The preseason poll released this week crowns Central Connecticut State University as the overwhelming favorite to capture the Northeast Conference football title, with six of eight first‑place votes in its favor.
A Historic Opportunity
For the Blue Devils, the stakes are higher than ever; they are chasing a third consecutive conference championship, a feat not achieved in the league since Robert Morris accomplished the milestone more than two decades ago.
Defensive anchor Chris Jean, a 2026 Preseason All‑American and Buck Buchanan Award watchlist selection, heads a unit that finished atop the conference in sacks and forced fumbles last season, positioning the team as a defensive powerhouse.
Jean’s accolades extend beyond this year’s honor roll; he is a two‑time first‑team All‑NEC performer and a 2025 Stats Perform All‑American, underscoring his sustained impact on the program.
The defensive line will also lean on senior lineman Wayne Coleman and junior linebacker Daren Omoregie, both named to the All‑NEC preseason defensive team, adding depth and experience to the front seven.
On the offensive side, the Blue Devils boast a potent receiving corps led by Stratford native Michael Trovarelli and standout playmaker Donovan Wadley, while Sean O’Brien, La‑Quann Gaddy and Karl Khuns provide versatility along the offensive line.
Junior kicker Jack Hennessey joins Wadley on the All‑NEC special‑teams roster, further bolstering the team’s depth as it prepares for a demanding schedule.
A Milestone Schedule
New Haven will make its full Northeast Conference slate debut this season, though reclassification rules bar the program from earning an automatic FCS playoff berth. The season opens on August 29 at home against South Dakota, a matchup that follows UNH’s contest with Marist on August 28.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Blue Devils aim to translate preseason optimism into on‑field dominance, hoping to etch their names into the conference record books.