STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Wagner College football team will begin its 99th season on Saturday, Aug. 29, with an NEC matchup against Robert Morris on Hameline Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m., with live coverage on ESPN+ featuring Paul Dottino and Kevin Gilbride on the call.
First and Ten
Wagner enters the 2026 season under seventh-year head coach Tom Masella, who guided the program to a 5-7 overall record last season while posting a 4-3 mark in NEC play, the program's best conference record since 2016.
In 2025, the Green & White finished tied for first in the FCS in defensive touchdowns with five. The Seahawks also led the NEC in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries while tying for second in interceptions. Wagner finished third in the conference in rushing yards and passing defense.
The Seahawks saw four players earn All-NEC honors, as Nicholas Romero and Brady Anderson were named to the First Team, while Sam Martin and Jordan Johnson earned Second Team recognition.
Romero, a kicker, was also named a Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American and an FCS Football Central Freshman All-American.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Seahawks will begin a season with a conference game for the first time since opening the 2011 campaign against Saint Francis.
Wagner was selected fourth in the 2026 NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the program's highest preseason ranking since 2019.
Five Seahawks were named to the 2026 Preseason All-NEC Team: senior defensive linemen Logan Barnes and Ethan Appolon, senior defensive back Shamar Williams, senior running back Sekou Kamau, and senior offensive lineman Malik Wilson.
Wagner will play 12 games this season, including seven conference contests, five home games and two matchups against FBS opponents. It marks the ninth time in program history the Seahawks will face two FBS teams in the same season.
The Captains
Ahead of the season, senior defensive lineman Logan Barnes and junior quarterback Jack Stevens were chosen by their teammates to serve as team captains. Barnes was selected as a captain for the second consecutive season.
New Coaches on Staff
Ahead of the season, Masella announced the additions of Ross Ragonesi, who will serve as linebackers coach, and Josh McClurg, who will serve as outside linebackers coach.
The Series
Robert Morris leads the all-time series, 16-12, although Wagner earned a 24-20 road victory over the Colonials last season. The Seahawks are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings between the programs, and the teams have split their two matchups since Robert Morris returned to the NEC in 2024.
Masella is 3-1 all-time against the Colonials, including two victories while serving as head coach at Central Connecticut State in 2004 and 2005.
Scouting the Colonials
Robert Morris finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 overall record and a 2-5 mark in NEC play. The Colonials ranked seventh in the conference in scoring offense and sixth in scoring defense.
Robert Morris was selected sixth in the 2026 NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Head coach Bernard Clark Jr. enters his ninth season leading the Robert Morris program. A native of Tampa, Fla., Clark was named the third head coach in program history on Dec. 19, 2017.
The 2025 season culminated with eight Colonials earning All-NEC honors. One of the team's standout performers was wide receiver Jaqai Carter, who became a national finalist for the 2025 Jerry Rice Award, presented annually to the top freshman player in the NCAA FCS. Carter became the first Colonial to be named a finalist for the award since 2018 and returns for the 2026 season.
Game Promo
"Summer's Not Over" is the theme for Saturday's game. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire and will receive a free lei upon entering the stadium.
What's Next
The Seahawks will host Southern Connecticut State on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Hameline Field, with live coverage available on NEC Front Row.
