Game Highlights
Union College football opened its 2026 season with a 23‑17 overtime loss to Susquehanna College on Saturday, September 5, 2026, ending a promising start.
A critical breakdown in the Union secondary allowed Reese Gaughan to catch a 34‑yard touchdown pass from Tommy Wright with just two seconds remaining in regulation, forcing the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Union managed only seven yards before Susquehanna’s Bezy Nwanonyiri blocked Francesco Pileggi’s field goal and returned the ball for a walk‑off touchdown, clinching the win.
Coach Jon Drach said the team that made the fewest mistakes won, emphasizing that avoiding self‑imposed penalties was crucial in the closing moments.
Union quarterback Cole Brisson struggled in his first collegiate start, throwing three interceptions, one of which set up a touchdown for Trey Rezendes, while a later pick‑six by Rezendes gave the Union defense a brief spark.
Susquehanna’s offense surged early in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 10‑7, then added a Cole Hoover field goal to make it 17‑10, before Union’s drive stalled due to false‑start penalties and a delayed field goal attempt.
The visitors amassed 424 total yards compared to Union’s 211 and held an 18‑minute time‑of‑possession advantage during regulation, underscoring their control of the game.
Union will look to bounce back Saturday at noon when they host SUNY Cortland in a non‑league contest.