By Tiffany Williams –
The opening weekend of the 2025 college football season brought mixed results for New England programs, with several FCS schools stepping up against FBS competition and others looking to regroup after tough outings.
In Lynchburg, Virginia, the University of Maine struck first against Liberty before falling 28-7. Sincere Baines delivered an explosive moment in his Black Bears debut, ripping off a 77-yard touchdown run in the second quarter for his first career Division I score. Baines finished with over 100 rushing yards, but Liberty answered late in the half and then pulled away in the fourth quarter behind touchdowns from Evan Dickens, Donte Lee Jr., and Ethan Vasko. Maine was edged in total offense, 391-316, and lost the turnover battle 2-0.
UMass jumped out to a first-quarter lead against Temple in Amherst but couldn’t hold momentum in a 42-10 defeat. Rocko Griffin capped the Minutemen’s opening drive with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, while receiver Jacquon Gibson was a standout with a career-high 12 receptions for 132 yards. Brandon Rose threw for 193 yards but was intercepted in the end zone during a critical third-quarter drive. Temple’s Evan Simmon connected with Ryer Kusch for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the win. UMass, now 0-1, returns home to face Bryant next weekend.
Merrimack gave Kent State a scare in Ohio, pushing the Golden Flashes to the wire before falling 21-17. Ayden Pereira led the Warriors with 176 passing yards and 103 rushing yards, while Carlton Thai hit three field goals, including a 45-yarder that briefly gave Merrimack the lead in the fourth. Kent State answered immediately with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown from Da’Realyst Clark. The Warriors’ final drive stalled at the Kent State 41-yard line, ending a valiant effort.
New Hampshire started its season on the road with a 27-10 win at North Carolina Central. Sophomore quarterback Matt Vezza impressed in his first start, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another. Peyton Strickland’s 65-yard catch-and-run highlighted the night, while UNH’s defense collected five tackles for loss, including three sacks. Linebacker Trevor Barry led the Wildcats with 10 tackles, and defensive tackle Cameron Garner-Young added a blocked field goal. UNH outgained NCCU 304-275 and controlled possession for nearly 35 minutes.
Bryant traveled west to New Mexico State and fell 19-3 in a defensive battle. Bryce Soli drilled a career-long 43-yard field goal in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs were held without a touchdown. Quarterback Brennan Myer threw for 187 yards, while receivers Tristen Riley and Aldrich Doe combined for 10 catches. Defensively, Azarel Juste recorded his first career interception and Michael Otty notched two sacks. Bryant will visit UMass next Saturday.
LIU opened against one of the nation’s top programs, facing No. 15 Florida in Gainesville, and came away with a 55-0 loss. The Sharks were overwhelmed by the Gators’ speed and depth, but Deion Richardson provided a highlight with a 28-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Rafael Fasolino led LIU with nine tackles, while punter Will Lynch averaged 42.6 yards across nine kicks. LIU now turns its attention to a trip to Eastern Michigan.
The season is just getting started, but week one already showcased the challenges and opportunities for New England’s college football programs as they take on ambitious schedules against higher-profile opponents.