The University of Rhode Island’s football program has cemented its place among the nation’s elite, landing at No. 7 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll as the Rams gear up for another shot at the Coastal Athletic Association crown.
Coming off back‑to‑back 11‑3 seasons, the Rams bring back 15 projected starters, including quarterback Devin Farrell, who earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors after a 3,745‑yard, 27‑touchdown campaign, and wide receiver Marquis Buchanan, a preseason first‑team all‑CAA selection.
Head coach Jim Fleming, now in his third year, emphasizes continuity and depth, noting that the team’s chemistry was on full display during the recent preseason scrimmage at Centreville Bank Stadium, where fans got a first look at the revamped lineup.
Season Outlook
The schedule promises a gauntlet of tests. URI opens on Aug. 28 at Merrimack before hosting Elon at Centreville Bank Stadium on Sept. 12, then travels to face Brown on Oct. 3 and Yale on Oct. 17. A November 7 showdown with New Hampshire in Durham will serve as the final regular‑season test before the CAA tournament.
Conference play begins with a home matchup against the Phoenix in Pawtucket, followed by contests against Monmouth, ranked No. 22, and a rematch with Mont‑State, the preseason No. 1 team that captured the 2024 national championship.
With a blend of experienced talent and fresh enthusiasm, the Rams are poised to defend their CAA title and push deeper into the playoffs, aiming to translate their early‑season momentum into a third straight championship.
The Rams’ blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience makes them a formidable contender, and the coaching staff believes the experience gained from the past two seasons will be the catalyst for another historic run.