Harvard Football has been ranked second in the 2026 Ivy League Preseason Poll, amassing 111 points and one first-place vote. Yale leads the poll with 127 points and 15 first-place votes. Harvard's roster features key returnees from last year鈥檚 championship team, including several Preseason All-Americans and notable defensive players. The Crimson finished the 2025 season with a 9-2 record and is set to kick off its new season on September 19 against New Hampshire.

By the Numbers
  • Harvard netted 111 points in the Ivy League Preseason Poll.
  • Yale topped the poll with 127 points and 15 first-place votes.
Yes, But

This ranking highlights Harvard's strength, yet the challenge remains to dethrone Yale, demonstrating a competitive landscape in the Ivy League.

State of Play
  • Harvard's roster includes top returning players, boosting its potential for the season.
  • The Crimson's recent history includes a strong performance, achieving a 9-2 record in 2025.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Harvard will be looking to translate their strong roster and accolades into success on the field, starting with their game on September 19.

Bottom Line

Harvard鈥檚 strong preseason ranking reflects its competitive edge, but success will depend on maintaining performance against top rivals like Yale and capitalizing on returning talent.