By Tiffany Williams –
KINGSTON, R.I. — The Rhode Island Rams football team is gearing up for another strong campaign in 2025, leveraging the transfer portal to add key players who will bolster the squad’s championship aspirations. Head coach Jim Fleming, fresh off leading the Rams to their first-ever Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Football conference championship in 2024, is confident the new additions will help build on last year’s historic success.
“I am excited to welcome this group of men to the family,” head coach Jim Fleming said. “Our coaches did an outstanding job identifying and recruiting good players and quality people to join us in our mission to repeat as CAA Football Champions. The character of our current players and their ability to present our team culture to this group of young men is what sealed the deal. I am sure that you will get to know these new players as they strap on the Ram helmet and go to work. They are a talented bunch.”
The Rams’ 2025 season kicks off at Meade Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29, against Campbell University. Despite season tickets selling out early, fans can still join the waitlist or purchase single-game tickets as excitement builds around the program.
Among the most notable additions is linebacker AJ Pena, returning to Kingston after a semester at Memphis. Pena, an Associated Press First Team All-American and Buck Buchanan Award finalist, was a dominant force for the Rams during their championship run, ranking second all-time in career sacks and tackles for loss. With his strength and speed, Pena is expected to be a cornerstone of the defense in his final collegiate season.
On special teams, the Rams welcome punters James Allen and Randy Leavitt. Allen, an Australian native, led the Sun Belt Conference in punting average last year at Georgia State and earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors. Leavitt, with FCS and JUCO experience, brings a powerful leg and strong directional control, ready to compete for the Rams’ punting duties.
The defensive backfield receives depth and experience with the additions of Jordan Campbell (Sacred Heart), Justin Carcel (Keiser), Leisaan Hibbert (LIU), Trey Lubin (Memphis/Keiser/Tennessee Tech), and Josh Philostin (Indiana). These players bring a mix of athleticism, proven production, and versatility, aiming to solidify a secondary undergoing transition after losing key starters.
On offense, running back Brendon “BJ” Barrow joins from Stanford, where he demonstrated his abilities as a versatile playmaker, while wide receiver Angel Sanchez, a local talent and UMass Dartmouth standout, adds reliable hands and playmaking ability. Quarterback Ryan Jankowski, with experience at UMass and Akron, brings veteran leadership to a position that will be key to the Rams’ offensive success.
The offensive line is strengthened by Nick Thomas, a Boston College transfer who offers size and versatility, capable of playing multiple positions on the line.
The Rams enter 2025, riding the momentum of their breakthrough 2024 season. Coach Fleming’s recruitment efforts focus not only on talent but also on character and culture fit, aiming to maintain the cohesion that propelled Rhode Island to the top of the CAA.
“The character of our current players and their ability to present our team culture to this group of young men is what sealed the deal,” Fleming emphasized. “I am sure you will get to know these new players as they strap on the Ram helmet and go to work.”
With a deep and talented roster, the Rams look poised to make another run at the conference crown and compete for a playoff berth. The combination of returning stars, promising transfers, and a passionate fan base creates an optimistic outlook for Rhode Island football’s 2025 campaign.