Offensive Preview

Overall Outlook: A dynamic returning quarterback gives this offense high upside, but replacing a star WR1, breaking in a brand-new backfield, and re-tooling the interior trenches will dictate how fast this unit matures.

Quarterbacks

Junior Dante Reno clearly established himself as a leader and playmaker on offense in 2025. He efficiently delivers strikes to his targets in the passing game and is a highly effective scrambler. The hope is he can avoid some of the tough shots he absorbed on runs last year. Unfortunately, there is also the wildcard of potentially missing time due to Coach Reno’s health.

Behind him, sophomore Charles Hewitt appears to have command of the offense as the lone returning backup—and don’t forget, he is the grandson of a former Yale quarterback. Callum Schweitzer and Brayden Knight are both decorated California recruits waiting in the wings as true freshmen.

Running Backs

This is likely the largest area of concern following the loss of a four-year starter and captain. Sophomore Hugo Djeumeni Kemeni and junior Cuttler Adams will likely see the bulk of the carries. Djeumeni Kemeni has home-run speed, but he needs to better his patience and vision to take the next step in his development. Adams suffered an injury in 2025 that has left him as an unknown commodity, although he has been making plays in practice and appears to have packed on muscle in the offseason.

Freshman Vann Hopping offers a solid power option, while junior Adam Pandolfi or freshman Brennan Wack have the opportunity to break through as well. Running back by committee was a common theme on the Ivy League preseason call, and that will likely be the early plan until a definitive star emerges.

Tight Ends

Some blocking talent was lost to graduation, but this is not a position you have to worry about under Coach Rice. Senior Graham Smith and junior Brady Wagner are dangerous in the passing game and decent run blockers. Smith seemed to come out of nowhere with clutch plays last season, while Wagner can blaze past defenders in the secondary. If the timing between Reno and Wagner improves, that connection should produce some massive highlight reels. Two Texans—sophomore Hutch Chipman and junior Colton Sanders—will likely see some playing time, while 6’7″ freshman Cooke Riney develops.

Wide Receivers

Sophomore Lucius Anderson is the full package with speed, route-running abilities, and sticky hands. He was dominant at times as a freshman in huge games, and Yale will need him to make that leap into a true focal point. Junior Jaxton Santiago (6’3″, 211 lbs) gives Reno a big-bodied possession receiver who is a matchup nightmare with his size and strength, but must prove he can consistently win against top cornerbacks without a WR1 drawing safety help away.

Sophomore Reid Jones has been solid in preseason and could be a pleasant surprise. Junior Kyle Maltarich and senior Garon Kemp have always seemed to be high on the depth chart but couldn’t break through—this should be their year. Senior Robby Tattersall moved from TE to WR, giving the Bulldogs a massive 6’6″, 230-pound option on the outside. The bodies are there, but until an alpha emerges to draw secondary attention, this room remains unproven.

Offensive Line

Senior Quinton Lewis returns following an Ivy League Honorable Mention season in 2025. Lewis has been a physical menace at guard. Senior Jackson St. Aubyn returns after an injury derailed his plans in 2025; he was solid in 2024 and looked primed to dominate. Sophomore Gray McGown took over the tackle spot in his absence as a true freshman and was stellar. Sophomore Tru Kendrick was thrown into heavy fire at Youngstown State and should be much improved heading into this season.

One guard spot and center remain the primary areas of concern. Senior Dylan Garrity filled in admirably at times at center in 2025 and is the lone returner there with real experience, although Coach Cahill could opt to develop younger talent with sophomore John Prokapus III or others. Sophomore Aderian Adelabu has the frame to develop as a key piece inside at 6’5”, 320 pounds, and junior Bennett Anderson was a solid recruit a few years ago who should finally break out.

Special Teams

Senior Joey Fortner returns to anchor the unit at long snapper, while Noah Piper and Reese Keeney provide a rock-solid leg duo in the kicking game. Both were stellar in 2025: Piper earned Freshman All-American honors after going 13-for-15 on field goals (including a 50-yard blast against Cornell) and 31-for-32 on PATs, while Keeney consistently flipped field position by averaging 41.4 yards across 41 punts.