Jumbo Football Readies For Season Finale At Middlebury

MEDFORD, MA (November 4, 2025) -- The Tufts University football squad will look to finish its season on a high note this upcoming Saturday afternoon, traveling to Middlebury College for the final game of the 2025 season. Tufts will be in search of its fourth straight winning season on Saturday against the Panthers, as the Jumbos are coming off a 33-6 loss at home to Colby College on Senior Day at Ellis Oval. As for this upcoming weekend, if the Jumbos could earn the victory in Vermont, it would be the first time since 2018 that the Jumbos will have had four straight winning seasons. Middlebury also sits at 4-4 this season after last week's 24-21 win over Hamilton College in The Old Rocking Chair Classic. 

Game Details
Opponent: at Middlebury College (4-4, 4-4 NESCAC)
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Middlebury, Vermont – Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium - Directions 
Weather: Cloudy With Light Rain, High 40s, Chance of Rain: 50%, Wind: W 5-10 MPH
Live Coverage: LIVE STATS – LIVE VIDEO

Jumbos vs. Panthers All-Time
The Jumbos and Middlebury have met in the final game of the season every year since 1993, as the Panthers hold a 25-18 edge in the series dating back to the 1976 season. The Jumbos have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams, while going 3-1 in the previous four match-ups in Vermont. Prior to 2015 though, Middlebury had won 13 straight games, but since then the Jumbos have gone 6-3 in the previous nine meetings. Last season, Tufts defeated Middlebury 17-7 in Medford in one of the most memorable games in recent history, as long-time back-up quarterback Luke Leongas came into the game on Senior Day and led the Jumbos on a touchdown scoring drive that ended up being the sealing mark in the victory. 

A Look At The Jumbos (4-4, 4-4 NESCAC)
Tufts enters its match-up with Middlebury at 4–4 overall after an up-and-down NESCAC campaign that's featured strong offensive stretches mixed with defensive challenges. The Jumbos are averaging 22.0 points per game while allowing 25.9, showing the ability to move the ball effectively but struggling at times to finish drives. Tufts has totaled 2,786 yards of offense (348.3 per game), nearly identical to what opponents have produced (344.0). The Jumbos have scored 23 touchdowns—11 on the ground and 11 through the air—while converting nearly 44% of their third-down attempts, a solid mark that's kept them competitive in most games.

The offense has leaned on balance, generating 1,079 rushing yards and 1,708 passing yards. Junior running back Christian Shapiro has been the centerpiece of the ground game, leading Tufts with 521 yards on 110 carries (4.7 avg) and eight rushing touchdowns, ranking second among running backs in the league. Dual-threat quarterback Hudson Weidman has added 178 rushing yards of his own while averaging 227 yards of total offense per game. When Tufts establishes the run early, it has been difficult to stop—especially in wins over Hamilton and Williams where the team topped 38 and 41 points respectively.

In the passing game, Weidman has been highly efficient, completing 61.7% of his passes (87-of-141) for 1,184 yards and nine touchdowns against just three interceptions in six games. Sophomore Justin Keller has split time at quarterback, completing 60% of his throws for 495 yards and two scores. Overall, Tufts quarterbacks have combined for 11 touchdown passes, a 59.4% completion rate, and an average of 213.5 passing yards per game, giving the Jumbos one of the more productive aerial attacks in the conference.

The receiving corps is deep and balanced, with several options contributing each week. Henry Fleckner leads the group with 28 catches for 419 yards, while Matt Rios (23 receptions, 317 yards, 3 TDs) and Keller Rogers (205 yards, 3 TDs) have been consistent red-zone threats. Shapiro has been productive out of the backfield with 26 catches for 160 yards, complementing the passing game's short-range efficiency. This distribution has made Tufts difficult to scheme against—eight different players have recorded double-digit receptions this season.

Defensively, Tufts has been led by linebacker Johnny Ferrelli, who's totaled 50 tackles, while Ryan Horigan and Riley Yaker have each added over 30 stops. The Jumbos have generated nine sacks and seven interceptions, highlighted by Cameron Pineda's three picks for 66 return yards, including one for a touchdown. Defensive lineman Suleiman Abuaqel has anchored the front with 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, helping Tufts limit opponents' big-play potential despite some struggles against the run (164.0 yards allowed per game).

On special teams, kicker Vaughn Seelicke has been a model of consistency, converting 5-of-6 field goals (long of 41) and 19-of-19 PATs. He is still just three points shy of tying the all-time points record at Tufts. The return game has provided strong field position all season—Keller Rogers has averaged 26.0 yards per kick return with a long of 71, while Pineda and CJ Burton have contributed in the punt return unit. Tufts has also excelled in kickoff coverage, holding opponents to just 17.6 yards per return.

Statistically, Tufts has held a significant edge in time of possession, controlling the ball for over 31 minutes per game, a key factor in its four victories. The Jumbos have also been disciplined, committing fewer penalties than their opponents (47 for 399 yards compared to 40 for 341). With a +3 differential in total plays and efficient red-zone execution (80% scoring rate), the offense has kept Tufts within striking distance in every contest.

As they prepare to face Middlebury, Tufts will look to build on its offensive momentum from wins over Hamilton and Williams, when the team averaged 39.5 points. Success will depend on maintaining balance, protecting the football (just one lost fumble all year), and tightening up defensively against the pass.

A Look At The Panthers (4-4, 4-4 NESCAC) 
Middlebury enters this weekend's match-up with Tufts at 4–4 overall, coming off a tight 24–21 road win at Hamilton. The Panthers have shown steady improvement over the second half of the season, averaging 24.1 points per game while allowing 21.8, and ranking among the most balanced teams in the NESCAC. Through eight games, Middlebury has totaled 2,883 yards of offense (360.4 per game) and outgained its opponents by over 425 total yards. The team's offense has leaned on efficiency, converting 42.6% of third downs while scoring on 82% of red-zone trips.

The Panthers' offensive engine has been junior running back Connor McClellan, who has turned in one of the league's top individual seasons. McClellan has carried the ball 170 times for 866 yards (5.1 per carry) and 11 touchdowns, averaging over 108 yards per game. His explosiveness was on display with a season-long run of 70 yards, and he's also added 16 receptions for 130 yards out of the backfield. Complementary back Caleb Smith has contributed 150 yards and two scores, giving Middlebury a capable secondary option in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

At quarterback, senior Brian Moran has been a consistent and steady leader, completing 61% of his passes (156-for-256) for 1,709 yards, eight touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His 124.2 passer rating ranks among the top half of NESCAC starters. Moran's ability to distribute the ball efficiently has allowed the Panthers to maintain offensive rhythm, averaging over 213 passing yards per game despite a modest yards-per-attempt figure (6.7). Middlebury's passing game has also complemented its strong rushing attack, with Moran's accuracy helping the offense sustain drives and limit turnovers.

The receiving corps has featured a balanced rotation of contributors led by Mike Ahonen, who has recorded 39 receptions for 526 yards, including a team-long 40-yard grab. Sophomore Luis Kuehberger (25 catches, 290 yards) has been a reliable target in the slot, while Jeremy Kiefer, Ollie Orvis, and Caleb Smith have combined for six touchdown receptions. In total, 10 different players have caught passes this season, and five have scored through the air, reflecting Moran's ability to spread the ball around.

Defensively, Middlebury has thrived on creating turnovers and steady tackling. The Panthers have forced 14 takeaways, including 10 interceptions, while holding opponents to just 105.8 rushing yards per game. Linebacker Matt Shaw leads the team with 52 total tackles, while fellow linebacker Tommy Schwartz has 47 stops and two sacks. Defensive end Michael Votta has been one of the league's most disruptive linemen with eight tackles for loss and two sacks, while Owen Halter has added 4.5 TFLs and 32 total tackles up front.

In the secondary, Middlebury has been opportunistic. Charlie Ozolin and Charlie Grant have two interceptions apiece, while Grant has also scored on an interception return. Safety Gabe Harris added another key pick and 16 tackles. Collectively, the Panthers have limited opponents to 201.3 passing yards per game and a 59% completion rate, ranking near the top of the conference in defensive efficiency.

Special teams have been a steady strength for Middlebury. Kicker Tony Wang has converted 9-of-12 field goals with a long of 44 yards and a perfect 22-for-22 on PATs, accounting for 49 points. The Panthers' coverage units have been excellent as well, holding opponents to just 23 yards per kick return, while punter Ty Brinkmann has averaged 36.2 yards per punt with 11 pinned inside the 20.

NESCAC Week 9 Schedule
Williams at Amherst - Noon
Trinity at Wesleyan - Noon
Hamilton at Bates - Noon
Tufts at Middlebury - 12:30 pm
Bowdoin at Colby - 5:00 pm