Fordham University’s Rams kicked off the 2026 football season at home against Colgate University, but the contest ended in a 24‑14 defeat for the Rams. The game marked the program’s earliest Patriot League opener in its history and was the ninth August matchup of the season, a slot that has produced a 4‑5 record for the Rams.
Early in the contest, Fordham fell behind by 14 points, but the team refused to fold. A series of strategic drives and a resilient defense kept the Raiders from pulling away, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.
A Turnaround Fueled by Defense
The Rams’ defense forced three turnovers, the most pivotal of which came when junior Justin Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, tying the game in the third quarter. Senior Andrew Osmun led the defensive effort with ten tackles, including half a sack and an interception, while fellow senior Jaylen Dawson contributed another ten stops. The unit limited Colgate to just one sack and a single tackle for loss, showcasing a disciplined front.
On offense, senior quarterback Gunnar Smith completed 13 of 27 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, moving the ball efficiently despite the early deficit. Sophomore Judah Ofori‑Ansah was the top receiver, hauling in three catches for 28 yards and helping sustain drives.
Historic Milestones
The victory was laden with firsts for Fordham. It was the earliest Patriot League opener ever recorded, eclipsing the September 2000 matchup with Towson, and it represented the program’s ninth August game, a slot that has historically produced a sub‑.500 record. Additionally, Johnson’s pick‑six was the first for the Rams since a combined effort against Georgetown in 2024, and it marked the first time Fordham had intercepted two passes in a single game since the Stony Brook contest in 2024.
Looking ahead, the Rams are scheduled to travel to face North Dakota State University, a program that recently transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision and competes in the Mountain West Conference. This will be the first meeting between the two teams and the furthest west a Fordham football squad has ever played, promising a new chapter in the program’s history.