Rhode Island fans received a New Year’s gift on Jan. 2 when the FCS All-American quarterback-wide receiver duo of Devin Farrell and Marquis Buchanan announced their return for the 2026 season.
Buchanan led the FCS in receiving yards last year, totaling 1,337 yards on 78 receptions while hauling in eight receiving touchdowns. Farrell finished No. 2 in FCS passing yards, going 267/410 (65.1%) for 3,745 yards, 24 TDs, and eight interceptions.
“We are thrilled that Marquis and Devin have made the decision to stay in Kingston,” Rhody head coach Jim Fleming said. “In an ever-changing world of college athletics, to have their collective commitment to Rhode Island football is refreshing and speaks to the quality of young man that they both are. Both Marquis and Devin are fantastic representations of the kind of young men we have in our program.”
Buchanan has been a difference-maker for the Rams since 2023. The 6-foot-4 and 190-pounder is a three-time All-CAA selection and a back-to-back All-American.
In 2023 as a redshirt freshman, Buchanan caught 42 passes for 638 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention accolades. The next season, he was named on the All-CAA Second Team, plus a couple of All-American honors, after hauling in 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and eight TDs. Last season saw the FCS-leading 1,337 yards on 78 catches, earning Buchanan All-CAA First Team honors and multiple All-American First Team accolades.
In 40 career games, Buchanan has totaled 202 catches for 3,099 yards and 20 touchdowns. His receptions and receiving yards are third-most in program history.
The Rams have hit a new level of success in recent years. In 2024, they reached the FCS playoffs for the first time since 1985. Rhody made the bracket again last season, ending in its second-straight second-round exit.
After back-to-back 11-3 seasons, Rhody now looks to take another step forward on a national level. The returns of Farrell and Buchanan make the Rams an intriguing team entering 2026.
