In Photos: Harvard Football Weathers the Storm Against Brown

mid heavy downpours and strong winds from the approaching weekend nor’easter, No. 21/25 Harvard football kicked off Ivy League conference play with a hard-fought road victory against the Brown Bears.

The early autumn sun sets as both teams prepare for an entertaining night of football at Centreville Bank Stadium – the game’s venue – approximately three miles from Brown’s campus in Pawtucket, R.I.

The Brown Bears football team enter the field from the tunnel in dramatic fashion amid smoke, led by their cheerleaders and supported by the Brown University Band.

Friday’s bout under the lights between the two Ancient Eight rivals marks their 125th all-time matchup, with Harvard leading the series with 92 wins.

Sophomore quarterback Charlie Smith searches for his Crimson teammates. Smith earned the starting spot under Coach Andrew Aurich this season following the transfer of former star quarterback Jaden Craig to TCU.

Brown and visiting Harvard fans rallied behind their teams, delivering chants, cheers – and boos – as the action unfolded on the field.

The Crimson celebrates after taking the first lead of the game. Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Tattersall and sophomore tight end Teigan Pelletier scored the Crimson’s two touchdowns of the night.

Junior kicker Kieran Corr tries for an extra point following a touchdown. Facing harsh winds, Corr was unable to convert a 42-yard field goal later in the game, as the kick veered left.

Senior running back Jordan Harris – who played in all 11 of the Crimson’s games in 2025 – hustles down the field.

The Harvard University Band braved the wet conditions, playing instruments and music throughout the evening to entertain the visiting Crimson supporters and players.

Brown senior running back Jackson Bennett runs toward the end zone, scoring the Bears’ only touchdown of the evening and sparking hopes of a comeback.

Brown fans, band members, and cheerleaders cheered on their beloved Bears as they searched for a comeback, reminiscent of the team’s 18-point comeback in 2024.

The Bears gather during a fourth-quarter timeout as they seek to put more points on the board.

Junior defensive back Xaden Benson performs Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “SIU” celebration after recording his third interception of the game – tying a Harvard football record – and dashing any hopes of a late Brown drive.

Head Coach Andrew Aurich gives a postgame speech to his players, concluding with a team rendition of the Crimson’s fight song, “Ten Thousand Men of Harvard.”

As the nor’easter passes through New England, Harvard’s Team 153 will turn its focus to its penultimate non-conference matchup – and home opener – against the nationally ranked Colgate Raiders on Tim Murphy Field at Harvard Stadium on Saturday.