Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -14.0. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens enters the season with a power rating of -14.0, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens host Merrimack next in Week 1. In 2025, Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens went 6-6 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens Power Rating of -14.0 is 14.2 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 9,017 miles, ranking 42th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Merrimack | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Vanderbilt | 651 mi | 1,301 mi |
| Week 3 | Coastal Carolina | Home | 1,301 mi |
| Week 4 | Virginia | 187 mi | 1,675 mi |
| Week 5 | Liberty | Home | 1,675 mi |
| Week 6 | — | Bye | |
| Week 7 | Middle Tennessee | 638 mi | 2,950 mi |
| Week 8 | Missouri State | Home | 2,950 mi |
| Week 9 | Western Kentucky | 610 mi | 4,170 mi |
| Week 10 | Kennesaw State | 624 mi | 5,418 mi |
| Week 11 | Florida International | Home | 5,418 mi |
| Week 12 | New Mexico State | 1,800 mi | 9,017 mi |
| Week 13 | Jacksonville State | Home | 9,017 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Delaware enters 2026 as a legitimate Conference USA contender after going 7-6 and winning the 68 Ventures Bowl in its first FBS season. The Blue Hens led CUSA in total offense and passing offense in 2025, and they return quarterback Nick Minicucci, a second-team All-CUSA pick who threw for 3,683 yards and rushed for 10 touchdowns. With nearly the entire roster back and key portal additions, an opposing CUSA assistant called Delaware 'the team to beat in our conference.'
The spread offense orchestrated by head coach Ryan Carty and coordinator Terence Archer brings back its top four rushers, including Jo Silver, and leading receiver Sean Wilson (68 catches, 877 yards, 3 TDs). The offensive line lost two starters but is anchored by all-league center Steven Demboski. Transfer running back Kaderris Roberts from Bowling Green adds versatility, while receivers Donovan Lewis and Nick Tyree provide reliable targets. This unit should again rank among the best in CUSA.
Delaware ranked near the bottom of CUSA in points, total yards, and passing yards allowed in 2025, and was too vulnerable on third and fourth downs. The defense returns first-team All-CUSA safety KT Seay and leading tackler Gavin Moul at linebacker, but needs more playmaking from the front seven. Noah Matthews, a former Kentucky recruit, is expected to step up, and transfers like cornerback Jaquise Alexander from North Dakota State and safety George Mullins from Michigan State should help. Forcing more turnovers is a key goal.
The Blue Hens must replace second-team All-CUSA kicker Nate Reed. The competition is between Division III transfer Tucker Smack and freshman Kason Mullis. Punter Josh Cupitt returns after missing 2025 with a knee injury and has a proven track record. Delaware also has several explosive return candidates, which could provide a field-position edge.
Now eligible for the Conference USA title for the first time, Delaware expects to contend. The offense's continuity and explosiveness are major strengths, while the defense's improvement and special teams reliability are critical unknowns. The Blue Hens have a favorable schedule with manageable travel and strong home-field advantage. If the defense takes a step forward and the kicking game stabilizes, Delaware has the talent and experience to win the conference.
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -14.0, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens travels 9,017 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 42th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -14.0.
