On September 6, 2026, the Washington University in St. Louis football team opened its season in spectacular fashion, routing Rhodes 73-0 at Francis Olympic Field. The dominant performance not only set a new school record for points scored but also marked the Bears' inaugural conference matchup since joining the North Coast Athletic Conference, all while the campus celebrated alumni day.
Record-Breaking Debut
The Bears' offense exploded for 617 total yards, with quarterback Levi Moore accounting for 212 passing yards and 21 rushing yards, including three touchdown passes and two rushing scores. Wide receiver Drew Bomar added 92 yards on two catches, highlighted by a 47-yard touchdown, while Brayden Lewis and Avery Lazard each found the end zone on the ground and through the air, respectively. Matias Adrogue was perfect on extra points, extending the early lead, and the ground game was relentless, with Lewis and Karsten Cornell each punching in short rushes.
Defensively, the Bears limited Rhodes to just 165 total yards, forcing the visitors into a 108‑passing, 57‑rushing split that never threatened the scoreboard. The unit's discipline and stamina allowed the team to maintain a 73‑point cushion throughout all four quarters, a feat made possible by the depth of talent displayed by players such as Cole Neupaver, who sealed the victory with an eight‑yard touchdown in the final drive.
Beyond the statistics, the game carried added significance as it coincided with alumni day, drawing former players and supporters to the stands. The commanding win signals the Bears' readiness to compete at a national level, reinforcing optimism that Washington University can contend among the country's elite programs.