Harvard Shuts Out Columbia 37-0 to Lead Ivy
Harvard regained sole top spot in the Ivy League with two weeks left in the regular season after blanking Columbia.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Harvard defeated Columbia 37-0 in a conference shutout, scoring touchdowns on all five of its first-half drives. The win moved Harvard to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Ivy League play, while Columbia fell to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
Why it matters
The shutout was Harvard's first conference shutout since its 45-0 win over Columbia nearly 12 years ago, and it restores the Crimson to sole possession of the Ivy League lead. The result follows a loss to Dartmouth the prior week, and with two weeks remaining, Harvard's position in the title race has been reasserted.
The box score shows Harvard outgained Columbia 434 yards to 261, with DJ Gordon rushing for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Harvard's 4-1 Ivy League mark leaves it with two regular-season games to decide the conference race.
The players
Harvard Crimson
Harvard University's athletic program, competing in the Ivy League and representing one of the oldest collegiate football programs in the United States.
Columbia Lions
Columbia University's football team, a member of the Ivy League that has struggled in conference play this season.
The details
Harvard scored on all five of its first-half drives, opening with a 43-yard touchdown pass from Charlie Smith to Ryan Tattersall. Charlie Smith finished 12-for-20 for 184 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and senior linebacker Sean Line blocked a punt through the back of the end zone for a safety.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: Harvard defeats Columbia 37-0 in Cambridge, Mass.
Next Saturday, 1:00 p.m. EST: Harvard plays Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
Season Trajectory
Harvard's 37-0 shutout matches its last conference shutout against Columbia, a 45-0 win nearly 12 years ago. With Princeton also in contention, a Harvard sweep of its last two games would give it the tiebreaker on head-to-head.
If Harvard and Princeton both win out, Harvard would hold the tiebreaker on head-to-head, which makes Harvard's next two games decisive for the conference title. Fans tracking the standings should watch the Pennsylvania game next Saturday, since a loss would put the Crimson's title hopes in doubt.
The takeaway
Harvard's position in the Ivy race now rests on its final two regular-season games, so the next result against Pennsylvania carries the most weight in determining the conference title.
What happens next
Harvard plays the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field next Saturday at 1:00 p.m. EST, a game that will shape the Ivy League title race.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage in Cambridge.
