Stony Brook football has been experiencing a resurgence under head coach Billy Cosh, and expectations now are more aligned with how the team has been performing since his arrival on campus.

The Seawolves are 14-10 during the Cosh Era and have been picked to finish fifth in the Coastal Athletic Association this season. They even earned one of the first-place votes in the preseason poll, with Rhode Island receiving the other 12. 

Sure, coaches can’t vote for their own teams, but it certainly says something that URI head coach Jim Fleming picked Stony Brook, when he had a dozen teams from which to choose.

Can the Seawolves live up to the growing hype? Fans will have the opportunity to find out first-hand, as all of Stony Brook’s home and conference games will be broadcast live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

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Fleming and the Rams will get an up-close look at the CAA’s rising stars when the Rams travel to Long Island, New York, to face the Seawolves on Sept. 19. It’ll be the first conference game of the year for Stony Brook and the second in as many weeks for the two-time defending conference champions.

Until then, Cosh and the Seawolves will have their hands full.

In two tries so far, Cosh has not been able to start a season with a win, and this year brings another challenging opponent.

Stony Brook will start the new season on the road at Delaware State for the first meeting in history between the two programs. 

The Hornets will be led by second-year head coach DeSean Jackson, who recently finished a 15-year career in the NFL and kicked off his first collegiate coaching job with HBCU Coach of the Year honors. 

He led his team to an 8-4 overall record and 4-1 performance in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference during the 2025 season. It was the first winning season for the Hornets since 2012.

Stony Brook started the 2024 slate with a 45-3 loss to Marshall and fell to San Diego State last year, 42-0.

Will this be the first time Cosh marches into Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium after a season-opening road win?

While we wait to answer that question, here are some things to know about the Stony Brook Seawolves, the FCS and CAA Football:

Stony Brook Head Coach Billy Cosh Had An Unforgettable Debut

In December 2023, Billy Cosh was introduced as the third head coach in Stony Brook’s NCAA football era. 

He was less than a decade removed from the conclusion of his five-year career as a collegiate quarterback and, at 32 years old when the 2024 season opened, he was the second-youngest head coach in NCAA Division I football.

The Stony Brook job was the first head coaching gig of his career, and it got off to an unforgettable start. The previous year, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Western Michigan. 

Cosh inherited a team that had lost 12 consecutive games, including an 0-10 performance in 2023, but his impact was immediate, and the turnaround was epic.

The Seawolves fell short in his first outing, losing to FBS standout Marshall in the season opener, but the team rebounded with four consecutive wins, highlighted by the first conference victory for Cosh, a 24-17 triumph over Campbell. 

Stony Brook improved from 2-9 in 2022 and 0-10 in 2023 to 8-4 with Cosh at the helm. The Seawolves were 5-3 in conference play and landed in the top half of the CAA standings after being tied for last place in the conference the year before at 0-8. 

It was the school’s first winning season since 2018, landed Stony Brook in the top 25 of the final polls of the year and earned Cosh an armful of awards.

He closed the season as the AFCA FCS Coach of the Year, AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, CAA Coach of the Year and the Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year. 

The 2025 campaign wasn’t quite as successful, but the Seawolves held their own, going 6-6 overall and 4-4 in conference action. 

The team’s 14 victories across 2024 and 2025 matches Stony Brook’s win total from the prior four years.

Stony Brook And UAlbany Have A Great Football Rivalry

For three decades, Stony Brook and UAlbany have been building on a football rivalry known as the Battle for the Golden Apple or the Empire Clash, since they both hail from New York state.

They met for the first time in 1995 and both have been members of the CAA since 2013, so the annual showdown has become twice as important.

The 2025 edition happened at UAlbany, with Stony Brook cruising to a 47-12 victory. The Seawolves clung to a 10-6 halftime lead but seemed untouchable in the second half while outscoring the Great Danes 37-6.

The battle was especially important in 2025, as both teams had opened CAA play with a loss. 

It was the 27th meeting between the two programs, and UAlbany still holds a 15-12 advantage all-time. Stony Brook won in 2024 and 2025, while UAlbany was victorious the two years prior.

The ultimate prize in the rivalry, the Golden Apple trophy, was introduced in 2015 and has gone home in the hands of the Seawolves six times in 11 opportunities. 

Stony Brook Football Through The Years

Though some of the CAA football programs boast more than a century of history, Stony Brook is a relatively new kid on the block.

The first year of Seawolves football was as a club in 1970. The team joined NCAA Division III in 1984 and made the jump to Division II a decade later (1994). The final leap came quickly, with the squad moving to Division I-AA (FCS) in 1999.

Since reaching the FCS level, the Seawolves have been to the playoffs four times – 2011, 2012, 2017 and 2018.

Stony Brook has only had three head coaches since joining the NCAA – Sam Kornhauser (1984-2005), Chuck Priore (2006-2023) and Billy Cosh (2024-present).

How Did The Stony Brook Seawolves Perform Overall In 2025?

The 2025 season wasn’t quite as success for Stony Brook as the 2024 campaign, but the team still seems to be in a far better place than a few years ago.

In two years in charge, Cosh has won eight and six games, respectively, which equaled the team’s win total from the four prior seasons.

The Seawolves were 6-6 overall and 4-4 in CAA play last year but never won more than two games in a row. They started the season with back-to-back losses, before finding the win column against Fordham, 41-18.

Winning the Golden Apple in their rivalry game against UAlbany was a highlight, and Stony Brook ended the year with a 35-28 home victory against Bryant. It was Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day.

When it was time for postseason accolades, five Seawolves were recognized by the CAA, including two All-CAA first-teamers.

One of those players, defensive lineman Dyshier Clary, also earned a spot on the All- Eastern College Athletic Conference Defense.

Additionally, seven Stony Brook players earned All-CAA recognition from Phil Steele – Clary, Roland Dempster, Anthony Ferrelli, Trey Wallman, Jayce Freeman, Miles McGoy and Cole Bunicci. 

2025 CAA Award Winners From Stony Brook

• Roland Dempster, RB, Gr., – First-Team Offense
• Dyshier Clary, DL, Gr. – First-Team Defense
• *Anthony Ferrelli, LB, Jr. – Second-Team Defense
• Jace Freeman, WR, Jr. – Third-Team Offense
• Jace Freeman, KR, Jr. – Honorable Mention
• *Miles McGoy, CB, RS-So. – Honorable Mention

*On 2026 roster

2025 Stony Brook Football Results

• Aug. 28 (Thu): San Diego State 42, Stony Brook 0 (L)
• Sept. 6 (Sat): Rhode Island 31, Stony Brook 17 (L)
• Sept. 13 (Sat): Stony Brook 41, Fordham 18 (W)
• Sept. 20 (Sat): Lindenwood 30, Stony Brook 27 (L)
• Sept. 27 (Sat): Stony Brook 35, Merrimack 10 (W)
• Oct. 4 (Sat): Stony Brook 47, UAlbany 12 (W)
• Oct. 18 (Sat): Monmouth 49, Stony Brook 21 (L)
• Oct. 25 (Sat): Stony Brook 27, Towson 19 (W)
• Nov. 1 (Sat): Maine 28, Stony Brook 21 (L)
• Nov. 8 (Sat): Stony Brook 38, North Carolina A&T 12 (W)
• Nov. 15 (Sat): Villanova 30, Stony Brook 27 (L)
• Nov. 22 (Sat): Stony Brook 35, Bryant 28 (W)

A Look At The CAA And Stony Brook Football In 2026

Stony Brook football is on the rise, and the Seawolves were picked to finish fifth in the new-look CAA.

The squad returns two All-CAA defensive selections – linebacker Ferrelli and cornerback McGoy – and brought in more than a dozen players through the transfer portal, including a pair of receivers, a quarterback two running backs and five defensive players.

Early signing day in December also was good to Stony Brook, which landed 12 players from seven states.

On the coaching side, the Seawolves will be joined by new offensive line coach Will Ahrens from Western Michigan.

Heading into the new campaign, Ferrelli earned the first preseason honor for the team. He was named to the 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America team (third team) and was one of 11 CAA players to make the list. 

He later was added to the 2026 Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List and is one of four CAA players in the early conversation for the top defensive player in the FCS.

When the 2026 Preseason All-CAA team was announced in July, you guessed it, Ferrelli’s name appeared again, along with McGoy, Sebastian Regis and Joseph Garcia. 

Stony Brook Football Schedule For 2026

All Times Eastern

• Aug. 27 (Thu): 6 p.m. at Delaware State
• Sept. 3 (Thu): 7 p.m. vs. Lindenwood
• Sept. 12 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Ball State
• Sept. 19 (Sat): 2:30 p.m. vs. Rhode Island*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Fordham
• Oct. 10 (Sat): 4 p.m. at Towson*
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 2:30 p.m. vs. UAlbany*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Bryant*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Sacred Heart*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Campbell*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): 1 p.m. at New Hampshire*
• Nov. 21 (Sat): Noon vs. Hampton*

*CAA games

Predicted Order Of Finish For CAA Teams In 2026

1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes), 144
2. Monmouth, 119
3. Elon, 115
4. New Hampshire, 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote), 105
6. Towson, 93
7. Maine, 88
8. Campbell, 56
9. Bryant, 50
10. Sacred Heart, 49
11. UAlbany, 35
12. North Carolina A&T, 28
13. Hampton, 26

*Villanova and William & Mary left the CAA for the Patriot League, and Sacred Heart joins the CAA for the 2026 season. 

Order Of Finish For CAA Teams In 2025

CAA (Overall)

• Rhode Island: 8-0 (11-3)
• Villanova: 7-1 (12-3)
• New Hampshire: 6-2 (8-5)
• Monmouth: 6-2 (9-3)
• William & Mary: 6-2 (7-5)
• Maine: 5-3 (6-6)
• Elon: 4-4 (6-6)
• Stony Brook: 4-4 (6-6)
• Towson: 4-4 (6-6)
• Campbell: 2-6 (2-10)
• North Carolina A&T: 2-6 (2-10)
• Bryant: 1-7 (3-9)
• UAlbany: 1-7 (2-10)
• Hampton: 0-8 (2-10)

Final AFCA Division I FCS Coaches Poll For 2025 Season

1. Montana St. (14-2)
2. Illinois St. (12-5)
3. Montana (13-2)
4. Villanova (12-3)
5. North Dakota St. (12-1)
6. Tarleton St. (12-2)
7. Stephen F. Austin (11-3)
8. UC Davis (9-4)
9. Lehigh (12-1)
10. Rhode Island (11-3)
11. South Dakota (10-5)
12. ACU (9-5)
13. Yale (9-3)
14. South Dakota St. (9-5)
15. Tennessee Tech (11-2)
16. North Dakota (8-6)
17. Youngstown St. (8-5)
18. Mercer (9-3)
19. Southeastern Louisiana (9-4)
20. Monmouth (N.J.) (9-3)
21. Lamar (8-5)
22. Jackson St. (9-3)
23. Harvard (9-2)
24. West Georgia (8-3)
25. South Carolina St. (10-3)

Dropped Out: Southern Illinois (25)

Others Receiving Votes: New Hampshire, 35; Lafayette, 30; Southern Illinois, 29; Drake, 20; UT Rio Grande Valley, 20; Prairie View A&M, 16; Central Connecticut St., 15; Richmond, 15; Alabama St., 10; Presbyterian, 10; Southern Utah, 5; Austin Peay, 2.

Some Things To Know About FCS Football

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) is the second tier of NCAA Division I football, with the top tier being the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision). 

While the FBS determines its national champion through a 12-team, committee-selected College Football Playoff, the FCS Championship includes 24 teams.

The FCS conference champions automatically qualify for the playoffs, and the remaining spots are filled via at-large selection. 

This season, there will be 128 programs across 13 conferences. The regular season will begin in late August, and the playoffs will get underway at the end of November. 

Who Won The Each Football National Championship For The 2025-2026 Season?

• Division I FBS – Indiana def. Miami, 27-21
• Division I FCS – Montana State def. Illinois State 35-34 (OT)
• Division II – Ferris State def. Harding, 42-21
• Division III – University of Wisconsin-River Falls def. North Central (Ill.), 24-14

When Do The 2026 NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Start?

The first round of the 2026 NCAA FCS Playoffs will be Nov. 28.

The format includes 24 teams and five rounds of play – first round, second round, quarterfinals, semifinals and the championship game. Everything through the semifinals will be played at the site of the participating schools.

Round 2 is set for Dec. 5, the quarterfinals will be held Dec. 11 (one game) and Dec. 12 (three games) and the semifinals will take place Dec. 19.

The 2026 FCS national championship will be determined Jan. 11, 2027, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Music City first hosted the title tilt in 2025 after 15 consecutive visits to Frisco, Texas.

Every game will be broadcast live on the ESPN family of networks. 

How Do The FCS Playoffs Work?

The 24 FCS teams that advance to the playoffs are situated into a single-elimination bracket.

The top 16 teams are seeded, with the first eight earning byes into the second round. Seeds 9-16 must play in the opening round of action, but they get to play host, as do the higher seeds in each game through the semifinals.

The two semifinal winners then make the trip to Nashville to play for the national championship.

In 2025, Montana State defeated Illinois State 35-34 in overtime to claim the trophy. 

Since 2011, North Dakota State had been dominating the FCS landscape, winning 10 national titles, but the Bison have now moved to a bigger pasture – the FBS level as part of the Mountain West Conference.

Throwback: Tyler Knoop Throws For Six Touchdowns In Stony Brook’s 2024 Win Over Towson

Stony Brook’s Tyler Knoop threw for a career-high 387 yards and set a program record with six passing touchdowns in the Seawolves 52-24 road win over Towson in October 2024.

Archived Footage On FloCollege

Video footage from all games will be archived and stored in a video library for FloCollege subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Watch The 2026 College Football Season On FloCollege

FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don’t miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games. 

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