From a winless season to packed stadiums, UMass football is giving students something to cheer about.
Let’s be real: For a long time, UMass football wasn’t exactly known for winning. Whether you were a dedicated football fan or someone who only showed up for the tailgates, there was never much to celebrate once the game started. But this fall, something has changed, and suddenly, UMass football is becoming one of the most exciting things happening on campus.
From Zero Wins to Four Straight Victories
To understand just how impressive this turnaround is, we have to look at last season. In 2025, the UMass football team finished with a record of 0-12. Yes, you read that correctly. The Minutemen played 12 games and didn’t win a single one.
Fast forward to fall 2026, and the team opened its season with four consecutive victories, something UMass hadn’t accomplished since 2007. Their first win came against Rutgers University, a school competing in the Big Ten Conference, making the victory VERY meaningful.
For those unfamiliar with football, think of it this way: A team that couldn’t win a single game last year suddenly started beating opponents, including one from a major college football conference. That’s a pretty big deal.
Although UMass suffered its first loss of the season against Eastern Michigan on October 3rd, its 4-1 record still represents a remarkable improvement.
So, What Actually Changed?
A big part of the team’s transformation comes down to rebuilding.
Head coach Joe Harasymiak, who took over the program before the 2025 season, has been working to create a stronger foundation for UMass football. Rather than expecting everything to change overnight, the coaching staff has focused on recruiting talented players, developing the team, and strengthening positions that are essential to winning games.
UMass brought in a record 15 three-star high school recruits for its 2026 recruiting class. In simple terms, the team has been working to bring more promising young athletes into the program.
The results have started showing on the field, too.
One of the biggest improvements has been the team’s defense. Through its first four games, UMass had one of the strongest rushing defenses in the country, meaning opponents struggled to gain ground by running with the football.
The offense has also given fans plenty to celebrate. Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III has helped lead the team, while wide receiver T.Y. Harding has become one of its most exciting players. Harding has scored touchdowns in multiple ways, including catching passes, running with the ball, and returning a punt.
You don’t need to understand every football rule to appreciate that kind of versatility.
The Student Section Is Finally Getting Its Moment
Maybe the most exciting part of this turnaround isn’t happening on the field at all. It’s happening in the stands.
After beginning the season undefeated, UMass announced a sellout for its Oct. 3 Family Weekend game against Eastern Michigan. Around 17,000 fans were expected to fill McGuirk Alumni Stadium, marking the program’s first sellout since 2014.
For students, that means football games are becoming more than just another Saturday activity.
There’s something special about getting dressed in your UMass gear, heading to the stadium with your friends, and cheering alongside thousands of other students who have a whole lot of school pride. And when your team is winning for the first time in many years, the excitement becomes even more contagious.
Even if you don’t know what a first down is or why everyone suddenly starts yelling at the referee, you can still be part of the experience.
More Than Just Football
Of course, four wins don’t automatically make UMass a college football powerhouse. The team still has plenty to prove, especially after its first loss.
But that doesn’t take away from what the Minutemen have accomplished.
For a program that has struggled for years, this season represents something bigger than a winning record. It’s about rebuilding confidence, creating excitement, and giving students another reason to feel proud of their university.
So, whether you’re a lifelong football fan or someone who just learned what a touchdown is, maybe it’s time to give UMass football a chance.
Because for the first time in a while, there’s a lot more to look forward to than just the tailgate.
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