LOOKING FOR ANSWERS: Princeton University football head coach Bob Surace makes a point as he answered questions at the program’s annual media day. With Princeton coming off back-to-back 3-7 seasons, Surace is looking to get the Tigers back on the winning track this fall. Princeton kicks off its 2026 campaign by playing at Bryant (2-1) this Saturday. (Photo by Frank Jacobs III)

By Bill Alden

Hours before the Princeton University football team started its first preseason practice this August, a rainstorm drenched the area.

But by the time Princeton hit the field to start its preparation for its season opener, though, the skies had cleared and the sun was out.

Tiger head coach Bob Surace is hoping that the change in the weather that day will be a harbinger of a reversal of fortune for a proud program that has endured back-to-back 3-7 seasons.

In the wake of going 2-5 in Ivy League action last year with three of those losses coming by three points each, Surace has dug into self-scouting and data analysis.

“When you lose those heartbreakers by a play it is like, ‘OK what do we need to do better’ and just looking at what are those things over the course of a 10-game season that we have to focus on,” said Surace, speaking at the program’s annual media day. “One of them was the red zone. That was apparent whether you were sitting in the stands or you are using data. We get reams of data about where we stood. You flip one of those field goals into a touchdown or stop a team from a touchdown on a third down. You flip on either side and those games are a different story. So it is just really honing in on those details, especially in the situational stuff. We really emphasized certain situations like finishing drives.”

As Princeton looks to finish drives this fall, it will be going with a new starting quarterback, something it has done in eight of the last nine seasons. Senior West Smith (3 of 6 passes for 24 yards in 2025), sophomore Eli Friend, sophomore Ty Ciongoli, and freshman Wyatt Becker are in the mix.

“West played last year in the Penn game and did really well,” said Surace. “He is the most experienced. He is big, strong and statuesque with a strong arm. Eli and Ty had terrific springs. Through three practices Wyatt is the most advanced knowledge-wise and command of the offense of any freshman we have had.”

The top target for whoever gets the starting nod at QB will be sophomore wide receiver Josh Robinson, who was named the Ivy Rookie of the Year last fall after he broke the program’s freshman record for receptions (46) and receiving yards (569).

“He is so mature,” said Surace of Robinson. “He is going to wind up being a leader, he is a guy that is such a great example. He is this high-energy guy.”

Senior Ethan Clark (594 yards rushing for 6 touchdowns) will carry the load at running back.

“He has been terrific; in his sophomore year, he really came on,” said Surace, noting that Clark rushed for 394 yards in 2024 despite being sidelined by a medical issue for several games. “Last year he was a 600-yard guy. He is fanatical about football with the way he plays, practices, and leads. He is a really good player.”

The offensive line, which features three preseason All-Ivy selection in senior co-captain Oyintare Porbeni, senior Barrett Eddlemon, and senior Justin Selbert, should be a strength of the squad.

“Pro Football Focus is a company that grades every player individually in FCS and FBS and last year that offensive line was ranked No. 2 in the country,” said Surace. “It is a really strong group.

The massive 6’7, 360-pound Porbeni is drawing attention of NFL scouts.

“You knew you had this really highly, athletic guy,” said Surace.

“He is a very focused individual, like really locked in. He takes the onus on the technical piece. Jalen (Jalen Travis, a former Tiger star offensive lineman who is currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts) has been his mentor and was a great mentor for him when he was young. Jalen was so into the finer points. Of the two to play the position, Tare being further behind, it took him a little longer. The lights have come on and it has been fun to see.”

On the defensive line, the Tigers feature depth and experience. “There are probably eight or nine defensive linemen who played a lot last year,” said Surace, whose DL includes a trio of seniors in Rocco Marcellino, London Robinson, and Caden Wright along with sophomore standout Nate Stohl. “We didn’t lose a lot of snaps from that position. They were very good as the year went on. We played a lot better defensively as they got better.”

At linebacker, senior Chase Christoper and junior AJ Pigford will be leading the way.

“Chase started as a sophomore and had a really good year,” said Surace. “He continues to get better. Pigford was really coming into his own last year. In the Columbia game he showed off his athleticism with his interception.”

Two senior co-captains, Torian Roberts and Evan Haynie, bring athleticism and savvy to the secondary group.

“They are some guys who can really run,” said Surace, whose corps of defensive backs will also include junior Casey Etienne Jr., junior Josh Dalgetty, and sophomore Clayton Gary. “They are very athletic with good ball skills. It is a very competitive group.”

Star senior punter Brady Clark, who averaged 44.8 yards a kick last fall in earning first-team All-Ivy honors, will help the defense pin opponents deep in their own territory.

“We knew from high school and when he got into camp that he was going to be pretty good,” said Surace of Clark. “He has been a three-time All-Ivy guy. It is hard to make All-Ivy once let alone make it year after year. He has been outstanding.”

Looking ahead to the season opener at Bryant (2-1), Surace knows the Tigers are facing a hard challenge.

“They will probably have on the offense and defense 15 guys who weren’t even on their team last year that transferred in,” said Surace. “Their transfers are coming from a lot of higher end colleges. They play Brown
every year early in the season so we have seen them in the Brown video. They are really talented.”

Surace believes that his talented and diligent senior group will help the Tigers reach a higher level this fall.

“Starting in late January, we have been giving them different responsibilities,” said Surace of his Class of 2027. “You build up trust as you get to know them better. They have been terrific.”