You know that feeling when you check the william and mary football score and your heart just kind of sinks or soars depending on which quarter you caught? That was basically the entire 2025 experience for the Tribe. It was a rollercoaster. Honestly, if you were looking for a predictable season in Williamsburg, you were in the wrong place. Mike London’s squad finished up with a 7-5 overall record, which sounds "fine" on paper, but the way they got there was anything but routine.
The season wrapped up on a bit of a sour note with a 21-28 loss to Richmond in the Capital Cup back in late November. It’s always Richmond, isn’t it? That game is basically the Super Bowl for the 757 and 804 areas, and losing it at Zable Stadium on Senior Day hurt. But before that, the Tribe was actually on a bit of a tear, winning three straight games in November.
The Wild Ride of the 2025 Schedule
If we’re looking at the big picture, the Tribe’s 6-2 record in the CAA (Coastal Athletic Association) was actually pretty impressive. They finished 5th in a conference that is basically a meat grinder every single week.
Think about the game against Campbell on November 8. That was easily the most heart-stopping william and mary football score of the year. The Tribe trailed late, but they managed to put up 11 points in the final two minutes of regulation. Quarterback Tyler Hughes was a man possessed that day. He threw for 282 yards and then decided to just run the game-winning touchdown in himself during overtime. Final score: 30-27. It was the kind of game that makes you want to both cheer and go take a long nap from the stress.
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Then they went to Hampton and just absolutely dismantled them 55-14. It felt like everything finally clicked. Hughes was sharp, the running game was bruising, and the defense was flies-on-paper. But that’s the CAA for you—one week you’re world-beaters, the next you’re fighting for your life against a rival.
2025 Game-by-Game Breakdown
- Aug 30: At Furman (L, 21-23) - A tough way to start, losing by a safety basically.
- Sep 6: vs Maine (W, 28-27) - One point wins are the best and worst.
- Sep 13: At Virginia (L, 16-55) - Let's be real, FBS games are always a massive hill to climb.
- Sep 20: vs Charleston Southern (W, 34-7) - Total dominance at home.
- Sep 27: At Villanova (L, 24-31) - This one stung; Villanova is always a yardstick in the CAA.
- Oct 4: vs North Carolina A&T (W, 38-34) - A shootout that went the Tribe's way.
- Oct 18: vs Elon (W, 26-21) - Homecoming wins just hit different.
- Oct 25: At New Hampshire (L, 24-34) - The road woes continued in Durham.
- Nov 1: vs UAlbany (W, 37-7) - A defensive masterclass.
- Nov 8: At Campbell (W, 30-27 OT) - The "Tyler Hughes Show" in full effect.
- Nov 15: At Hampton (W, 55-14) - Pure offensive explosion.
- Nov 22: vs Richmond (L, 21-28) - The Capital Cup stays in Richmond for another year.
Why the Numbers Tell Only Half the Story
Looking at the stats, William & Mary averaged 29.5 points per game. That’s actually identical to Villanova’s scoring average. The offense, led by Tyler Hughes, was surprisingly balanced. Hughes finished the year with 20 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. He’s basically the engine of that unit. When he’s on, the william and mary football score usually ends up in the 30s or 40s.
The ground game relied heavily on Rashad Raymond, who put up 781 yards and 8 touchdowns. He’s got that "north-south" style that Mike London loves. It wasn't always flashy, but it was effective enough to keep defenses honest.
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The defense was... interesting. They allowed about 25.7 points per game. In the CAA, that’s middle-of-the-pack. They were great at home (5-1) but struggled to find that same intensity on the road (2-4). That’s really where the season was won and lost. If they had managed to steal that Villanova or New Hampshire game, we’d be talking about a playoff run instead of a "what if" season.
Key Standouts Who Made an Impact
It wasn't just the Tyler Hughes show, though it felt like it sometimes. Isaiah Lemmond emerged as a real threat at receiver, especially later in the season. And we have to talk about the special teams. Keegan Shackford was clutch. In that Campbell game, he nailed a 38-yard field goal with one second left to force overtime. One second! That’s ice water in the veins right there.
On the defensive side, Luke Banbury was everywhere. The guy had 12 tackles in a single game against Campbell. He’s the heart of that linebacker corps. When you see a high-scoring william and mary football score, it usually means the defense had a "bend but don't break" afternoon, often anchored by Banbury and Harrison Johnson.
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What's Next for the Tribe?
So, where does this leave us? The 2025 season is in the books. Coach Mike London is heading into his 8th season in 2026, and the expectations aren't getting any lower. The team showed they can compete with the top of the CAA, but the consistency just wasn't quite there to break into the national playoff picture this time around.
If you’re a fan or just someone keeping an eye on the william and mary football score, the focus now shifts to the transfer portal and spring practice. Replacing some of those departing seniors will be tough, especially on the offensive line. But with Hughes likely returning under center, the ceiling remains high.
Actionable Insights for Tribe Fans
- Track the Transfer Portal: Keep an eye on defensive line additions. The Tribe struggled to pressure the QB in their losses to Richmond and Villanova.
- Season Ticket Strategy: With a 5-1 home record last year, Zable Stadium remains a fortress. If you’re planning to attend, the Family Weekend and Homecoming games sell out fast.
- Watch the CAA Landscape: Rhode Island and Villanova are the current kings, but the gap is small. The Tribe’s 6-2 conference record proves they are only one or two plays away from the top spot.
- Support the Ground Game: Watch for who emerges as the "RB2" behind Raymond (or his successor) in the spring game, as the Tribe's offense relies heavily on a two-back rotation to stay fresh.
The 2025 season was a testament to how volatile FCS football can be. One week you’re losing a heartbreaker at Furman, and a few months later you’re putting up 55 points in a rivalry game. It’s frustrating, it’s exciting, and it’s exactly why we keep checking the score every Saturday.