High-powered offense and stout defense leads football to 2-0 start
MIT has outscored opponents 101-13 through two games to start the 2025 season
After finishing the 2024 season 3-6, the Engineers have set out on yet another campaign to secure their first stand-alone NEWMAC title since the 2018 season. Just like last year, MIT opened their season with two straight wins, producing 101 total points of offense — a mark they did not eclipse until their 8th game of the season last year.
In their 46-13 win against Nichols College on Sept. 6, QB Chase Harmon ’26 dominated the opposing defense. Passing 212 yards and accounting for five total scores, Harmon distributed the ball efficiently and led MIT into the endzone time after time. His primary targets were WR Colin Volmer ’26 and TE Michael Dennison ’27, hauling in two and one receiving touchdowns, respectively.
MIT’s passing game was supported by strong showings from its running backs. Jimmy Connors ’29 ran for 101 yards on 11 attempts, and Andrew Kulhan ’28 went for 77 yards, including a 40 yard run to pad MIT’s lead with under two minutes to go.
The defense played an equally strong role in securing the win. Andrew Pignataro ’27 led the team with seven tackles. Chase Fishman ’27 and Connor McHale ’27 both forced a turnover in the contest (a forced fumble and interception, respectively).
MIT’s special teams also contributed to the box score, with Thomas Shoales ’27 blocking and returning an extra point 80 yards for a defensive two point conversion.
MIT continued their dominant play against New England College on Sept. 13, shutting out the Pilgrims 55-0. Led by an explosive run game, MIT had four different rushers find the end zone. Connors led all backs with 100 yards and three touchdowns, followed by Andrew Erwin ’29 with 89 yards and one touchdown, Kulhan with 50 yards and one touchdown, and Hilal Hussain ’26 with 38 yards and one touchdown. Altogether, the team averaged a strong 6.0 yards per carry. QB Harmon remained sharp, completing 14 out of 20 passes for 175 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
MIT’s defense forced three turnovers to bagel New England College, holding the Pilgrims to less than 100 yards of total offense. Notably, LB Gyeongwu Kim ’27 sealed the game with a strong final quarter, recording an early 4th quarter interception and a game-ending forced fumble to secure the shutout.
MIT is currently on a bye week, but the team will face a major challenge in their next game. On Sept. 27, they face off against reigning NEWMAC Champions Springfield College at home.