Harvard’s football program entered the 2026 season with a buzz as two of its standouts received national preseason accolades. Offensive lineman Spencer Doan earned a first‑team spot on Phil Steele’s Preseason All‑America list, while defensive back Damien Henderson was placed on the second team. The selections mark the first time the magazine has featured a Crimson player on its initial squad for the upcoming year.
Preseason Honors
Doan’s inclusion follows a breakout year in which he helped anchor a line that contributed to a 9‑2 overall record and a perfect 6‑1 mark within the Ivy League. Henderson, already noted for previous All‑America recognitions from FCS Football Central and Stats Perform, adds a defensive spark that helped the Crimson finish the previous campaign ranked No. 7 in the Stats Perform Top 25 poll.
A Program on the Rise
The accolades are part of a broader surge for Harvard athletics. Last season the team captured its third consecutive Ivy League championship and secured the program’s inaugural berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs. The Crimson finished the year with a 9‑2 record, highlighted by a victory that propelled the squad to a No. 7 national ranking.
Beyond the two headline acts, Harvard boasted a 19‑player presence on the Phil Steele Preseason All‑Ivy League Team. Joining Doan and Henderson were first‑team selections Xaviah Bascon and Brady Blackburn, along with a host of second‑team honorees such as Thomas O'Brien, Dorsey Benefield, and Kieran Corr. The depth of talent underscores the league’s competitive balance and Harvard’s ability to develop players who earn national attention.
The upcoming season opener against New Hampshire on September 19 will serve as the first test of this renewed roster. With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, the Crimson aim to translate preseason promise into on‑field dominance, potentially extending their Ivy League streak and deepening their historic playoff run.