Fogler Shines for Raiders in 2025

Matt Fogler ’29 joined the Raiders last summer as a first-year wide receiver eager to prove himself and become an integral part of the team.

A few months later, at the conclusion of the 2025 season, Fogler found himself walking away with a major piece of hardware for his efforts, one that might have been far from his mind in August: Patriot League Rookie of the Year.

While Fogler would have preferred to see the Raiders notch a few more wins, the 2025 season was, at the very least, a triumph from a personal standpoint.

“It was exciting to win the award,” Fogler said. “Not everybody gets that opportunity.”

For the Cincinnati native, various factors led to a prominent season that began quietly before Fogler erupted for seven touchdowns in the final four games.

One reason for Fogler’s success was his drive to improve each day, whether on the field or in the gym. As the weeks went by, injuries led to more opportunities, and Fogler made the best of those moments. 

After having only three catches in the first six weeks, Fogler made his presence known during a game at Georgetown on Oct. 18 when he caught four passes for 90 yards, which included a 36-yard catch.

His first touchdown came two weeks later on Nov. 1 against Merrimack. The following week, he scored three touchdowns in a game at Lafayette.

Some of those plays were made possible thanks to a great pass from quarterback Jake Stearney. Others were the result of Fogler’s speed and play-making ability.

“I thought I played pretty well,” Fogler said. “Obviously, there are things I can improve on. That’s what I’ll be working on during the offseason.”

Another factor behind Fogler’s big season was playing under head coach Curt Fitzpatrick, who runs a high-octane offense that relies heavily on the passing game.

Such a style is music to the ears of any wide receiver.

“It’s a dream,” Fogler said of playing in Fitzpatrick’s offense. “It gives you every opportunity to shine and make big plays. He is doing a lot of great things. We had a really good offense last year and we are only going to build off it.”

In addition, Fogler credited wide receiver coach Joe Gerbino for helping him become a better player.

“The drills he puts us through every day …. he holds us to a super high standard and won’t take anything less than that,” Fogler said. “He’s always around to talk to and knows the game really well.”

During the first few weeks of the season, Fogler watched from the bench, soaking up the experience while paying close attention to the seniors as they led on and off the field. Everything was a new experience for Fogler, whether it was an away game or opportunities to bond with teammates.

“The first few weeks of the season were fun,” he said. “It was kind of taking it all in. Going on a road trip to Villanova — I had never stayed at a hotel for football before. Meeting with teammates and coaches at the hotel before games. The whole game day routine and watching everybody have success. All of it was a new experience.

“I learned a good amount about what it takes to be successful at the next level, watching guys who were top producers putting in their work, taking great care of their bodies.”

He also praised fellow wide receivers Treyvon Saunders ’26 and Brady Hutchison ’26 for teaching him to become a better student-athlete.

“Trey because of his work ethic and drive. He does everything the right way,” Fogler said. “He’s someone I look up to. And Brady — he took me in as a freshman. He helped me embrace the community. He’s a great guy as far as that. That helped me become more comfortable.”

Going into his senior year at high school, Fogler wasn’t familiar with Colgate when Raiders’ coaches approached him about playing in a maroon-and-white uniform. But Fogler learned more about the University online, and was impressed with what he saw.

“I wanted a place where great academics and great athletics were in combination,” he said. “I met with one of the coaches and they offered me a scholarship. I didn’t know what Colgate was. I started researching it and I saw how good of a school it was and how close of a community. That really intrigued me.”

After a big season as a first-year, Fogler has his eyes on taking the next step.

“I want to take on a bigger role next season and make myself more of a leader,” he said. “I want to be a good role model for everybody else. I still want to make big plays, even more so than last year.”

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