Bryant University student-athletes achieve an overall Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 95 percent, five points above the national average of 90, and contribute to the University’s outstanding record of successful career outcomes and top ROI after graduation. In a report recently released by the NCAA, the Bulldog Football program posted a GSR of 94, the highest in the Northeast Conference and No. 22 among all Division I football institutions. The Bulldogs rank No. 16 among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools.
This distinction tops an impressive list of prestigious accolades earned by the Football program this fall. In November, Bryant freshman quarterback Zevi Eckhaus ’25 was named the Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year and was one of nine Bulldogs to earn All-NEC honors, becoming the first Bulldog in Bryant history to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Eckhaus and Bryant University football head coach Chris Merritt were named finalists for two major Stats Perform FCS year-end awards:
Merritt was named one of 17 finalists for the Stats Perform FCS Eddie Robinson Award, while Eckhaus was named one of 23 finalists for the Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award. The Eddie Robinson Award is given annually to the top coach in the FCS and the Jerry Rice Award is presented to the top freshman in the FCS. It marks the second time a Bryant head coach has been a finalist and the first time a Bulldog has been a finalist for the Rice Award. Merritt guided the Black and Gold to their best season since 2014 this fall. The Bulldogs finished with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-2 mark in the Northeast Conference. Bryant’s seven wins are the second-most in a single season in Division I program history
Eckhaus, from Culver City, CA, became the first Bulldog to be named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award after putting together one of the best true freshman seasons in Bryant and NEC history. He finished the year 233-of-371 (62.8 percent) for 2,392 yards, 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Eckhaus added 242 rushing yards and two rushing TDs, finishing the year with 23 total TDs and 2,634 yards of total offense. He finished the season second nationally among freshmen QBs in passing yards and passing touchdowns and ranked first or second in the NEC in every major passing category. Eckahus threw for 300+ yards on four occasions and finished the year with multiple TD passes in each of his final eight games. He went 7-3 as a starter.
Bryant student-athletes develop character, leadership, and real-world knowledge and skills in the classroom and on the playing field. Accomplished alumni of Bryant’s Football program include Charlie Granatell ’08, Personal Care Director at Grant Industries in Elmwood Park, NJ ; Matt Tracey ’11, Marketer at United Energy Trading LLC in Denver; and many others.
