What Is 2018 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 record under head coach Russ Huesman. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and did not qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2018 Richmond Spiders finished with a 6–5 overall record
They played in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), going 4–4 in conference
Head coach Russ Huesman was in his fifth season leading the team
The Spiders played home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, VA
They scored 277 total points, averaging 25.2 points per game

Overview

The 2018 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Russ Huesman, who was in his fifth year at the helm.

The Spiders played their home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, a venue with a capacity of approximately 8,700. Despite a competitive schedule, the team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, finishing the season with a losing record in conference play.

Season Record: The team finished with an overall record of 6–5, including a 4–4 mark in CAA play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach:Russ Huesman, in his fifth season, led the Spiders with a defensive-minded approach, emphasizing turnover creation and field position.
Home Stadium: Games were hosted at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, a compact on-campus facility known for its intimate atmosphere and strong fan support.
Offensive Output: The offense averaged 25.2 points per game, scoring a total of 277 points across 11 games during the season.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 27.5 points per game, struggling at times against high-powered CAA offenses, particularly in road matchups.

How It Works

The structure and operation of a college football season involve scheduling, conference alignment, player eligibility, and postseason qualification criteria. For FCS teams like the Richmond Spiders, success is measured by conference performance and playoff eligibility.

Season Structure: The 11-game regular season included non-conference and CAA matchups, with potential for a 12th game if the team qualified for the FCS playoffs.
Conference Play: The CAA is one of the strongest FCS conferences, and Richmond’s 4–4 record reflected the high level of competition they faced.
Postseason Eligibility: Only the top teams in the FCS receive 24 playoff bids; Richmond’s record and strength of schedule were insufficient for selection.
Roster Composition: The team relied on a mix of seniors and underclassmen, with key contributors at quarterback and linebacker positions shaping the season’s outcomes.
Recruiting Pipeline: Richmond draws talent primarily from the Mid-Atlantic region, with a focus on high school prospects in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Coaching Strategy: Huesman emphasized a physical running game and aggressive defense, though inconsistency limited the team’s ability to string together wins.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 Richmond Spiders compared to select CAA peers in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points Scored	Points Allowed
Richmond	6–5	4–4	277	302
North Dakota State	13–3	N/A (Missouri Valley)	501	257
James Madison	10–2	7–1	451	238
New Hampshire	9–3	6–2	324	218
Towson	6–5	5–3	262	272

While Richmond matched Towson in overall wins, they trailed behind powerhouses like James Madison and New Hampshire in both scoring and defense. The data highlights the gap between playoff contenders and mid-tier CAA teams during the 2018 season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a transitional year for the Richmond program, reflecting both the challenges of FCS competition and the importance of consistent performance in a tough conference. Though not a banner year, it provided valuable experience for younger players and coaching staff.

Player Development: Several underclassmen gained significant playing time, setting the foundation for future seasons under Huesman’s leadership.
Recruiting Impact: A moderate season did not deter recruiting, as Richmond continued to attract 3-star and regional prospects in subsequent classes.
Conference Reputation: The CAA’s depth was evident, and Richmond’s performance underscored the need for improved depth and consistency to compete for titles.
Stadium Atmosphere: Home games at Robins Stadium maintained strong attendance and student support, contributing to the program’s culture.
Coaching Evaluation: Huesman’s continued leadership suggested program stability, though pressure mounted to return to playoff contention in coming years.
Historical Context: The Spiders have a 2008 FCS National Championship in their history, making seasons like 2018 a reminder of the program’s potential and past success.

Ultimately, the 2018 season served as a benchmark for growth, illustrating both the competitiveness of FCS football and the ongoing effort required to build a championship-caliber team at the University of Richmond.