Seven games into its 2026 campaign, William and Mary (3-4, 1-3 Patriot) finds itself in a precarious position.
After a strong start with back-to-back wins over Villanova (3-4, 2-2 Patriot) and Delaware State (4-3), the Tribe climbed into the top 20 of the Football Championship Subdivision coaches poll. What followed, however, was a steep four-game slump, with each loss coming by 20 points or more. The downward spiral culminated in a players-only meeting following a 41-14 loss to Holy Cross (2-5, 2-2 Patriot) — a streak finally snapped by a narrow 17-14 win against North Carolina Central (2-5) Saturday, Oct. 10.
While head coach Mike London has consistently taken responsibility for the team’s struggles, injuries have undeniably defined the Tribe’s season.
William and Mary entered the 2026 campaign needing to replace over 1,600 rushing yards between junior quarterback Tyler Hughes and graduate student running back Rashad Raymond. Junior running back Andrew King and sophomore running back Jah’kei Chavis, both transfer portal additions, were tasked with filling that void.
However, both players have battled persistent injuries. King missed the Tribe’s game against Duke (4-2, 1-2 ACC), while Chavis has been limited to just four of seven games this season.
The presence of both backfield threats in King and Chavis made a paramount difference against North Carolina Central. The Tribe’s running back duo combined for 112 rushing yards, well above the team’s season average of 94.7 yards per game.
“We have got to make sure that both he [Chavis] and King have a chance to run that ball downhill because they have been a highly productive force,” London said.
The Tribe has been equally depleted on the defensive side. Junior linebackers Harrison Johnson, Clayton Dobler and Stephon Hicks have missed a combined eight games, leaving noticeable gaps in the Tribe’s run defense. Through seven games, William and Mary ranks dead last in the Patriot League against the run, surrendering nearly 80 more rushing yards per game than ninth-place Fordham. While Johnson missed the trip to North Carolina Central, Dobler and Hicks returned to the lineup, helping hold the Eagles to just 14 points.
With the Tribe surrendering more than 37 points per game, the continued availability of top defensive players will be crucial to stringing together wins in the Patriot League.
Regardless, injuries have also opened the door for freshmen to make an immediate impact across the roster.
Two of the Tribe’s three leading wide receivers this season are freshmen, with Khylil Johnson and Luke Vanantwerp becoming top targets for junior quarterback Winston Watkins. On defense, freshman defensive back Cade Ellis has recorded two interceptions and 2.5 tackles for loss.
“There’s so many different things that these young players bring to us that we are going to need, particularly going down the second half of the season,” London said. “They have gotten game reps now, so we will see how things continue to move forward for us.”
Several freshmen have shown a knack for delivering in high-leverage moments.
In the season opener against Villanova, Ellis sealed the game with a fourth-quarter interception, setting up the game-winning field goal. Against North Carolina Central, freshman safety Ryan Vail blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown.
The team’s potential midseason turnaround will also hinge heavily on quarterback play. While Watkins has shown flashes of brilliance, he has failed to consistently move the ball down the field. Watkins’ 59.87% completion percentage has led to many drives ending preemptively.
The upcoming Homecoming game against Georgetown (2-4, 2-2 Patriot) Saturday, Oct. 24 offers an ideal opportunity for Watkins to turn the corner. The Hoyas’ defense ranks third-last in the Patriot League, allowing an average of 245.7 yards per game.
