Football Reports for Training Camp

Columbia football began its 2026 training camp on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics

8/22/2026 1:13:00 PM | Football

The Lions officially started preparation for the 2026 season with their first practice on Saturday morning

NEW YORK — Columbia football hit the field for the first time this preseason Saturday, opening 2026 training camp with a two-hour practice in helmets at Robert K. Kraft Field.

The Lions reported to campus Thursday and spent the past two days settling in and getting organized before football activities ramped up. Players moved into campus housing, took care of administrative check-ins and meetings, connected with members of the athletics and university staff, and went through equipment fittings as the program set the foundation for the start of camp.

Saturday marked the first of 19 preseason practices. The session moved with tempo, with coaches splitting work into positional periods and skill development before bringing the group together for team reps. The day closed with 11-on-11 action as Columbia began to build rhythm on both sides of the ball.

“I thought the energy, naturally for practice one, was was outstanding,” Patricia and Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Jon Poppe said. “I really loved the way these guys worked together, with in terms of keeping each other up, getting to their assignments with speed, urgency, and the right demeanor that was really impressive.”

Poppe said the first day provided a clear starting point and a tone for what comes next as Columbia adds more to the plan.

“I'm really excited to see how we take another step forward tomorrow,” Poppe said. “We're adding more stuff: offense, defense, special teams, and making sure these guys now focus on how we're building the right way and stay stay on point with the process.”

Ball disruption and ball security were central themes from the jump, with Poppe pointing to both sides finding early wins in that area. He also liked the communication and awareness as the Lions began to work through more defined situations.

“The points of emphasis for us are attacking the football and protecting the football," Poppe said. “I thought the defense did a good job today of getting some shots on goal and and punching at the football. The offense did a great job protecting it. We did a great job in terms of understanding execution. The guys did a great job communicating that and understanding what we're trying to accomplish with every single play call. In the next few days, we will do a little bit more specific situational stuff and install more of our offense and defense."