Sacred Heart and Merrimack to Face Off for Yankee Conference Title

In a unique twist to Division I football, Sacred Heart University and Merrimack College have announced a matchup for the Yankee Conference title on November 16. This revival pays homage to the historic New England-based league that once thrived before its dissolution in 1996. Both institutions, now competing as independents in the Championship Subdivision, previously participated in the Northeast Conference but have transitioned to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which does not sponsor football. The current landscape of major college football sees Oregon State and Washington State operating as the last two teams in the Pac-12, following the departure of ten schools. NCAA regulations permit a two-team conference to function for two years, allowing these schools a window to rebuild their programs. In contrast, the Yankee Conference is being resurrected in spirit through the competition between Sacred Heart and Merrimack. Sacred Heart's athletic director, Judy Ann Riccio, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming game, highlighting the significance of the historic trophy and the rivalry that has developed between the two teams. Merrimack's athletic director, Jeremy Gibson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pride in competing for a title steeped in tradition and history. Originally founded in 1946 with six New England schools, the Yankee Conference expanded throughout the East Coast before merging with the Colonial Athletic Conference in 1996. The upcoming championship game marks a nostalgic return to the league's roots, albeit in a new format.