Harvard’s football program continues to garner national attention as the Crimson prepare for the 2026 season, with three of its standout players earning spots on the FCS Football Central Preseason All‑America Team.
Defensive back Damien Henderson leads the recognition, landing a first‑team slot that reflects his emergence as one of the most disruptive backs in the Ivy League.
Henderson, a 2023 Freshman All‑American, brings a blend of speed and instincts that was evident last year when he amassed 46 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, two interceptions and six pass breakups, numbers that placed him second in the league for pass breakups and fourth in total tackles.
His two interceptions were tied for the team high, underscoring his knack for capitalizing on opposing quarterbacks, while his six pass breakups ranked among the conference’s best.
Joining him on the second team are offensive lineman Thomas O'Brien and linebacker Sean Line, each of whom earned preseason All‑America honors for the second time this year.
O'Brien, a 2025 All‑Ivy League First‑Team selection, impressed with a flawless pass‑protection record, allowing zero sacks, just one hit and two quarterback hurries in the previous campaign.
Line, who paced the squad with 94 tackles and added 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, 10 quarterback hurries and two pass breakups, earned first‑team all‑Ivy League accolades in 2025.
Preseason Honors
The trio’s selections come as Harvard celebrates its third straight Ivy League championship and its inaugural berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs, a milestone that has heightened expectations for the upcoming schedule.
The Crimson climbed as high as No. 7 in the Stats Perform Top 25 poll during the 2025 run, finishing the season with a 9‑2 overall record and a 6‑1 mark within the league.
Fans can look forward to the season opener on September 19 at New Hampshire, a venue that promises to test the team’s depth early in the year.
Looking Ahead
Head coach Tim Murphy, entering his second decade at the helm, has emphasized continuity and player development, trusting the experience of Henderson, O'Brien and Line to anchor both sides of the ball.
The non‑conference slate also includes a trip to face New Hampshire, a game that will serve as a litmus test for the Crimson’s defensive schemes and offensive line stability.
If the early results align with the preseason projections, Harvard could re‑enter the national conversation and perhaps challenge for a deeper playoff run.
Season tickets and single‑game tickets for the 2026 home schedule are available at GoCrimson.com, giving supporters ample opportunity to follow the team’s pursuit of another historic season.