Penn Will Host Ranked Lehigh at Franklin Field
The Quakers prepare to face the undefeated Lehigh Mountain Hawks this Saturday in Philadelphia.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Football
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On September 26, 2026, Penn will host Lehigh for a non-conference college football game at Franklin Field. The Quakers enter the matchup coming off a 20-7 season-opening victory against Bucknell.
Why it matters
This contest serves as a critical test for Penn against a Lehigh squad that currently holds a 4-0 record and a sixth-place national FCS ranking. Lehigh arrives as back-to-back Patriot League champions, while Penn looks to build on the momentum of its opening-week performance.
Lehigh enters with a 4-0 record and a #6 FCS ranking, led by running back Luke Yoder's 569 total rushing yards this season. Penn quarterback Miles Teodecki recorded 284 total yards in the victory over Bucknell.
The players
Miles Teodecki
He is the starting quarterback for the University of Pennsylvania football team.
Luke Yoder
He is a standout running back for the Lehigh University football team.
Hayden Johnson
He is the starting quarterback for the Lehigh University football team.
The details
Penn players are currently preparing for the game by studying film to counter a Lehigh offense that remains potent despite the September 12 injury to quarterback Hayden Johnson. The Quakers aim to improve upon the 367 total yards they generated in their season opener against Bucknell.
Timeline
September 12, 2026: Lehigh quarterback Hayden Johnson was injured.
September 26, 2026: Penn hosts Lehigh at Franklin Field.
September 11, 2027: The Ivy League will officially begin its football season.
Season Trajectory
The game follows a pattern established by the 2024 and 2025 Patriot League championships for Lehigh, which solidified their current status as a top FCS program. This matchup significantly impacts Penn's early standing as they look to assert themselves before the Ivy League conference schedule begins.
Miles Teodecki will look to improve on his 197 passing yards from the Bucknell game to sustain offensive drives against a ranked defense. Penn must maintain their defensive efficiency after holding Bucknell to just 124 total yards in their previous outing.
The takeaway
This game highlights the challenge of maintaining momentum during the early non-conference portion of the college football season. Fans should monitor how Penn adapts its game plan when facing high-ranked opponents compared to their season-opening competition.
What happens next
The Ivy League is scheduled to begin its football season on September 11, 2027, with plans to implement a bye week in October of that same year.
Further reading
For more updates on the college season, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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