How to Watch Princeton vs Harvard 2026: Start time, TV Channel, stream, History, Stats, Odds Prediction

The Princeton Tigers (4-1) and No. 15 Harvard Crimson (5-0) renew one of college football's oldest rivalries on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

First played in 1877, this historic Ivy League matchup spans 149 years, with Princeton holding the all-time series advantage.

Harvard enters the contest undefeated and riding a two-game winning streak against the Tigers, including a convincing 35-14 victory in 2025.

With both programs unbeaten in Ivy League play, Saturday's 118th meeting carries significant conference championship implications.

How to Watch Princeton vs. Harvard: Date, Time and TV Channel

Matchup: Princeton Tigers at Harvard Crimson
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Kickoff Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Harvard Stadium
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
TV Channel: ESPN+ (Streaming)
Live Streaming: ESPN App with ESPN+ subscription
Conference: Ivy League (FCS)
Princeton Record: 4-1 (2-0 Ivy League)
Harvard Record: 5-0 (2-0 Ivy League)
Harvard Ranking: No. 15 in the FCS Stats Perform Poll
Rivalry: Historic Princeton–Harvard Football Rivalry

Princeton vs. Harvard History and Head-to-Head Record

The Princeton–Harvard football rivalry began on April 28, 1877, making it one of the oldest matchups in American college football history. Both universities played important roles in the sport's early development, and their competition has remained a longstanding Ivy League tradition.

Princeton leads the all-time series 60-50-7, with 117 meetings completed before Saturday's contest.

Harvard has dominated the last two encounters, defeating Princeton 45-13 in 2024 and 35-14 in 2025. However, the Tigers have won six of the previous eight matchups, demonstrating how competitive the rivalry has been over recent seasons.

One of the most memorable games occurred in 2012, when Princeton overcame a 34-10 fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Harvard 39-34.

The 2026 meeting marks 149 years since the rivalry began, with both programs competing for another important Ivy League victory.

Princeton vs. Harvard Stats to Know

Princeton Record: 4-1 overall, with four consecutive victories.
Harvard Record: 5-0 overall, remaining undefeated entering Week 8.
Princeton Defense: Allows just 10.2 points per game, the best scoring defense in the FCS.
Harvard Defense: Allows 14.0 points and 296.8 total yards per game.
Princeton Rushing Defense: Surrenders just 110.8 rushing yards per contest.
Harvard Home Form: The Crimson have won seven consecutive home games.
Recent Results: Princeton defeated Brown 16-10, while Harvard beat Holy Cross 30-7.
Rivalry Form: Harvard has won the last two meetings, but Princeton has won six of the last eight.

Both teams enter Saturday's contest with impressive defensive performances. Princeton leads the nation in scoring defense, while Harvard ranks among the FCS leaders in points and total yards allowed. With both programs undefeated in Ivy League competition, defensive execution could determine the outcome.

Princeton vs. Harvard Odds, Spread and Over/Under

According to available betting lines for October 24, Harvard enters Saturday's rivalry game as a considerable home favorite.

Point Spread: Harvard -10.5 (-113)
Princeton Spread: Princeton +10.5 (-113)
Harvard Moneyline: -430
Princeton Moneyline: +300
Over/Under Total: 38.5 points
Over 38.5: -113
Under 38.5: -113

The 10.5-point spread reflects Harvard's undefeated record, strong home-field performances and recent success against Princeton. However, the Tigers' nationally leading scoring defense could make covering the spread difficult for the Crimson.

The relatively low total of 38.5 points suggests expectations of a defensive battle between two of the Ivy League's strongest teams.

Odds are based on an available Action Network listing and may change before kickoff.

Princeton vs. Harvard Key Players to Watch

Charlie Smith — Harvard Quarterback

Smith has recorded 1,217 passing yards and nine touchdowns this season. His ability to move the offense efficiently will be important against Princeton's nationally leading defense.

Kai Honda — Princeton Running Back

Honda leads the Ivy League with eight rushing touchdowns and ranks second in the conference with 98.4 rushing yards per game. His production will be essential to Princeton's offensive success.

Xaden Benson — Harvard Defensive Back

Benson leads the FCS with an average of 1.2 interceptions per game, making him one of Harvard's most dangerous defensive playmakers.

Jake Moore — Princeton Defensive Lineman

Moore leads the Ivy League with 4.5 sacks this season. His ability to pressure Harvard's quarterback could play a major role in slowing the Crimson offense.

Princeton vs. Harvard Prediction and Pick

Harvard enters Saturday's matchup with the advantage of an undefeated record, home-field support and consecutive victories against Princeton.

However, the Tigers have won four straight games and possess the nation's strongest scoring defense, allowing just 10.2 points per contest. Princeton's ability to control possession and limit scoring opportunities could keep this rivalry competitive.

Harvard appears better positioned to remain undefeated, but the 10.5-point spread could be challenging against Princeton's disciplined defense.

Prediction: Harvard 24, Princeton 17

Betting Pick: Princeton +10.5 (-113)

Over/Under Lean: Over 38.5 points

Final Thoughts

The Princeton–Harvard rivalry returns for its 118th meeting with both programs competing near the top of the Ivy League standings. Princeton will look to extend its historical series advantage, while Harvard aims to secure a third consecutive rivalry victory and preserve its undefeated season.

With 149 years of tradition, strong defensive performances and important conference implications, Saturday's matchup promises another compelling chapter in one of college football's oldest rivalries.

Fans can watch Princeton vs. Harvard live on ESPN+ on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.