The University of Rhode Island football team competed in its annual Spring Game on Saturday, as the defense started with a 24-point lead and held on in a 24-14 victory.
Due to the renovations on Meade Stadium, the game was held at Narragansett High School.
Coming off of back-to-back Coastal Athletic Association titles, this was the first time the Rams suited up since their 47-26 loss against the University of California, Davis, in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs on Dec. 6, 2025.
“I’m pleased with what I’ve seen this spring,” Rhode Island head coach Jim Fleming said. “We have some new kids in here that have to get the scheme, but we certainly have some size and some talent that we can take advantage of, so I’m excited.”
The day started with a scoreless first quarter by the offense, highlighted by strong defense from third-year linebacker Mitchell Garner and great coverage from second-year defensive back Antonio Morgan.
The offense got on the board for the first time in the second quarter, as second-year quarterback Tyler Budge found fifth-year Jamall Mensah for a 27-yard catch-and-run that landed URI inside the five-yard line. Budge took it himself to rush in for the first touchdown of the day and cut the deficit down to 17.
The Rams found themselves on the one-yard line just before the half, but couldn’t convert for another score as a strong tackle from third-year defensive lineman Case Mankins on fifth-year Brendon Barrow prevented the score.
“It has been so much fun strapping that helmet up for the first time since December,” Mankins said. “To get those juices flowing again and to play alongside those veteran linebackers, it gets me fired up.”
In the second half, the defense went 15 minutes without allowing a score, largely courtesy of second-year linebacker Rohan Davy and third-year linebacker Moses Meus, who made tackles and stopped the run all over the field.
Budge controlled the offense in the fourth quarter to set up URI’s second and final touchdown of the day, as he found fourth-year wide receiver Joey Acciardo for a 12-yard reception that led to a four-yard touchdown run from second-year running back Gabe Winowich to make the score 24-14.
The defense stayed consistent late in the game. Fourth-year defensive back Andre DePina-Gray recorded a tackle for loss on second down that was followed up by a pass breakup by first-year defensive back Timoy Stitchell Jr. on third down. Davy broke through on fourth down to sack Budge and close out the game and the win for the defense.
With the anchor of last year’s championship defense in linebacker A.J. Pena ’25 no longer on the roster, it was key for URI to retain as much of its defense as possible heading into the spring.
For players like Meus, choosing to stay was a great decision.
“Rhode Island is home to me,” Meus said. “They always spoke very highly of me ever since high school, and when I came here, it was the right decision. Seeing my teammates and the coaching staff in the locker room, I wouldn’t want to leave this place any day.”
Meus and the rest of the defense made the right choice, securing the win as Rhode Island looks to capture its third straight CAA championship title.
Rhode Island will begin its 2026 season on Aug. 28 on the road against Merrimack College. The Rams will debut their temporary home field at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket for the first time against Elon University on Sept. 12.
