The University of New Hampshire Wildcats are gearing up for the 2026 football season, a campaign that will be defined by the return of Sean Goldrich to the program as head coach. Goldrich, who starred as a player for UNH from 2012 to 2015, guided the Wildcats to two Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships and four playoff berths before hanging up his cleats. Now at 33, he steps back onto the sidelines with a vision to restore the team’s playoff pedigree.
A Storied Program
UNH’s football program boasts a rich history, having logged 19 playoff appearances since transitioning to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in the late 1970s. The Wildcats finished the 2025 season with a 6‑2 record in CAA play, tying for third place, and earned an at‑large playoff spot after a five‑game winning streak. Their defense was a standout, ranking second in the conference in passing defense at 180.1 yards per game and third in scoring defense at 22.8 points per game. Kicker Nick Reed was recognized with All‑CAA honors and earned semifinalist status for the Fred Mitchell Award.
Coaching Continuity
The 2026 schedule opens with a home matchup against Stonehill College on September 12, followed by a clash with UAlbany and a visit to Syracuse. The annual rivalry game against Maine, known as the Battle for the Brice‑Cowell Musket, will again be a focal point of the season. Adding to the excitement, Sacred Heart University will join the CAA this year, expanding the conference’s footprint.
Predictions from the CAA’s media panel place UNH fourth in the preseason order of finish, trailing Rhode Island, Monmouth, and Elon. Despite the projected fourth‑place finish, the team’s defensive continuity and the experience of players like Rick Santos, Peyton Strickland, and Tolu Olajide give the Wildcats a solid foundation. The coaching staff also includes veteran assistants such as Scott James and Matt Vezza, who bring additional depth to the preparation.
Playoff Prospects
The 2026 FCS playoffs are slated to begin on November 28, with the championship game scheduled for January 11, 2027, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. If UNH advances, they will join a field of 24 teams vying for the title. The path will be challenging, but the Wildcats’ recent defensive achievements and the leadership of Goldrich make them a dark‑horse contender.