UAlbany opens season with victory over New Hampshire
UAlbany defeated New Hampshire in their season opener, with Perkovich leading the team. The coach received an ice-water bath from players, celebrating a win after the Great Danes had gone 6-18 over the past two seasons.
The Great Danes entered the 2026 campaign seeking a turnaround after consecutive losing seasons that left the program with a combined 6-18 record. Friday's opener at Casey Stadium provided an early statement, with Perkovich pacing the offense and running back Joey Koch breaking off a long gain against the New Hampshire defense. The victory carried emotional weight, as players celebrated by dousing their coach with an ice-water bath — a traditional locker-room tribute reserved for meaningful wins. The home crowd witnessed the team's first step toward reversing recent struggles, with the win offering early momentum for the season ahead.
This victory could provide a psychological boost for a program that has struggled recently, potentially increasing student engagement and local fan interest in UAlbany athletics. A stronger football team may also raise the university's regional profile and attract prospective students who value competitive sports programs. However, one early-season win against a conference opponent does not guarantee sustained success, and the team's true trajectory will only become clear as the schedule progresses.