STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Wagner College football team earned its first victory of the 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Southern Connecticut State, 31-7, on Hameline Field.
Wagner (1-1, 0-1 NEC) opened the scoring in the first quarter when a deflected pass found its way into the hands of junior tight end Johans Bars in the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown reception.
On Southern Connecticut State's (0-1, 0-0 NE10) ensuing possession, the Seahawks forced a three-and-out to quickly regain possession.
A few minutes later, redshirt freshman quarterback Benjamin Newman connected with senior wide receiver Karlos Grier on a fourth-and-four conversion before finding senior wide receiver Teree McDonald for a 26-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead.
The Wagner offense continued to roll in the second quarter. Starting from its own five-yard line, the Seahawks marched 95 yards in 12 plays, ending with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Newman to sophomore wide receiver Malik Redd on another fourth-down conversion.
Senior Ryan Liszner added a 44-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, sending Wagner into the locker room with a 24-0 lead.
Southern Connecticut State broke up the shutout with a three-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, but Wagner answered with an eight-play drive highlighted by a 29-yard touchdown run from redshirt sophomore running back Matt Morad to seal the 31-7 victory.
In his first career start, Newman finished 23-of-33 passing for 267 yards and three touchdowns while completing passes to nine different receivers, seven of whom recorded multiple receptions. McDonald led Wagner receivers with 70 yards and a touchdown on two catches, while redshirt junior Zion Fowler-El hauled in a team-high eight receptions for 68 yards. Redd and Bars each added a touchdown reception.
Morad paced the rushing attack with 83 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while senior Sekou Kamau chipped in 50 rushing yards. Wagner totaled 409 yards of offense, including 142 on the ground, and held the ball for more than 33 minutes.
Defensively, the Seahawks limited Southern Connecticut State to just 146 total yards and 28 rushing yards. Wagner recorded four sacks and forced a turnover, highlighted by a forced fumble from sophomore Dashawn Long that was recovered by redshirt sophomore Eli Hiscock in the second quarter.
Redshirt sophomore Acear Cornish led the defense with seven tackles and a sack, while redshirt freshman Wes Johnston added six stops. Junior Brendan Leal recorded a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Wagner will return to action next Saturday when the Seahawks travel to Harrisonburg, Va., to take on James Madison. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field with live coverage on ESPN+.
