Harvard’s football program is set to dominate the national television landscape in 2026, with three of its games slated for broadcast on ESPN’s flagship networks. The announcements come as the Crimson prepare to build on a breakthrough 2025 campaign that culminated in an Ivy League championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
The schedule features classic rivalries against Brown, Dartmouth and Yale, each of which has historically favored Harvard. The team holds a 91‑31‑2 edge over Brown, a 75‑48‑5 lead over Dartmouth, and will look to extend its winning streak against Yale when the Bulldogs travel to Fenway Park for the season‑ending showdown on November 21.
Those matchups are more than just tradition; they are part of a six‑game national television package that the Ivy League has negotiated with ESPN, a deal that delivers over 1,400 events across the network and its streaming platform ESPN+ each year. Harvard’s presence in that lineup underscores the league’s growing visibility and the university’s rising profile on the sport’s biggest stages.
The excitement is amplified by the return of several standout players who helped shape the 2025 triumph. Among them are Xaviah Bascon, Spencer Doan, Damien Henderson, Thomas O'Brien and Sean Line, each of whom is expected to play a pivotal role as the Crimson open the new season on September 19 against New Hampshire.
Season tickets for the upcoming home slate are already on sale through GoCrimson.com, giving fans the chance to secure seats for the marquee contests that will be broadcast live across the country. The opening game against the Wildcats marks the first step in what coaches hope will be a sustained run of excellence.
Beyond the individual games, the broadcast agreement reflects a broader shift in college sports media, where conferences negotiate collective deals to maximize exposure and revenue. For Harvard, the increased national exposure not only elevates recruiting prospects but also reinforces the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics.
A New Era of Visibility
The upcoming season promises to cement Harvard’s ascent in college football, blending historic rivalries with unprecedented national exposure.