MEDFORD, MA (October 8, 2025) — This Saturday, the Tufts University football team is ready to bounce back from two tough losses as they host Bates College for Homecoming at Ellis Oval. Last week, the Jumbos fell 41-14 against Trinity College, marking their first back-to-back losses since 2022.
In that game, the Jumbos initially stayed competitive with a touchdown by Christian Shapiro, pulling the score to 14-7. However, Trinity responded with 27 unanswered points. Junior Justin Keller connected with Matt Rios for a 21-yard touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Game Day Information
- Opponent: Bates College (1-3, 1-3 NESCAC)
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Somerville, Mass. — Directions here
- Weather: Clear, Low 60s, 10% chance of rain, WNW winds at 5-10 MPH
- Live Coverage: Check out live stats and live video.
Jumbos vs. Bobcats History
Tufts has a strong history against Bates, holding a 65-16-4 series record since they faced off for the first time in 1875. The Jumbos claimed victory in the last three games, including a 45-22 win last year in Lewiston. Shapiro shined in that game, rushing for 107 yards and three touchdowns.
This rivalry is notable as it includes the first intercollegiate football game ever played in Maine back in 1875.
Team Insights
Now returning to home turf, the Jumbos aim to regain their footing and move past their recent setbacks. They currently sit at .500 and are tied for fifth place in the NESCAC.
After a strong defensive start against Trinity, Tufts struggled against a powerful offense. So far this season, they average 132.5 rushing yards per game, ranking third in their conference. Defensively, they’ve held opponents to a 37.8% conversion rate on third downs.
Key Jumbos to watch include:
- Matt Rios: Leading receiver with 15 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
- Christian Shapiro: Offensive star with three touchdowns and 212 rushing yards.
- Johnny Ferrelli: Defensive standout with 30 total tackles.
Bates Bobcats Overview
The Bates Bobcats are also searching for a win after a narrow overtime loss to Colby last week. Their defense held Colby to just 195 total yards, showcasing their ability to compete despite their record.
Bates relies heavily on their running game, averaging 111.3 rushing yards per game. The key players include:
- Ryan Lynskey: Top rusher with 281 yards and three touchdowns.
- Quinn Carver: Leading receiver with 10 catches for 141 yards.
Head Coach Matt Coyne has a record of 6-25 over four seasons, with the team looking to improve as they face Tufts.
NESCAC Week 5 Schedule
- Trinity at Hamilton – 1 PM
- Amherst at Bowdoin – 1:30 PM
- Wesleyan at Colby – 1:30 PM
- Middlebury at Williams – 2 PM
- Bates at Tufts – 7 PM
Both teams will aim to make a statement this weekend. For the Jumbos, a win could turn their season around, while the Bobcats look to gain momentum.
