rally by the Rams spoiled the Sharks’ hopes of a signature win. Now, the rematch takes place in Rhode Island, with LIU quarterback Ethan Greenwood firmly established as the starter. After two early FBS matchups, this game will serve as an early measuring stick for just how competitive LIU can be this season.
Mercyhurst vs. LIU (10/4/25)
This is more than just a conference matchup—it's a historic first. Mercyhurst officially enters NEC league play with this home game against LIU, marking a significant moment for the Lakers' program. After ending 2024 on a high note with a win over Saint Francis, the Lakers will be eager to prove they belong in their new conference home.
Saint Francis at CCSU (9/13/25)
Last year’s matchup was a tight contest, with CCSU’s opportunistic defense making the difference. This time, the Red Flash will look to flip the script in their NEC opener on the road. The question is whether CCSU can continue its turnover-driven success or if Saint Francis can capitalize when those opportunities don’t materialize.
Stonehill at Duquesne (10/4/25)
The Skyhawks have been a thorn in Duquesne’s side, winning in both 2022 and 2023 before the Dukes finally got revenge in 2024. Now, the question remains: does Coach Eli Gardner have Duquesne’s number? Playing on the Bluff is always a challenge, and this matchup could have serious implications for NEC standings.
Wagner at LIU (11/22/25)
This rivalry game (we call it the Boroughs Brawl) deserves a trophy—perhaps the Verrazzano-Narrows Trophy, named after the bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn. Last season, LIU took the win, 28-21, ending what had been another growing year for Wagner with a sour taste in Staten Island’s mouth. This time, the Seahawks will have a chance to return the favor and end their season on a high note- or take their season even further, into the playoff.
Sources: RMU Zeroing in on New Offensive Coordinator
NEC Blitz has been informed that a name to watch in the wake of RMU Offensive Coordinator Josh Firm’s departure is former Youngstown State Offensive Coordinator Troy Rothenbuhler.
Rothenbuhler most recently held the same role at Youngstown State, where he was let go following the 2024 season after the Penguins finished 4-8. Despite the team’s struggles in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, his offense had flashes of high-level production, including a 41-point outing in a victory over then-No. 7 North Dakota, which was certainly the biggest moment for Youngstown State this past season.
Rothenbuhler’s tenure at Youngstown State included a trip to the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2023. That season, the Penguins delivered a 40-7 win over RMU's Northeast Conference rival Duquesne, though Duquesne got revenge in 2024 with a road win over YSU. During the 2023 campaign, YSU set multiple school records, including averaging a program-best 243.1 passing yards per game, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1972. The Penguins also set records for completions (270), attempts (388), and completion percentage (69.6). Additionally, YSU scored 40-plus points in six games, the most in school history, and notched 30 or more points in six consecutive contests. They led the FCS in time of possession (35:06 per game) and averaged 32 points per game, their highest output in ten years. Focusing on possessing the football could work very well with RMU's established defensive success..
Before Youngstown State, Rothenbuhler coached at Eastern Kentucky, where he initially worked with tight ends before being promoted to quarterbacks coach. His experience working with multiple position groups could be crucial as he takes over an RMU offense in transition.
The Colonials are set to replace quarterback Anthony Chiccitt, who transferred to Temple, and top wide receiver Noah Robinson, who is now at Tennessee Tech. Rothenbuhler will be tasked with developing new playmakers and revitalizing an RMU offense that will need to adjust to key departures.
His track record suggests he can make an impact. At Youngstown State, his offenses were capable of explosive performances, and RMU will be looking for that kind of firepower as it looks to take another step forward in 2025.
RMU: The NEC’s Kings of the Buckeye State
When RMU signed its 2025 class, it signaled a very clear plan: recruit Ohio.
And it makes sense.
Ohio is a prime recruiting ground that isn’t heavily targeted by most other NEC programs, with Mercyhurst being the biggest exception. While MAC schools and Youngstown State scoop up a lot of the state’s talent, RMU has been able to carve out its own niche. Over the past two recruiting cycles, the Colonials have signed 31 players from Ohio, including 14 in the 2024 class alone.
While RMU recruits nationally—and even internationally, with a signee from Switzerland this cycle—it’s clear that the program considers Ohio an extension of its Pittsburgh backyard.
The latest class continues this trend, with RMU signing 14 players from all across the Buckeye State:
Defensive Additions: DL Asher Wilson (Cleveland), LB Maximus Thompson (Solon), LB Jakari Patterson (Cincinnati), LB Jake Lopinto (Columbus), LB Khalil Daniels (Columbus), CB Antonio Martin (Green), CB Quinn Ingram (Westerville), S Blake Allen (Macedonia), DL Caden Walker (Kings Mills), and S Jaylen Williams (Columbus).
Offensive Signings: WR Tyler Evans (Youngstown), WR Aiden Henry (Hinckley), OL Vincent Boila (Struthers), and QB Cooper Panteck (Strongsville).
This isn’t just a one-year trend—RMU has made Ohio a priority in building its roster.
RMU’s strategy makes a lot of sense:
Ohio consistently produces FBS and FCS-level players, giving RMU a deep talent base to pull from. And while the MAC and Youngstown State are factors, most NEC programs don’t heavily recruit Ohio. That gives RMU an advantage in landing players who may have been overlooked at the FBS level. And it can’t really be overstated enough: with Pittsburgh just a short drive from major Ohio recruiting hubs, RMU’s staff can maintain strong relationships with high school coaches in the area. RMU’s coaches have gone to coaching clinics in Ohio, speaking and connecting with local coaches. They’re in this for the long haul.
RMU’s return to the NEC was met with enthusiasm, both internally and externally. The Colonials were (and are) a program capable of contending for titles, immediately staying alive in the conference race until late in the 2024 season. But beyond the high level of football they bring to the league, RMU brings something else to the NEC: a pipeline into Ohio.
RMU is tapping into one of the biggest talent pools in the country—and a state that plays hardnosed football. By consistently recruiting Ohio, the Colonials aren’t just adding numbers to their roster; they’re building an identity. Ohio football is known for producing tough, disciplined players, and RMU’s commitment to the state ensures a steady pipeline of talent that fits their physical, defensive-minded approach. This strategy also strengthens the program’s long-term stability, creating depth across multiple recruiting cycles and reinforcing key positions with players accustomed to high-level competition.
Beyond individual player development, RMU’s consistent presence in Ohio will only make future recruiting easier. As more Ohio players succeed in Moon Township, the Colonials will gain credibility among high school coaches and prospects, strengthening their ability to land even better talent in the coming years. RMU is establishing a clear recruiting identity that could shape the program’s future success.
And as RMU continues to recruit and develop Ohio talent, more prospects in the state will become familiar with the Colonials—and by extension, the NEC as a whole. Over time, this will pave the way for other NEC programs further east to dip into the Buckeye State.
Still, the Colonials are likely to remain the kings of the Ohio hill. With a reputation for developing defensive talent—highlighted by Rob Carter Jr.'s nationally recognized interception in Week 1 and consecutive shutout performances against Saint Francis and Merrimack—RMU has established itself as an attractive landing spot for overlooked Ohio prospects eager to prove themselves at the Division I level.
And if the past two years are any indication, the Colonials wouldn’t have it any other way.