MEDFORD, MA (October 21, 2025) -- The Tufts University football team will look to string back-to-back wins together for the second time this season on Saturday at Ellis Oval, hosting Williams College in New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) action for Parents & Family Weekend. The Jumbos are coming off their best offensive performance of the season last Saturday at Hamilton, tallying nearly 480 yards of total offense while posting 38 points in a 38-28 win over Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. Sophomore quarterback
Hudson Weidman tossed for 319 yards and three touchdowns, while
Christian Shapiro had 120 yards on 19 carries for two touchdowns. Shapiro added a receiving touchdown as well.
Game Details
Opponent: vs. Williams College (5-1, 5-1 NESCAC)
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Somerville, Mass. –
Ellis Oval -
Directions
Weather: Clear, Low 50s, Chance of Rain: 6%, Wind: NW 5-10 MPH
Live Coverage:
LIVE STATS –
LIVE VIDEO
Ephs vs. Jumbos All-Time
Williams College holds a 56-30-7 record all-time against the Jumbos, though over the last 10 years Tufts has had the upper hand. The Jumbos knocked off Williams last year 27-24 in Williamstown, and have won the last three meetings. Over the last 10 seasons, Tufts has posted a 8-2 record against the Ephs going 4-1 at Ellis Oval during that time. The last time these two teams in Somerville Tufts earned a 28-10 win back in 2023 thanks to three touchdown receptions from Jaden Richardson and another score from
Chartellis Reece.
Last season, Tufts and Williams were tied at 17 in the fourth quarter, but
Cade Moore pulled in a 17-yard touchdown reception followed by a
Vaughn Seelicke field goal to give the Jumbos the win. These teams first meeting happened all the way back in 1885, a 49-0 win for the Ephs who won the first six meetings from 1885 to 1903.
A Look At The Jumbos (3-3, 3-3 NESCAC)
At the midpoint of the 2025 season, the Tufts University football team stands at 3–3 overall, showing steady balance on both sides of the ball while continuing to compete among the top half of the NESCAC. Through six games, the Jumbos have scored 129 points (21.5 per game) while holding opponents to 25.7 per game, earning key wins over Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and Hamilton. Their statistical profile shows a resilient team that controls possession, converts on third down, and continues to develop depth across all three phases.
Offensively, Tufts averages 320.5 yards per game with nearly even distribution between the run and pass, seventh in the NESCAC. The Jumbos have produced 825 rushing yards and 1,098 through the air, showing a balanced attack capable of adjusting week to week. The team averages 31 minutes of possession per game, demonstrating a sustained ability to extend drives and manage tempo behind a 44.3% third-down conversion rate, one of the stronger marks in the league.
The ground game has been anchored by junior
Christian Shapiro, who has emerged as the offensive centerpiece. Shapiro leads the Jumbos with 388 rushing yards on 85 carries (4.6 yards per attempt) and six touchdowns, accounting for nearly half of the team's total scores. His blend of burst and patience has given Tufts consistency in early downs, while junior
Justin Keller has added 173 rushing yards as a dual-threat quarterback. The emergence of
Hudson Weidman (134 rushing yards in limited action) has added an extra dimension to the backfield.
Through the air, Tufts has split quarterback duties between Weidman and Keller, combining for 1,098 passing yards and eight touchdowns while completing over 61% of attempts. Weidman has been especially sharp, posting a 149.8 passer rating with six touchdowns and just one interception. Keller's leadership and mobility have added stability to the offense, and both have distributed the ball effectively to a deep receiving corps.
The wide receiver group has been a collective strength, with six players recording double-digit catches. Senior
Matt Greco leads the team with 23 receptions for 188 yards, while
Henry Fleckner (235 yards) and
Matt Rios (203 yards, 3 TDs) have provided explosive pla ymaking.
Keller Rogers has been a big-play threat, averaging 33.3 yards per catch and scoring twice, including a long of 43 yards. Out of the backfield, Shapiro continues to contribute in the passing game with 21 receptions for 124 yards.
Special teams have quietly been one of Tufts' most consistent units.
Vaughn Seelicke has been outstanding, converting 5-of-6 field goals (long of 41) and all 14 PATs for a perfect kicking line.
Keller Rogers has been electric in the return game, averaging 28.5 yards per kickoff return with a long of 71. Tufts also leads opponents in kickoff coverage, averaging nearly 14 more yards per kick return attempt. The punt return unit, led by
Cameron Pineda and
CJ Burton, has added steady field position value throughout the season.
Defensively, Tufts has shown toughness and opportunism. Linebacker
Johnny Ferrelli leads the team with 36 total tackles, while
Riley Yaker (30 tackles) and
Ryan Horigan (25) have been consistent presences in the middle. Up front,
Suleiman Abuaqel has been a force, tallying 6.5 tackles for loss and a team-high four sacks, anchoring a front that has recorded eight total sacks and forced key turnovers in several wins.
In the secondary,
Cameron Pineda has been one of the NESCAC's standout playmakers. The junior defensive back has intercepted three passes—returning one for a touchdown—and added 25 total tackles.
Nate Sousa (one interception) and
Vince Gilchrist have also chipped in key plays in coverage, with Tufts matching opponents in the turnover battle (five interceptions each). The defense's ability to create takeaways and limit big plays has kept the Jumbos competitive in every outing.
Statistically, Tufts' special teams and ball security stand out as major positives. The Jumbos have lost only one fumble all season while forcing opponents into consistent field position disadvantages. The team averages nearly three more minutes of possession per game and has been particularly effective in the red zone, scoring on 75% of its trips inside the 20, including 11 touchdowns.
As Tufts heads into the stretch run of the season, the Jumbos' balance and depth offer promise for a strong finish. With an efficient offense, opportunistic defense, and standout special teams, the numbers show a team that's poised to turn close games into wins. If Tufts continues to convert on third down, limit turnovers, and capitalize on red-zone chances, the Jumbos will be well-positioned to climb the NESCAC standings as the season progresses.
Head coach
Jay Civetti is one win away from tying for the all-time lead in coaching victories, as his 59 are just one shy of the record of 60 held by Lewis Manley.
A Look at the Ephs (5-1, 5-1 NESCAC)
At 5-1 entering the final stretch of the 2025 season, Williams College has asserted itself as one of the most dynamic and balanced teams in the NESCAC. The Ephs have combined explosive offensive production with a relentless defense, outscoring opponents 186–115 while averaging more than 31 points per game. With a perfect record at home and four straight victories after a narrow loss to Trinity, Williams continues to look like a legitimate contender for the league crown.
The Williams offense has been dominant statistically, as the league's second-best offense is averaging 393.5 yards per game on just 55.7 plays — an impressive 7.1 yards per play. That efficiency stems from a punishing ground attack and one of the league's most productive quarterback tandems. The Ephs have already racked up 1,381 rushing yards and 980 passing yards, ranking near the top of the NESCAC in both categories. Their 46.6% conversion rate on third downs, third in the NESCAC, reflects a unit capable of sustaining drives and finishing them, scoring touchdowns on 17 of 23 red-zone trips.
The rushing offense has been the cornerstone of Williams' success, tops in the league so far. Junior Jon Oris has emerged as one of the most dangerous backs in the conference, rushing for 667 yards on 110 carries (6.1 yards per carry) and scoring six touchdowns, including a 92-yard run that stands as one of the longest in NESCAC this season. He's complemented by Owen Johansen, who has been equally electric — rushing for 470 yards and six touchdowns at an eye-popping 8.4 yards per carry. Together, the duo averages more than 200 yards per game, giving the Ephs a strong presence in the backfield.
Through the air, Johansen has been just as dangerous. The quarterback owns a 178.7 passer rating, completing 59% of his throws for 782 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception. Backup Drew Renzella has added 149 yards and three scores in limited action, providing stability when called upon. The Ephs average 17.8 yards per reception, a testament to their vertical passing game and ability to generate chunk plays off play action.
That aerial explosiveness revolves around senior wideout Zach Falls, who has put together an All-NESCAC caliber campaign. Falls leads the team with 21 receptions for 579 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an astounding 27.6 yards per catch. His presence forces defenses to stretch vertically, opening space for Jimmy Montesano (92 yards, four TDs) and Henry Machnik (84 yards, two TDs), who have thrived in the red zone. The Williams passing attack may not be high volume, but it's ruthlessly efficient — converting big plays into points nearly every week.
The Ephs' special teams unit has also been a major asset. Kicker Leonardo Maiuolo has provided steady production, hitting 3-of-5 field goals and all 23 PATs, while also handling punting and kickoff duties. His 41.1 yards per punt average and 23 touchbacks on kickoffs have consistently flipped field position in Williams' favor. Meanwhile, George Papadopoulos has been a multipurpose weapon in the return game, averaging 5.7 yards per punt return and 15.1 yards on kickoffs, while also adding three interceptions on defense.
Defensively, Williams has combined disruptive line play with opportunistic secondary work to limit opponents to 19.2 points per game. The Ephs have tallied 18 sacks and 47 tackles for loss, constantly putting opposing offenses behind schedule. Linebackers Zakkai Moore (51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) and Luke Mangini (49 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks) have spearheaded the front seven, both ranking among the NESCAC's top three tacklers. Up front, Ben Yedid (4 sacks, 5 TFLs) and Will Gale (4.5 TFLs) anchor a defensive line that has dominated the trenches.
In the secondary, Papadopoulos leads the way with three interceptions and 29 tackles, while Wyatt Cotton (two interceptions) and Brandt Bickford (two picks) give the Ephs one of the league's most ball-hawking units. As a team, Williams has forced 14 turnovers — including eight interceptions — while allowing opponents to complete just 58.9% of passes. Their ability to mix pressure and coverage has been key to stifling opposing offenses.
Williams' statistical profile also shows strong discipline and efficiency. The Ephs have committed fewer penalties than their opponents and hold a +6 turnover margin. Their offensive line has allowed just one sack in six games, compared to 18 by their defense — a massive indicator of dominance in the trenches. Even when they've faced adversity, the Ephs have shown the ability to close out games, winning multiple one-score contests thanks to late defensive stops.
Week 7 NESCAC Schedule
Hamilton at Colby (1 pm)
Trinity at Bowdoin (1 pm)
Amherst at Wesleyan (1 pm)
Bates at Middlebury (1 pm)
Williams at Tufts (1:30 pm)
--JUMBOS--
