If you walked into Fitton Field this past fall thinking the holy cross football schedule 2025 was going to be another cakewalk to a Patriot League trophy, you weren’t alone. Most of us were riding high on that six-year championship streak. But football has a funny way of humbling you.
The 2025 campaign was a grind. Brutal. Honestly, it was a season of "what ifs" and "almosts" that left the Worcester faithful a bit stunned.
The Gauntlet: Breaking Down the 2025 Matchups
The season kicked off with a massive test out in DeKalb. Taking on an FBS opponent like Northern Illinois right out of the gate is a statement, but it’s a tough way to find your identity. On August 30, the Crusaders nearly pulled off the impossible, falling just short in a 19-17 heartbreaker.
That set a frustrating tone. Close losses became the recurring theme.
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Looking at the non-conference stretch, it was essentially a tour of New England and the Ivy League. You had the slugfest in Durham against New Hampshire on September 6—another three-point loss (19-16). Then came the home opener. Fitton Field was electric on September 13 for 508 Community Day, but Rhode Island spoiled the party with a 9-7 defensive stalemate.
The Full 2025 Results
- Aug 30: at Northern Illinois (L, 17-19)
- Sept 6: at New Hampshire (L, 16-19)
- Sept 13: vs Rhode Island (L, 7-9)
- Sept 20: at Yale (L, 10-28)
- Sept 27: at Fordham (L, 21-26)
- Oct 4: vs Harvard (L, 24-59) - Homecoming was a rough one.
- Oct 18: at Richmond (W, 28-22) - Finally!
- Oct 25: vs Colgate (L, 28-29)
- Nov 1: vs Lafayette (L, 13-21)
- Nov 8: at Lehigh (L, 3-38)
- Nov 15: at Bucknell (W, 37-20)
- Nov 22: vs Georgetown (W, 42-7) - Played at Fenway Park.
Why the Schedule Felt Different Under Dan Curran
This was Year Two for Head Coach Dan Curran. After sharing the title in 2024, the expectations were sky-high. But the 2025 schedule didn't do him any favors.
The mid-season stretch was particularly punishing. After five straight losses to open the year—most by a single possession—the Crusaders had to face a nationally ranked Harvard team for Homecoming. That 59-24 blowout was probably the low point for a lot of fans. It’s rare to see a Holy Cross defense get shredded like that at home.
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But you have to give credit to the locker room. A lot of teams would have folded at 0-6. Instead, they went down to Richmond on October 18 and stunned the Spiders 28-22. It wasn't enough to save the season, but it proved the culture Curran is building still has some teeth.
The Fenway Finale: A Bright Spot in a Dark Year
If you missed the Georgetown game on November 22, you missed the best version of this team. Moving the game to Fenway Park was a brilliant marketing move, but it was an even better performance.
The Crusaders dominated 42-7. It was a glimpse of what everyone expected the holy cross football schedule 2025 to look like from the start.
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The offense finally clicked. Cal Swanson looked comfortable. The defense actually forced turnovers. It was a "too little, too late" scenario for the playoffs, but ending on a two-game win streak (after beating Bucknell the week prior) gives the program some much-needed momentum heading into the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Realities of the Patriot League Transition
The Patriot League is changing. Lehigh and Lafayette aren't the doormats they used to be a few years ago. Lehigh’s 38-3 thumping of the Crusaders in November was a massive wake-up call for anyone who thought Worcester was the permanent capital of the league.
Holy Cross finished 3-9 overall and 3-4 in conference play. It’s the first time in a long time they haven't been at the top of the standings.
What to Do Now if You're a Fan
The 2025 season is in the books, but the work for 2026 is already starting. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, here is what actually matters right now:
- Check the 2026 Non-Conference Slate: The school has already confirmed games against Miami (Ohio) and Harvard for next year. The schedule doesn't get easier, so the depth chart needs an overhaul.
- Monitor the Portal: With Ty Curran (the coach's son) already in the mix as a receiver, watch for more transfers this spring. The Crusaders need defensive line help after getting bullied in the trenches during the October stretch.
- Review Season Ticket Loyalty: Despite the 3-9 record, Fitton Field attendance remained high, especially for the Lafayette and Harvard games. Renewing early usually locks in better pricing for the 2026 "premium" home games.
The holy cross football schedule 2025 was a reality check. It showed that the gap between the Crusaders and the rest of the Patriot League has vanished. But with the way they finished at Fenway, it’s hard to bet against a bounce-back in 2026.