Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT)
Venue: Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, DeLand, Florida
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast (DeLand, FL)
Temperature: ~81°F (27°C) at kickoff
Conditions: Mostly sunny, humid, light winds (6–8 mph)
Impact: Warm, sticky conditions could test depth and conditioning, especially for Harvard in its season opener.
Injury Report
Harvard Crimson (Ivy League):
QB Jaden Craig (2,430 yards, 23 TD, 3 INT in 2024) returns healthy.
RB Xaviah Bascon (538 yards, 5 TD in 2024) and dual-threat QB/runner Charles DePrima (413 rushing yards, 7 TD in 2024) are available.
WR Cooper Barkate (1,084 yards, 11 TD in 2024) leads a deep receiving corps.
No major defensive absences reported; senior safety Ty Bartrum (83 tackles in 2024) anchors the unit.
Stetson Hatters (Pioneer Football League):
QB Kael Alexander (579 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT through three games) is healthy.
RB Trey Clark (140 yards, 2 TD) leads the ground game.
WR Wyatt Rogers (14 receptions, 195 yards, 1 TD) is the top target.
No confirmed injuries, though depth was tested in a 63–0 loss at Chattanooga.
Key Player Matchups
QB Jaden Craig (Harvard) vs. Stetson Secondary
Craig’s efficiency and experience give Harvard a clear edge against a defense that allowed 63 points to Chattanooga.
WR Cooper Barkate (Harvard) vs. Stetson Corners
Barkate averaged 108 yards per game in 2024; Stetson has struggled against elite receivers.
QB Kael Alexander (Stetson) vs. Harvard Pass Rush
Alexander has shown flashes, but Harvard’s defensive front is deeper and more physical.
RB Trey Clark (Stetson) vs. Harvard Linebackers
Clark must establish balance to keep Harvard’s defense honest.
Recent Team Form
Harvard Crimson (0–0, season opener)
2024 record: 8–2, Ivy League preseason favorite in 2025.
Last 5 games (2024):
L 34–29 vs. Yale
W 31–28 @ Penn
W 26–6 vs. Columbia
W 31–27 @ Dartmouth
W 45–13 vs. Princeton
Stetson Hatters (1–2)
8/30/25: L 31–21 vs. Webber International
9/6/25: W 59–13 vs. Warner
9/13/25: L 63–0 @ Chattanooga
Trend: Offense capable against lower-division foes, but overwhelmed by FCS powers.
Series History
Harvard defeated Stetson in 2024 season opener in Cambridge.
2025 marks the first time Harvard travels to DeLand; also the first Ivy League team at Spec Martin since Princeton in 2022.
Harvard leads the all-time series 1–0.
Betting Trends
Harvard:
6–4 ATS in last 10 games (2024).
Overs hit in 5 of last 8.
Stetson:
3–7 ATS in last 10 games.
Overs hit in 6 of last 9, but skewed by defensive collapses.
Head-to-Head: Harvard covered easily in 2024’s opener.
Historical Betting Results
Harvard: Reliable ATS against Pioneer and Patriot League opponents; depth and physicality usually decisive.
Stetson: Struggles ATS vs. Ivy and CAA teams; often outmatched in the trenches.
Ivy vs. Pioneer: Ivy League teams cover ~65% of the time in interconference play.
Game Odds
Harvard Crimson – 21.5
Stetson Hatters 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
