Crimson players warm up as the autumn sun dips below the horizon at historic Harvard Stadium. The playing surface was renamed Tim Murphy Field to honor the former head coach – who led the Ancient Eight powerhouse from 1994 through 2023.

Captain Xaviah Bascon leads the undefeated Crimson out of the tunnel as Harvard returns to its home field. The matchup marked the first time this century that the Crimson had to wait until October to play its home opener.

Freshman wide receiver Nate Bailey – the FCS National Freshman Player of the Week – evades Colgate players as he races toward the end zone.

With just under six minutes left in the opening quarter, sophomore tight end Teigan Pelletier scores the go-ahead play for the Crimson, connecting with sophomore quarterback Charlie Smith for a six-yard touchdown.

A crowd of 9,100 packed the stands of Harvard Stadium to watch the Crimson take the field for its long-awaited home opener. Last season, the team averaged over 9,500 spectators per home match as they clinched the Ivy title.

Director of Harvard Athletics Erin McDermott takes in the view as fireworks lit up the Cambridge skies at halftime. Following the success of last year’s halftime drone show during the Harvard-Brown matchup, a fireworks display highlighted this year’s home-opening intermission.

Smith – who would later throw the game-winning Hail Mary pass – scans the field for open teammates. In just his third collegiate match, he finished 31-for-45 for 369 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Bailey continued to trouble the Raiders’ defense throughout the match. The Montclair, N.J., native finished the match with 197 receiving yards on 16 receptions.

Harvard players huddle during a crucial late-game timeout, preparing for one final offensive push. With 27 seconds remaining, Colgate completed a go-ahead touchdown – and the Crimson found itself trailing behind.

As the time expired, Smith launched a last-ditch Hail Mary that found Pelletier amid a swarm of defenders. Pelletier manages to dish a lateral to Bailey, who sprints toward the end zone for the miraculous walk-off touchdown.

Harvard 20, Colgate 17.

The Crimson celebrates hero Bailey after the game-winning touchdown – a play that has since featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Smith takes in the scene as fellow teammates congratulate him while the Crimson exits the field in victory.

Head Coach Andrew Aurich addresses his players following an extraordinary fourth quarter and on-field celebrations – moments after one of the most dramatic finishes in program history.

The undefeated Crimson, now ranked No. 18 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and No. 19 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, will trek up to Ithaca, N.Y., to continue Ivy League conference play against the Big Red on Saturday.