NCAA· Season 2026
Robert Morris beat Wagner 28-7 in the 2026 NCAA season opener behind Galen Combs' three touchdowns (punt return, 64-yard catch, 15-yard catch) and a defence that held the Seahawks to 97 total yards.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
First quarter — RMU strikes twice. After a quiet opening spell, Robert Morris broke the deadlock midway through the first quarter when Galen Combs returned a blocked punt 22 yards for a touchdown, putting the Colonials up 7–0 at 09:21. On the ensuing possession, Wagner turned the ball over, and Carson Haggard capitalised four plays later with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaqai Carter (Lucca Valens kick), stretching the lead to 14–0 by the 06:51 mark.
Second quarter — defences dig in. Both sides traded stops in a scoreless second quarter. Wagner senior Shamar Williams intercepted a Haggard pass late in the half, keeping the deficit at 14 points heading into the break.
Third quarter — Wagner answers, then RMU responds. The Seahawks struck first in the second half when junior Julio Tatis stepped in front of a pass and returned the interception 40 yards for a touchdown (Johnny DiSalvatore kick), cutting the margin to 14–7 at 13:18. But Robert Morris answered emphatically: Haggard found Combs for a 64-yard touchdown strike on a 3-play, 75-yard drive to restore a 21–7 lead at 02:03.
Fourth quarter — the dagger. RMU put the game to bed with a 15-play, 76-yard drive capped by Haggard's 15-yard touchdown pass to Combs at 05:35, making it 28–7. The drive consumed 8:20 of game clock.
The Turning Point
Combs' 64-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter. Wagner had just cut the lead to 14–7 on Tatis' pick-six and had momentum for the first time all afternoon. The Colonials needed only three plays and 75 yards to swing it back, with Combs hauling in the deep ball to restore a two-score lead that Wagner never threatened again.
Key Performers
- Galen Combs, RB/WR, Robert Morris — Player of the match. Three touchdowns: a 22-yard punt return, a 64-yard reception and a 15-yard reception. Accounted for 101 yards from scrimmage on those two catches alone.
- Carson Haggard, QB, Robert Morris — Three touchdown passes (6, 64, 15 yards) on an efficient afternoon, spreading the ball to Carter and Combs while avoiding second-half turnovers.
- Julio Tatis, DB, Wagner — The junior's 40-yard pick-six was the lone bright spot for the Seahawks. He also finished with four tackles.
- Robert Morris defence — Six sacks, held Wagner to 97 total yards and six first downs while forcing the early turnover that set up the second touchdown.
By the Numbers
Robert Morris outgained Wagner 285–97 in total yards and posted 13 first downs to Wagner's six. The Colonials' six sacks reflect a decisive edge at the line of scrimmage — Wagner never established any rhythm on the ground (Matt Morad led with 32 rushing yards) or through the air (14 completions for 75 combined yards between Jack Stevens and Benjamin Newman).
What It Means
Robert Morris opens its season 1–0 (1–0 NEC) with a dominant all-round display. Wagner falls to 0–1 (0–1 NEC) and will look to bounce back next Saturday, 5 September, when it hosts Southern Connecticut State at Hameline Field (12:00 p.m. ET, NEC Front Row).
Verdict
A methodical, physical win for Robert Morris, who controlled the game from the blocked punt onward. Combs was the headliner, but the Colonials' defensive front — six sacks, one forced turnover — was the foundation. Wagner has work to do on both sides of the ball before next week's home date.
Rivalry since 2024
Wagner vs Robert Morris Head to Head Results· 2
Wagner and Robert Morris have met 2 times — Wagner won 1, Robert Morris won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2024. A combined 79 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 39.50 per match (38 for the home side, 41 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 20–24 in 2025.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 30 Aug 2026
