The Patriot League enters the 2025-26 season with a mix of uncertainty and opportunity. Many of last year’s top players have moved on through graduation or the transfer portal — opening the door for new stars to emerge.
Navy, Boston University, Bucknell, and Colgate look poised to battle for the top spot, each featuring key returners who could shape both the conference standings and the NIL landscape this season.
Below is your RallyFuel preview and team-by-team breakdown:
1. NAVY
After 12 seasons as an assistant, Jon Perry takes over as head coach — and he inherits a strong roster.
- Austin Benigni, the Preseason Patriot League Player of the Year, leads the way as one of the most dynamic guards in the conference.
- Aidan Kehoe, a 6’11” senior center, anchors the paint with interior scoring and rebounding dominance.
With a veteran roster and strong discipline, Navy looks like the early favorite to capture the regular-season crown.
Top NIL Watch: Benigni’s leadership and visibility at a service academy make him a unique NIL case — fans can support verified charitable or appearance-based activations through RallyFuel.
2. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
The Terriers could be the league’s most balanced team if they stay healthy.
- Ethan Okwuosa returns from injury and instantly becomes a major piece on both ends.
- Guards Kyrone Alexander and Michael McNair bring consistent scoring, while Malcolm Chimezie controls the inside.
- With their depth and experience, BU has the firepower to make a title run.
Top NIL Watch: Okwuosa’s comeback story could draw strong fan engagement through performance-based fuel campaigns.
3. COLGATE
Colgate has been a Patriot League powerhouse in recent years — and that shouldn’t change much.
- Jalen Cox, a breakout star last season, returns with high expectations.
- Brady Cummings and Parker Jones add scoring from the wing, while freshman Ayomi Odetoyinbo brings athletic upside.
- Transfer Ben Tweedy (Green Bay) should add depth in the frontcourt.
Top NIL Watch: Cox is one of the league’s most marketable athletes, combining highlight-reel ability with team success.
4. BUCKNELL
Despite key losses, Bucknell has enough returning talent to stay competitive.
- Achile Spadone and Ruot Biiek will shoulder much of the scoring load.
- Freshman Amon Dorries from Germany is a developmental wildcard — his progress could define the Bison’s ceiling.
Top NIL Watch: International athletes like Dorries showcase the growing global reach of NIL under compliant frameworks like RallyFuel.
5. AMERICAN
Last year’s Patriot League champions will look to reload under Coach Duane Simpkins.
- Geoff Sprouse steps into the starting point-guard role after three seasons as a reserve.
- Greg Jones brings versatility, and Matt Mayock is a capable perimeter shooter.
Top NIL Watch: American’s returning experience makes them appealing for fan-driven campaigns centered on repeat championship runs.
6. LAFAYETTE
The Leopards lose leading scorer Alex Chaikin, but still bring back solid guard play.
- Caleb Williams provides elite three-point shooting, and Mark Butler runs the offense.
- Freshmen Luke Bevilacqua and Andrew Phillips could contribute early.
Top NIL Watch: Williams’ shooting and community ties make him a favorite for local fan activations.
7. LOYOLA (MARYLAND)
Loyola’s backcourt trio of Jordan Stiemke, Jacob Thodosiou, and Braden Speed is among the most underrated in the league.
- Transfers Jonas Sitautas (Radford) and Sam Springer (Air Force) add length and athleticism.
Top NIL Watch: Loyola’s guard-driven attack gives each player strong personal-brand potential, perfect for NIL storytelling content.
8. HOLY CROSS
The Crusaders return a strong nucleus despite recent struggles.
- Joe Nugent is an established offensive threat.
- Tyler Boston (returning from injury) and Aidan Richard (breakout sophomore) should boost the frontcourt.
Top NIL Watch: Nugent’s leadership and consistent scoring make him one of the league’s most bankable stars for NIL engagement.
9. LEHIGH
Lehigh will rely on youth this season.
- Nasir Whitlock steps into a starting role, while forwards Edouard Benoit and Hank Alvey must mature quickly.
- Development will be key to the Mountain Hawks’ success.
Top NIL Watch: Whitlock’s expanded role could make him a fan-favorite underdog NIL story.
10. ARMY
Replacing stars Josh Scovens and Jalen Rucker won’t be easy.
- Ryan Curry becomes the primary scoring and leadership option.
- Expect the Black Knights to rely on defense and hustle to stay competitive.
Top NIL Watch: Curry’s leadership at a service academy fits RallyFuel’s mission of character-based NIL recognition.
RallyFuel Takeaway
The 2025-26 Patriot League season is wide open — and that means big opportunities for emerging NIL talent. With verified athlete profiles, fan-driven funding, and compliance-first activations, RallyFuel helps Patriot League fans fuel their favorite players the right way.
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