News Summary
Lehigh football celebrated its fifth consecutive win by defeating the University of Pennsylvania 44-30. This victory marks a significant milestone as the team secures its first 5-0 start since 2012. The game, held during Family Weekend, showcased standout performances, particularly from quarterback Hayden Johnson and kicker Nick Garrido. Lehigh’s strong offensive strategy and key defensive plays led them to triumph against a competitive Penn team. The community’s support was evident with an enthusiastic crowd, setting the stage for upcoming challenges as Lehigh looks to maintain its winning streak.
Bethlehem, PA — Lehigh football secured its fifth consecutive victory by defeating the University of Pennsylvania 44-30 on September 27, 2025, at Goodman Stadium. This win marked the team’s first 5-0 start since 2012, a significant milestone for the program.
The game attracted a crowd of approximately 8,400 fans, coinciding with Lehigh’s Family Weekend festivities. Fans were divided in the stadium, with Lehigh supporters predominantly located on the west side and Penn fans filling the opposite side. The lively atmosphere featured performances by the Marching 97 and a ceremonial bell ring before kickoff.
In the match, Lehigh’s sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnson made a notable impact, throwing for 240 passing yards. Senior wide receiver Geoffrey Jamiel was a key target, recording eight receptions for 132 receiving yards. Furthermore, senior kicker Nick Garrido scored a total of 13 points, posting a career-high with three field goals, including a notable kick from the 35-yard line for the team’s opening score.
Penn’s senior quarterback Liam O’Brien showcased his skills as well, completing 316 passing yards and connecting with senior wide receiver Jared Richardson for 12 receptions totaling 141 yards. The 30 points scored by Penn was the highest total against a top-10 opponent since 1945, emphasizing the competitiveness of the game.
Game Breakdown
The scoring started early with Garrido’s field goal, putting Lehigh up 3-0. Johnson subsequently connected with sophomore wide receiver Matt D’Avino for the first touchdown, extending the lead to 10-0. Penn responded with O’Brien finding Bisi Owens to narrow the score to 10-7. Garrido added another field goal, closing the first quarter with Lehigh ahead 13-7.
In the second quarter, Garrido hit another field goal, stretching Lehigh’s lead to 16-7. O’Brien then rushed for a four-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 16-14 by halftime. At halftime, Lehigh led in total yards, with 298 compared to Penn’s 212 yards.
The game’s momentum shifted in the third quarter when O’Brien connected with Richardson for a touchdown, granting Penn its first lead at 20-16. However, a pivotal trick play allowed Jamiel to score a 20-yard touchdown, regaining the lead for Lehigh at 23-20. Johnson then found Jamiel again for a 35-yard touchdown pass, increasing the command to 30-20.
Penn stayed within striking distance as O’Brien connected with Richardson for yet another touchdown, narrowing the score to 30-27. A critical interception by Lehigh’s Mekhai Smith led to a touchdown by Luke Yoder, boosting Lehigh’s lead to 37-27. Although Penn managed a late field goal, Yoder sealed the victory with a 25-yard rushing touchdown, finalizing the score at 44-30.
Player Highlights
Yoder was instrumental in Lehigh’s success, rushing for 173 yards and scoring two touchdowns throughout the game. Additionally, Lehigh capitalized on Penn’s mistakes, scoring ten points off three turnovers.
Coaching Perspective
Lehigh Head Coach Kevin Cahill acknowledged the effort and dedication of the players, emphasizing that their commitment has significantly transformed the culture of the program.
Looking Ahead
Lehigh’s next match is scheduled against Yale on October 4, 2025, for Tackle Cancer Day, as the team aims to continue its winning streak and build on this strong start to the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Pennsylvania Rises in College Rankings
Additional Resources
- Penn Athletics
- Lehigh Sports
- The Daily Pennsylvanian
- ESPN College Football Recap
- The Morning Call
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Google Search: Lehigh University football
- Google Scholar: Lehigh football 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College football
- Google News: Penn football Lehigh 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
