Football
Lions finalize roster ahead of training camp in August
NEW YORK — Patricia and Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Al Bagnoli officially introduced the 2022 Columbia Football incoming class on Wednesday.
“I can’t say enough about the job this coaching staff does year in and year out with identifying and recruiting talented players and quality human beings to Columbia University,” said Bagnoli, who enters his eighth year leading the Lions. “All of us are extremely excited to work with these young men and see how each of them contributes to the betterment of the team.”
The Columbia Football Class of 2026 consists of 10 All-State honorees, seven state champions, 10 players that helped their team to a state final, 14 that qualified for the state playoffs, three Player of the Year recipients at their respective schools, one Offensive Conference Player of the Year and one All-State Player of the Year. Twenty of the incoming players have leadership experience as a team captain.
On offense, the Lions added two quarterbacks, three running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, five offensive linemen and a long snapper. On the other side of the ball, Columbia added six defensive linemen, four defensive backs and three linebackers.
In addition, the Class of 2026 is comprised of student-athletes from 16 different states, including three players each from Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina and New York. Two newcomers hail from California, while the Lions also bring in one apiece from Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Kansas and West Virginia. The incoming class also includes a transfer from Navy.
Click here to access the 2022 Columbia football roster. The Lions are scheduled to return to preseason practice in August. A preseason practice schedule will be announced at a later date.
The 2022 season begins Saturday, September 17, at Marist. Columbia will play its home opener against Princeton on October 1 at 1 p.m. ET.
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