Two weeks ago, Penn sent a message to the rest of the Ivy League: This year’s team is different — and out for revenge. Coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign, nobody could have anticipated the Red and Blue’s recent emergence in league play. No one, except the Quakers themselves.
“Last year was last year … new year, new team. And our kids are very focused on being that way,” coach Ray Priore said.
Penn football will head to the Big Apple to play Columbia this Saturday, the team’s second Ivy League matchup while chasing a conference title. A year ago, the Quakers suffered their first home loss to the Lions in nearly 30 years. Now, Penn hopes to return the favor in front of Columbia’s homecoming crowd.
After a comfortable 28-9 win over Pioneer League opponent Marist this past week, the Quakers are looking to stay focused and move past the victory.
“A win is a win, you’re never gonna look down on a win,” Priore said. “There’s so much more we can clean up in practice. … We want to become 1-0 again this week.”
Against Marist, the Quakers made strides across the field, with a big day from senior wide receiver Jared Richardson. The Quakers’ leading receiver hauled in 15 receptions for 190 receiving yards and two touchdowns, earning FCS National Player of the Week honors. Defensively, the Quakers limited the Red Foxes to 250 yards of total offense, a season high.
The Quakers will not be the only team looking to improve on Saturday. Despite finishing as one of the Ancient Eight’s co-champions last year, the Lions currently sit in seventh place. They have struggled in the ground game on both sides of the ball, placing last in the league in both rushing offense and rushing defense.
Columbia features linebacker Jack Smiechowski and defensive lineman Justin Townsend, who lead the league in interceptions and sacks, respectively. A key point for the Lions in this matchup will be their leaders’ ability to consistently challenge Penn at the line of scrimmage. The Lions will look to pounce on Penn’s running game, which ranks sixth in the Ivy League.
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Saturday’s quarterback battle is a tale of two extremes. For the Quakers, senior quarterback Liam O’Brien has shown the ability to go toe-to-toe with any secondary scheme. On the flip side, Columbia has seen two quarterbacks take snaps this year. Chase Goodwin, who entered the year as the starter, is in the mix to start on Saturday after missing last week with an injury. But with Goodwin out last week against Lehigh, Xander Menapace struggled in his first career start, and the team lost 31-7.
Menapace was able to find a rhythm by connecting with wide receiver Titus Evans. Evans caught six passes for 111 yards in that game — more than the rest of Columbia’s receivers combined.
“I’m excited for it,” junior defensive back Jayden Drayton said. “It’ll be a great matchup. He’s gonna have to see me. … They’re gonna take some shots, but I’m gonna be ready.”
This season marks Drayton’s first as a starting defensive back for Penn, after transitioning from a wide receiver and specialist role last season. Quickly, Drayton has proven to be a vital piece of the secondary, recording nearly 20 tackles and filling in as the boundary corner — making him the main barrier between Menapace and his favorite target.
“I think the coaches just put together a great plan. … They prepared us well,” Drayton said.
Saturday is a game full of storylines: a recently colorful history, unexpected season trajectories, explosive standouts, and expectations sky-high for everyone involved. Through the clutter, though, one sticks out to Penn — revenge.
“Last year was the first time they beat us at home. … So, yeah we’re going up there, revenge tour,” Drayton said. "We’re gonna kick ass.”
Former Sports Editor Walker Carnathan contributed reporting.
