A Letter From Director of Athletics Blake James

Chestnut Hill, Mass. – Dear BC Friends and Family,The 2025 Boston College football season has ended, and I share the great disappointment of many students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni and fans around the world. While the team finished the season on a positive note by defeating Syracuse 34–12, the overall results on the field this year were not up to the standards of Boston College athletics, nor to the expectations of those who care deeply about our program.

Like many, I believe Coach O’Brien is the right person to be our head coach. I also realize that Boston College must respond to major changes occurring in intercollegiate athletics, including the House legislative settlement that created a framework through which colleges and universities can share revenues directly with student-athletes. While our athletics program participated in revenue sharing last year, effective immediately, it will increase its commitment to the maximum allowable level, putting it in line with our Autonomy Four conference peers. The University is committed to supporting football with the resources necessary to compete while maintaining its long-term academic and ethical standards.

In addition, BC will make significant investments in operational and administrative support for soccer, specifically adding a general manager (Kenyatta Watson) to support roster management, player recruitment and development, and general program oversight. These enhancements will strengthen our ability to operate effectively and compete at the highest level in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

To meet the resource needs of this new moment for BC Football, philanthropic support will be critical. I am pleased to announce that Boston College has been awarded a $50 million challenge to match new endowment gifts for athletics scholarships and operating costs (travel, nutrition and medical care, etc.) on a 1-1 basis over the next 5-7 years. Details about this extraordinary commitment will be announced in the coming days. The university intends to launch a special fundraising effort separate from its existing Soaring Higher campaign, with the aim of not only meeting the $50 million match, but also matching it and raising even more new endowments to support BC’s athletics program.

I am extremely grateful for the continued commitment, generosity and dedication of our alumni and friends to BC football during this time of great change. This kind of support enables our student-athletes to strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in service to others. They and I look forward to your partnership, especially during this critical period in American intercollegiate sports.

Go Eagles.

blake james
William V. Campbell Athletics Director