NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -- The Merrimack College football team will open its 2026 season against the Rhode Island Rams at Duane Stadium on Friday night.
Warriors head coach Mike Gennetti, who enters his third season at the helm of the program, knows the nationally-ranked Rams will provide a tough Week 0 test. Rhode Island, a program coming off back-to-back CAA titles, ranked seventh in the NCAA's Stats Perform FCS Top-25 and eighth in the coaches' preseason poll.
"Rhode Island is an outstanding football program, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for what Coach Fleming and his staff have built," Genetti said. "They've established a winning culture and have been one of the most consistent programs in our region and at the FCS level."
The Rams concluded the 2025 season with a 11-3 record, including an 8-0 conference record in the CAA. Rhode Island averaged 31.3 points per game while allowing 21.1 points per game last season.
"They're experienced, physical and talented on both sides of the ball," Gennetti said. "Offensively, they have playmakers at every level and do a great job creating balance and putting pressure on a defense. Defensively, they're veteran and physical up front, they run to the football, and they have the ability to create negative plays. They're a confident football team that knows how to win, and we know we'll have to play disciplined, physical football for four quarters. It's a great challenge for our program and a great way to open the season at home."
It marks the first time the Warriors will host the Rams, making them the highest-ranked road opponent to come to Duane Stadium. Rhode Island leads the series 2-0.
Rams head coach Jim Fleming, however, isn't taking the Warriors lightly in Week 0. Flemming reflected back on Merrimack's record in one-score games last season when lauding Gennetti and company.
"Looking at Merrimack, that's a team that had, I think it was five games they lost inside of seven points," Fleming said during an interview with the CAA Weekly Coaches Press Conference. "So, they were a four-win team that could have easily been top of their league with the way the ball bounces a couple different ways.
Merrimack averaged 20.5 points per game while allowing 24 points per game during the 2025 season.
"I think they're coached very well. I have great respect for Coach Gennetti. Their team looks solid. They look physical. They've got athletes all over the place, so it's a major concern. We're going to have to be strapped up tight and go up to a new place to play our best game. Certainly a very respectable opponent and one that has us working very hard to be prepared for."
Kickoff from Duane Stadium on Friday night is slated for 6 p.m.
