EDINBORO, Pa. -- The Edinboro football team opens the 2026 season against Ohio Dominican Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Sox Harrison Stadium

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. New this year is the VIP Tailgating Parking Lot located directly behind the visiting stands off of Perry Avenue. These tailgaiting spots will be cash only at $5 per spot and $10 for RVs. All proceeds from the tailgating lot will benefit Edinboro women's lacrosse. Tickets can be purchased here, tickets will be $12 for adults and $6 for students, seniors and veterans, Edinboro students get in free with their student ID. Live video will be on the PSAC Digital Network and live stats will be provided by Edinboro Athletics.

SERIES HISTORY
This is the first ever meeting between the two teams.

LAST TIME OUT EDINBORO
The new season opens at home for the Scots. They look to continue the momentum they built at the end of last season as the closed with four straight wins including a 63-10 victory in the season finale against Millersville.

LAST TIME OUT OHIO DOMINICAN
The Panthers are 1-0 on the season after scoring a 42-40 triple overtime victory at FCS Morehead State last Thursday. ODU jumped out toe a 34-12 lead before Morehead State scored the next 22 points to tie the game and force overtime. Each team scored in the second overtime before the Panthers coverted their two-point conversion in the third overtime and the Eagles failed to answer.

TURN AROUND
The Fighting Scots had their best season since 2017 going 7-4  including a 5-1 mark in the PSAC West and claiming a share of the PSAC West Regular Season Title. Edinboro was 3-8 and 2-4 in league play the season before.

OFFENSIVE RETURNERS
Edinboro brings back seven starters on the offensive side of the ball. Nico Marchitelli returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,870 yards and 15 touchdowns. The tight end duo of Jeremiah Neeley and Clayton Bezon also come back with Neeley making 20 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown while Bezon pulled in 11 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. On the offensive line, Dylan McWilliams, Cameron Zaengle and Aaron Crooms will return in front of Jerry Dinkins III. Dinkins ran for 416 yards and two scores.

DEFENSIVE RETURNERS
The Fighting Scots return eight starters on defense in the PSAC a year ago. The Scots ranked third in the PSAC allowing 22.3 points per game. Nate Deanes tallied 52 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss to with two interceptions and a fumble return for a touchdown. Amari Jones led the team with 59 tackles. Nick Pennucci comes back at middle linebacker with 52 tackles and four tackles for loss. Up front, Nick Rossi, Sunday Ikegwuanu, Montrice Webster return.

PRESEASON POLL
The Scots were selected fourth in the PSAC West Preseason Coaches' Poll. IUP topped the poll with five first-place votes while Slippery Rock received three firsts to slot in second. California (Pa.) was third. After the Scots came Clarion, Seton Hill, Lock Haven and Gannon.

CAMPBELL TROPHY NOMINEE
Senior quarterback Nico Marchitelli was nominated and is a candidate for the National Football Foundations William V. Campbell Trophy that is awarded to the nation's top football scholar-athlete. The winner must excel in academics, football and leadership. Marchitelli is the Scots' first nominee since Ryan Stratton in 2017.