’26 Patriot League Football Preview: William and Mary

Predicted Order of Finish: 6th

When William & Mary announced they were joining the Patriot League as a football-only member, nobody on the planet might have been more shocked than me.

The idea of William and Mary becoming a football-only affiliate in the Patriot League was a concept that many people didn’t think was on the table.

The move came as a surprise in one significant way – that the Tribe would be moving in football only, keeping all of their other sports, including men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, in the CAA.
 

Because of that thinking, Patriot League football is now in a terrific place, and William & Mary has the opportunity to jump right in and become title contender in their first season in the League.

They’ll do so with some big shoes to fill, however.

QB Tyler Hughes was a huge part of the Tribe’s offense in 2025, becoming the first player in school history to throw for more than 2,000 yards and rush for over 600 yards.  He was 22nd nationally in pass efficiency (149.3) and threw only three interceptions all season (though one critical one came in his season-ending game against Richmond).  His loss in the Portal to Wyoming really can’t be overstated. 

Leading rusher RB Rashad Raymond also graduated last year, leaving a gaping hole at running back as well.  With only three returning starters, there are a boatload more questions than answers.

One guy that is returning is 6’5, 240 lb TE Sean McElwain, one of the top players at that position nationally and someone with a chance to play on Sundays. Surprisingly, TE Jackson Blee (311 yards, 3 TDs) is the top receiver returning on the Tribe.  William & Mary will also be hoping a transfer from their Rival Richmond, RB Andrew King (348 yards, 2 TDs), might be a part of the solution.

I respect head coach Mike London and his ability to develop and retain talent in Williamsburg, so it’s likely William & Mary have plenty of answers in-house to these questions.  But in the transfer portal era it seems a bit odd that there weren’t more inbound offensive transfers in to compete for starting roles.

On defense at least, there are a lot more answers than questions.

Head coach Mike London will enjoy the return of 300 lb DL Davin Dzidzienyo, who was hurt for most of last season but was great two years ago (50 tackles, 5 1/2 TFL, 2 sacks).  Add to that  DB Bryce Barnes (34 tackles, 3 pass breakups) and LB Harrison Johnson (84 tackles, 3 TFL) and William & Mary have a fantastic defensive core.

The Tribe can add “kicker” to their open job list going into the fall with the graduation of PK Keegan Shackford, while P Carter Boyd (38.24 ypk) returns to punt.  RB Jor’dyn Whitelaw returned kickoffs last year (510 return yards).

Fearless Prediction:  I could see Mike London – who, of course, won an NCAA National Championship – make my prediction and season outlook look foolish and the Tribe players currently in the, er, Tribe step in seamlessly and contend.  If they can manage a season-opening win against Villanova – and a win a few weeks later vs. Lehigh – they’ll suddenly be in the driver’s seat for a championship.  I wouldn’t underestimate the Tribe’s ability to win either, or both, games.