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NESCAC Football Finally Matters in 2026 Playoffs
24 Aug
Summary
- NESCAC football teams now eligible for Division III playoffs starting in 2026.
- Rivalries like the 'Little Three' date back over a century.
- Wesleyan's Matt Fitzsimmons returns as NESCAC Offensive Player of the Year.
The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) is set to make history in the 2026 college football season. Starting this year, the conference winner will secure an automatic bid into the Division III playoffs, ending a long-standing exclusion.
This pivotal change means NESCAC teams now have a shot at a national title, elevating the importance of their games beyond traditional rivalries. The conference boasts rich traditions, with matchups like the "Biggest Little Game in America" between Amherst and Williams dating back to 1884.
Wesleyan University is highlighted as a team to watch. The Cardinals, who finished 7-2 last year, return NESCAC Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Matt Fitzsimmons. He is joined by key receivers Donte Kelly and Blake Newcome, who aim to build on their success.
