For Immediate Release:
20 August 2026

FRANKLIN, Mass. – The Dean College football program has announced its schedule for the 2026 season. The schedule will be comprised of nine games, with the season opener scheduled for Saturday, September 5^th.

In addition, the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) has announced their 2026 preseason poll results, as voted by the conference's head coaches. The Bulldogs are ranked ninth on this year's poll.

Dean will open its 2026 slate at Dale Lippert Field on Saturday, September 5^th against Fitchburg State University. This will be the sixth consecutive season that the Bulldogs and Falcons have met in week one, but just the second to be counted as a conference game.

After their home opener, the Bulldogs will hit the road for a three-game road stint. They will play MASCAC opponents Mass Maritime Academy, Westfield State University, and Plymouth State University (respectively). Dean will serve its bye week prior to playing Plymouth State.

Football returns home on Saturday, October 10^th for their only non-conference game of the season. They will host former ECFC opponent Gallaudet University in their week six matchup.

The home stint continues for two additional weeks, with Worcester State notably coming to town for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. This year's homecoming game is scheduled for October 24^th at 1:00PM.

The Bulldogs conclude their road game schedule with a trip to UMass Dartmouth on October 31^st. Their final regular season game and senior day festivities are slated for November 7^th against Framingham State University.

Highlighting Dean's return to play is their new-look offense, featuring several key elements. Quarterback Chris Donohue (Brewster, N.Y.) leads the fleet in his final season of play. Previously with Missouri State, Donohue finished the 2025 season with a 54% completion percentage while averaging nearly 15 yards per play. He previously attended Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and played in three seasons.

Da'Qwon Foster (Providence, R.I.) and Tay Sholtz (Liverpool, N.Y.) return to Dean's wide receiver room this season. In 2025, the two combined for over 700 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jamal Palmer will help lead the efforts in the secondary. Palmer impressed during his freshman campaign, posting 16 tackles (12 solo) and an interception. Palmer also blocked a kick in the team's season finale against Anna Maria College.

FULL MASCAC RELEASE

For 2026 ticket and tailgating information, please visit any of the respective links above or follow us on social media @deanbulldogs and @deanathletics.

For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu