The Boston College Eagles football program is preparing for the 2026 season after a challenging 2025 that concluded with a ten‑game losing streak, a period that tested the resolve of players, coaches and fans alike.
Head coach Bill O’Brien, who assumed leadership in 2023, has responded by reshaping his coaching staff, appointing veteran defensive coordinator Ted Roof and welcoming offensive assistants Joe Dailey and Kurt Anderson, moves that signal a strategic shift aimed at restoring competitiveness.
A Revamped Roster
Among the returning leaders, senior linebacker KP Price stands out as the team’s top tackler from the previous year and earned Second‑Team All‑ACC honors, while kicker Luca Lombardo has maintained a flawless record on field goals and extra points, earning a preseason placement on the Phil Steele Preseason ACC Third Team.
The roster will also feel the absence of quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who transferred to Rutgers, and of receivers Lewis Bond and Reed Harris, both of whom departed for professional opportunities, leaving notable gaps in the offensive skill set.
To address those needs, the Eagles have turned to the transfer portal, most prominently bringing in redshirt junior Mason McKenzie from Saginaw Valley State, a player with Division II experience who is expected to contend for the starting quarterback position and inject a new dynamic into the offense.
The staff additions also include rushing specialist Evan Dickens and defensive backs Kris Jones and KJ Sampson, each selected to bolster depth on both sides of the ball and to provide versatility in game situations.
The upcoming schedule presents a demanding slate, featuring road contests at traditional powerhouses Miami and Notre Dame, while home games against Rutgers and the prospect of upsets against Florida State or Syracuse offer the team opportunities to secure pivotal victories.
Analysts forecast a 4–8 record for the season, highlighting expected wins over Rutgers, Maine and either Florida State or Syracuse, with particular emphasis on the development of McKenzie’s performance as a determining factor for the program’s trajectory.