2025 Ivy League Football
The Ivy League, known for its storied football rivalries and unwavering emphasis on academic excellence, has traditionally opted out of the FCS Playoffs to preserve its season-ending traditions and align with its academic calendar. However, the 2025 season marks a significant turning point, as Ivy League schools will participate in the FCS Playoffs for the first time. This development opens the door to increased national exposure, stronger recruiting potential, and a chance to compete for a national title—all while maintaining the league’s core academic values. It signifies a meaningful blend of the league’s proud football heritage with the shifting realities of modern college athletics, and signals a new era for Ivy League football on the national stage.
As college sports continue to evolve, Ivy League football stands apart with its strict eligibility policies—no redshirting, no extra injury-related eligibility, and no athletic scholarships. These rules reflect a clear emphasis on academic achievement and long-term career preparation over athletic stardom or NIL earnings. While many FCS programs are embracing NIL deals and the transfer portal to attract talent or serve as launching pads to FBS opportunities, the Ivy League remains committed to balancing rigorous academics with competitive athletics. This distinctive model prioritizes intellectual and personal development, offering a sharp contrast to the increasingly commercialized and fast-paced world of modern college football.
Over the past 25 years, Ivy League alumni have made notable contributions to the NFL, producing standout players who have left a lasting mark on the league. Harvard’s Ryan Fitzpatrick stands out as the most prolific Ivy League quarterback, renowned for his impressive longevity and leadership while playing for multiple teams. Harvard’s Kyle Juszczyk has also risen to prominence as one of the NFL’s elite fullbacks, earning five Pro Bowl selections throughout his career. On the defensive side, Yale’s Foyesade Oluokun has distinguished himself as a dominant linebacker, leading the league in tackles in both 2021 and 2022 as a significant contributor for the Falcons and Jaguars. Looking to the future, Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas and Yale’s Tyler Davis embody the Ivy League’s continued ability to develop NFL-caliber talent, underscoring the league’s ongoing impact and presence at the highest levels of professional football.
As the Ivy League makes its historic FCS Playoff debut in 2025, it seeks to honor its tradition while asserting itself as a rising national contender. This landmark season features a strong lineup of returning talent and marks a new chapter in Ivy football—one that blends academic integrity with competitive excellence and signals the league’s readiness to thrive on the national stage.
The Ivy League features several standout players expected to shape the conference race. Harvard safety Ty Bartrum, a 2024 Bushnell Cup Finalist, returns as one of the league’s top defensive playmakers. Quarterback Jaden Craig, also from Harvard, is back after an impressive campaign that earned him Walter Payton Award finalist honors. At Yale, senior running back Josh Pitsenberger anchors the ground game as one of the most reliable backs in the league. Penn boasts a dangerous receiving duo in Bisi Owens and Jared Richardson, forming one of the most formidable wide receiver tandems in the league. Dartmouth features what may be the best tight end in the FCS in Chris Corbo, who blends physicality with reliable hands. On the defensive front, Yale’s Ejiro Egodogbare stands out as a disruptive force, using his size and power to dominate the line of scrimmage.
These standout players not only raise the level of competition within the Ivy League but also position the conference to make an immediate impact in its long-awaited entry into national postseason play.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.