Dante Reno Shines in Yale's Victory Following Father's Death

Yale quarterback Dante Reno delivered a standout performance Saturday, leading his team to a 41-24 victory over Merrimack just one day after the university announced the death of his father, former Yale head coach Tony Reno. Dante Reno threw for four touchdowns and 298 yards in the game, marking one of the best outings of his collegiate career and securing Yale's second win of the season.

Following the game, Dante Reno shared a tribute to his father on X, writing, “This one’s for you pops.”

He told reporters after the game that he believed his father would have wanted him to play. "I know him, and I know my dad, and he would want nothing less than for me to go out there and play," Reno said. "Not miss practice. Go to school. Be around the guys."

Tony Reno coached at Yale for 14 seasons, amassing an 83-49 record and leading the Bulldogs to five Ivy League championships. He guided the team to become an FCS playoff qualifier for the first time from the Ivy League and secured their first-ever postseason victory in his final season. Reno stepped down as head coach prior to the 2026 season due to complications from an illness.

Yale Athletic Director Vicky Chun released a statement mourning Reno's passing, emphasizing his dedication to mentorship and the impact he had on his players and colleagues. "While his accomplishments on the football field were remarkable, it is the relationships he built and the lives he changed that will define his enduring legacy," Chun stated.

Dante Reno transferred to Yale in 2025 to play under his father, having begun his college career at South Carolina. He has previously described his father as his primary motivation for playing football.