Preseason Honors Recognize Outstanding Performances
The Patriot League has announced its 2026 preseason All‑Patriot League Football Team, naming senior wide receiver Sam Milligan of Bucknell and junior linebacker Brandon Biagiarelli as the conference’s top prospects heading into the upcoming season.
Milligan’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic; he shattered Bucknell’s single‑game receiving touchdowns record with a four‑touchdown outing against VMI and finished the year with 975 receiving yards, placing him third all‑time in the Bison record book. His ten touchdown receptions led the Patriot League and ranked him among the top ten in the FCS, underscoring his impact as a playmaker.
Beyond his receiving duties, Milligan also contributed on the ground, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown, and even saw action at running back, quarterback and defensive back, illustrating his versatility. His all‑purpose contributions helped Bucknell secure a competitive season despite finishing last in the preseason poll.
Joining Milligan on the preseason squad, Biagiarelli emerged as a defensive anchor, leading his team with 104 total tackles, ranking fourth in the league, and adding eight tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. His relentless pursuit of the ball made him one of the most feared linebackers entering the new year.
The league also released its 2026 preseason poll, with Villanova sitting atop with 79 points and seven first‑place votes, followed closely by Lehigh. Richmond and William & Mary share third, while Lafayette, Holy Cross and Colgate round out the middle tier. Fordham and Georgetown are tied for eighth, and Bucknell finds itself at the bottom of the rankings.
Season Outlook
With the preseason accolades and poll positions set, attention now turns to how the highlighted players will translate their individual success into team victories. As the 2026 campaign unfolds, the Patriot League promises competitive matchups and a fresh wave of talent poised to reshape the conference landscape.