MEDFORD, MA (October 5, 2026) -- The Tufts University football team rallied for a thrilling 22-21 win over Bates College Saturday evening, and the win was sealed by senior
Riley Yaker and his blocked field goal as he was named as the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Special Teams Player of the Week Monday.
Yaker made the biggest play of the game for the Jumbos in a 22-21 win at Bates. The senior pushed through the protection and blocked a potential game-winning 37-yard field goal by Bates to clinch the victory. Yaker also had three tackles in the win, but his blocked field goal was Tufts' first since November 4, 2023, against Colby.
Yaker becomes the first Tufts NESCAC Special Teams Player of the Week since September 22, 2025, when now junior
Dazer van Leeuwen earned the award. Victor Garza also earned the honor back on October 3, 2022, exactly four years ago from Saturday's road win.
The Jumbos will host Bowdoin College Saturday evening at 5 p.m. in conference action.
--JUMBOS--
