Duquesne Football Signs Graduate Transfer QB Tyler Riddell

Duquesne University football has made a significant move to bolster its roster, signing graduate transfer quarterback Tyler Riddell as the anticipated successor to star quarterback Darius Perrantes. Perrantes, the first-team All-NEC QB in 2024, leaves behind a daunting task- a quarterback will need to fill those shoes on the Bluff, and it looks like Riddell is the front runner to do it.

Riddell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Duquesne, arriving after a standout 2024 campaign with Gardner-Webb and a five-year stint at East Tennessee State (ETSU). He had also been set to join the FBS Florida International Panthers this offseason prior to decommitting. With over 7,500 career passing yards and 54 touchdowns, the graduate student is poised to make an immediate impact for the Dukes.

In his lone season at Gardner-Webb, Riddell threw for 2,573 yards while tossing 16 touchdowns. His best yardage output came against FBS Charlotte, where he racked up 240 passing yards. He’ll be opening the 2025 season against P4 competition in the Pitt Panthers.

Before Gardner-Webb, Riddell spent five seasons at ETSU. Finishing his Buccaneers career with over 5,000 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, he led ETSU to 11 wins and a SoCon Championship in 2021. That year, he earned Freshman All-American honors, throwing for 2,464 yards while completing 211 passes.

Replacing Darius Perrantes, who dominated the NEC last season, won’t be easy. Perrantes propelled the Dukes to a share of the NEC championship in 2024 and a top 25 ranking at the end of the season. CCSU, Mercyhurst, and LIU are all returning skilled quarterbacks, and Riddell will need to adapt quickly to keep the Dukes competitive in the NEC. Riddell brings not only skill but maturity to a Duquesne squad eager to build on recent success. With spring practice already underway at Duquesne, all eyes will be on Riddell as he settles into his new role. If his past is any indication, Duquesne may have just reloaded under center, potentially erasing their biggest question mark heading into the 2025 season.

Red Flash’s Home Opener Features NFL Star Power

A big-time early-season showdown is set for September 20, 2025, as Delaware State travels to Loretto for a highly anticipated matchup against Saint Francis. This game marks the return leg of their 2024 contest, where the Red Flash pulled off a thrilling comeback victory over the Hornets. That game saw Saint Francis erase a 17-6 deficit in the fourth quarter with three unanswered touchdowns, including a pair of explosive runs from Markell Holman to seal the win.

After a 2024 season that included a statement win over FBS Kent State, Saint Francis enters this matchup with a deep recruiting class and a program built on developing regional talent, aiming to carry that momentum forward. Delaware State, meanwhile, is making headlines with a fresh coaching staff led by former NFL star DeSean Jackson. This will be Jackson’s first year as a head coach at the HBCU program, adding an extra layer to this matchup.

Jackson’s coaching staff includes another former NFL standout, Clinton Portis, who takes over as the Hornets’ running backs coach and run game coordinator. For Saint Francis, this game against Delaware State will be a significant early-season test, especially with the added star power on the Delaware State sideline.

The presence of Jackson and Portis ensures that this game will draw attention from across the college football world. With Delaware State aiming to establish a new identity under Jackson, you can expect an intense battle with both sides playing with some added motivation. Delaware State will be hoping to prove that they’re a different program with their new staff, while Saint Francis- along with many other programs- will be hoping to give the former NFL star their best shot.

NEC Blitz is excited to announce that we’ll be on-site to cover this marquee matchup. Expect in-depth coverage, exclusive insights, and real-time updates from Loretto as these two programs collide in a high-profile early-season showdown.

Mercyhurst QB Adam Urena Returning in 2025

Sometimes, your biggest recruiting wins aren't who you add, but who you keep.

For Mercyhurst, that might be the case this offseason. NEC Blitz can confirm that Adam Urena, one of the NEC’s top quarterbacks in 2024, has one more year of eligibility—and he’ll be using it in Erie.

Urena’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. He completed 268 of 400 passes (67%) for 2,773 yards and 31 touchdowns, throwing just five interceptions. His efficiency and playmaking ability kept Mercyhurst’s high-powered offense firing on all cylinders. Yet, despite the gaudy numbers, he was left off of the conference’s All-NEC team.

What stood out wasn’t just the snub—it was how his teammates responded. They took it personally. It was clear they believed their quarterback deserved more recognition, and their reaction spoke volumes about the trust and respect he commands in the locker room. At least there was some consolation: Urena later earned Phil Steele Second-Team All-NEC honors.

While Cameron Barmore—the other half of Mercyhurst’s dynamic duo—moved on to the Power Four ranks with Arizona, Urena’s return catapults the second-year Lakers as a darkhorse into the NEC title conversation. The offense, already one of the most explosive in the conference, retains a quarterback with a full year of experience against Division I defenses. With Urena at the helm, expect Mercyhurst to put up big numbers once again and be a force in the NEC race.

Retaining Urena wasn’t just about continuity—it was a statement. Mercyhurst has its quarterback, and they have his back. Now, the question is: how far can they go in their first season as a full-fledged NEC member? While they remain ineligible for the FCS playoffs as of now, a regular-season championship and a banner in Saxon Stadium are still up for grabs. Cameron Barmore is a massive loss, sure. It remains to be seen who can replace his production. But with Urena leading the charge, a new playmaker could emerge- and the Lakers have every reason to believe that their goals just might be within reach.

Wagner Football Adds Marquee Home Matchup Against Norfolk State

The Wagner Seahawks’ 2025 football schedule just got even more exciting. As part of their official schedule release on February 20, Wagner announced that they will host Norfolk State on September 27, 2025, in Staten Island. This game adds to an already intriguing season for the Seahawks and could be one of the biggest home matchups in recent program history.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding this contest is Norfolk State’s new head coach: Michael Vick. The former number one overall NFL draft pick and legendary dual-threat quarterback is set to lead the Spartans, instantly making this game a must-watch for football fans. Vick’s presence alone adds national intrigue, as he transitions from a playing career that revolutionized the quarterback position to a coaching role where he looks to build Norfolk State into a contender.

For Wagner, this home showdown against Norfolk State is part of an ambitious schedule that includes high-profile road challenges against FBS opponents Kansas and Central Michigan. These matchups give the Seahawks multiple opportunities to showcase their growth on a national stage, potentially earning television exposure along the way.

Under head coach Tom Masella, Wagner has steadily improved, finishing the 2024 season with a 4-8 record while becoming more competitive in the NEC. With another year of development and a strong recruiting class, the Seahawks hope to take another step forward in 2025.

This newly announced clash with Norfolk State provides Wagner with a prime home opportunity to make a statement. With the excitement surrounding Vick’s coaching debut and the potential for increased media attention, expect Staten Island to be buzzing when these two programs collide on September 27.