DUDLEY, Mass. (8/12/2026) – The Nichols College football program enters the 2026 season looking to take another step forward under third-year head coach Vinny Marino and build on the foundation established during his first two seasons at the helm.

The Bison, who finished 2-8 overall and 2-5 in Conference of New England (CNE) play last fall, return to the gridiron with an experienced coaching staff, an evolving roster and growing of opportunity to make their mark in 2026. Nichols showed flashes of its potential throughout the 2025 campaign, earning conference victories over New England College and Maine Maritime Academy, while continuing to develop a young group of student-athletes.

For 2026, the Bison lineup features 42 returning student-athletes, and a sizeable 71-man recruiting class.  

"I am very excited to welcome our squad back to campus for the start of our season", said coach Marino. "The combination of our  newcomers with our returning players gives me great enthusiasm to see this group work. Our goal will be to get this group to mesh as soon as possible so we are ready for Friday Night September 4^th on "The Hill".  The excitement is real and different for sure." 

Offensively, the Bison will look to build upon a productive 2025 campaign that saw Nichols lead the CNE with 3,003 passing yards. The team's aerial attack produced several standout performances throughout the season, while nine total Nichols student-athletes ultimately earned All-CNE recognition combined with their defensive game. Of that list, First Team selection Nick Foynes (P), and Third Team selections Ben Rusczyk (T), Caden Kehoe (LB), Bailey Hooper (G) and Aidan O'Neill (C) make their return to the program this fall.

The 2026 schedule presents the Bison with a demanding slate, beginning with a Friday-night home opener against MIT on September 4^th at Michael J. Vendetti Field. Nichols then travels to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy before returning home for Homecoming Weekend and a September 19 matchup with  Coast Guard.

The full 2026 Nichols College Football schedule can be viewed here.