By: Jackson Shuman
Through three games of the 2025 season, William & Mary sits at 1–2. After close contests against Furman and Maine, the trip to Charlottesville was far less forgiving, with Virginia rolling to a 55–16 win. While no one expected a victory, a more competitive showing against the Tribe’s lone FBS opponent would have been encouraging. Still, there are clear positives from the opening stretch. Early signs suggest the Tribe will be firmly in the mix in the CAA. Here’s what has gone well and where improvement is needed.
What’s Gone Well
Pass Defense
Before surrendering 321 passing yards to Virginia, the Tribe ranked 17th nationally in pass defense. As expected, the secondary has been the defense’s strength, led by All-American DB Jalen Jones, who sealed the win over Maine with a late interception. LB Luke Banbury has also played a key role, leading the team with five pass breakups. The defense’s bend-but-don’t-break approach will remain crucial to limiting explosive plays.
Quarterback Play
QB Tyler Hughes has shown growth and stability. After a season-opening pick-six, he has avoided turnovers in the past two games, posting a 145.37 passer efficiency (27th nationally) and 63.8% completion rate (35th nationally). He’s also added 136 rushing yards, showing dual-threat ability. With just one career start before this year, Hughes has already proven he can keep the Tribe competitive in the CAA—and with further development, he could push them toward the top of the league.
Areas for Improvement
Third-Down Offense
The Tribe converts just 27% of third downs (around 100th nationally), a major drive-killer. The issue stems largely from inconsistency on early downs, especially in the run game. Too often, the offense faces third-and-long, giving defenses the advantage and putting Hughes in low-percentage spots. Sustaining drives and avoiding those situations will be critical.
Rushing Attack
After averaging 4.1 yards per carry vs. Furman, the ground game has slipped to 3.2 and 2.5 YPC in the last two games. Without consistent production from the backs, the offense struggles to stay on schedule and loses chances to set up play-action. Getting the run game into rhythm may be the single most important step for the Tribe’s offense going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency in the run game: Stay out of third-and-longs to extend drives.
- Third-down performance: Keep the defense fresh and opponents off the field.
- Health and depth: Will be tested deeper into conference play.
- Home-field advantage: Zable Stadium needs to be a tough place to play.
- Tyler Hughes’ development: Early flashes suggest big potential.
Moving Forward
Three weeks in, William & Mary’s season could go in either direction. The building blocks are there: a quarterback settling in, a secondary capable of limiting big plays, and glimpses of a rushing attack that can control tempo. The challenge is turning those flashes into consistency. Third-down efficiency, a reliable ground game, and managing defensive workload will determine whether the Tribe hovers around the middle of the CAA—or makes a serious push toward the top.
The promise is real. Now it’s about proving it week to week.
What’s Next
The Tribe hosts Charleston Southern this week at Zable Stadium. We’ll see you there!
Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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