NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Interstat) — Tyler Budge threw for 128 yards and rushed for a touchdown to lead Rhode Island to a 34-7 season-opening win over Merrimack on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Duane Stadium.

Budge completed 13 of 29 passes and added 51 yards on five carries. Marquis Buchanan caught six passes for 72 yards and a 16-yard touchdown from Budge in the first quarter. The Rams scored 14 second-quarter points on short touchdown runs by A. McClelland, then added two third-quarter field goals by T. Groff. Moses Meus capped the scoring with a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final minute.

Merrimack scored its only points on Matthias Latham’s 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Warriors managed 145 passing yards from AJ Hairston Jr., who completed 12 of 23 attempts. Stephon Patrick caught two passes for 62 yards, and Bryce Goulet had four receptions for 67 yards.

Rhode Island improved to 1-0. Merrimack fell to 0-1.