Story perspectives

Yale Kicks Off Historic NCAA Season Against Struggling Holy Cross

9/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 Ivy League football season kicks off with Yale hosting Holy Cross on September 20.
This is Yale's inaugural participation in the NCAA Division I FCS tournament, with aspirations for a national championship.
Yale, coming off a 7-3 season, ranks third in the 2025 Ivy League Preseason Poll.
Senior running back Josh Pitsenberger returns after rushing for 796 yards last season.
Holy Cross, struggling at 0-3, is led by sophomore quarterback Cal Swanson. The game will stream live on ESPN+ at 12 p.m.

History

Historical Context

In 1978, the NCAA established the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), allowing schools like Yale to compete for national titles. Yale, a member of the Ivy League, boasts a rich football history with 27 championships before the FCS era. As Yale begins its inaugural FCS season, its strong 7-3 record from the previous year positions the team to potentially reshape Ivy League football dynamics.

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Story summary

The 2025 Ivy League football season kicks off with Yale hosting Holy Cross on September 20.
This is Yale's inaugural participation in the NCAA Division I FCS tournament, with aspirations for a national championship.
Yale, coming off a 7-3 season, ranks third in the 2025 Ivy League Preseason Poll.
Senior running back Josh Pitsenberger returns after rushing for 796 yards last season.
Holy Cross, struggling at 0-3, is led by sophomore quarterback Cal Swanson. The game will stream live on ESPN+ at 12 p.m.

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