What Is 2024 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 Richmond Spiders football team represents the University of Richmond in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Head coach Russ Huesman returns for his second stint, aiming to improve on a 5–6 record from 2023.

Key Facts

The 2024 Richmond Spiders football team plays in the NCAA Division I FCS under head coach Russ Huesman
Richmond competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), now renamed the CAA Football Conference
Home games are played at Robins Stadium, a 7,400-seat facility in Richmond, Virginia
Russ Huesman returned as head coach in December 2023 after previously leading the Spiders from 2014 to 2016
The team aims to return to the FCS playoffs after missing them in 2023 with a 5–6 overall record

Overview

The 2024 Richmond Spiders football team represents the University of Richmond in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), marking the program's 129th season of competition. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), now officially branded as the CAA Football Conference, the team is led by head coach Russ Huesman, who returned to the role in December 2023 after a successful prior tenure.

The Spiders aim to rebound from a 5–6 record in 2023, their first losing season since 2019, and return to postseason play. With a strong recruiting class and returning key players, the 2024 campaign focuses on restoring Richmond’s reputation as a consistent FCS playoff contender.

Head coach Russ Huesman returned to Richmond in December 2023 after previously leading the team from 2014 to 2016, where he compiled a 27–13 record and won the 2015 CAA title.
The team plays home games at Robins Stadium, a 7,400-seat facility located on campus in Richmond, Virginia, which underwent renovations in 2019 to improve fan and player experience.
In 2023, the Spiders finished with a 5–6 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play, missing the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Richmond competes in the CAA Football Conference, which includes 13 teams such as William & Mary, Delaware, and Villanova, all vying for one of the FCS playoff spots.
The Spiders have won one FCS national championship, claiming the title in 2008 under head coach Mike London with a 24–7 victory over Montana in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

How It Works

The Richmond Spiders football program operates within the NCAA Division I FCS structure, balancing academic standards with competitive athletics. The team follows a defined schedule, recruits student-athletes, and prepares for both conference and potential postseason play.

Season Structure: The 2024 season includes 11 regular-season games, beginning on August 31, 2024, against Campbell University, with a mix of home, away, and neutral-site matchups.
Recruiting Pipeline: Richmond draws talent nationally, with a focus on the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, signing 22 players in its 2024 recruiting class, including 10 from Virginia.
Coaching Staff: Russ Huesman leads a staff of 18 assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Chris O’Hara and defensive coordinator Chris Ellis, both retained from 2023.
Player Development: The program emphasizes academic support, strength training, and film study, with players required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain eligible.
Game Preparation: The Spiders practice five days a week during the season, with game plans tailored weekly based on opponent film analysis and statistical trends.
Postseason Eligibility: To qualify for the FCS playoffs, teams must finish in the top tier of conference standings or earn an at-large bid, with only 24 teams selected nationally.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2024 Richmond Spiders are compared to recent seasons and peer programs to assess competitiveness and progress.

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Postseason Result	Head Coach
2024 (projected)	7–4 (est.)	5–3	FCS Playoffs (est.)	Russ Huesman
2023	5–6	3–5	Did not qualify	Gardner Dozier (interim)
2022	6–5	4–4	Did not qualify	Gardner Dozier
2021	7–4	4–3	Lost in second round	Gardner Dozier
2020 (spring 2021)	2–3	2–3	Did not qualify	Gardner Dozier

The table shows a gradual rebuilding phase since 2020, with the 2024 season representing a potential turning point under Huesman’s leadership. Richmond has consistently ranked in the top half of the CAA in total defense over the past five seasons, averaging under 22 points allowed per game.

Why It Matters

The 2024 Richmond Spiders season is significant for the program’s long-term trajectory and regional pride. As a historic FCS program, Richmond maintains a strong alumni base and passionate fan following.

Historic Program: Richmond has made 13 FCS playoff appearances since 1984, including a national title in 2008, establishing a legacy of success.
Student-Athlete Model: The team exemplifies the FCS ideal, where athletes are primarily students, with a 92% graduation success rate over the past decade.
Rivalry Games: The annual matchup against William & Mary, known as the Capital Cup, draws over 15,000 fans and dates back to 1898.
Community Impact: The Spiders host youth camps and charity events, contributing over 1,200 service hours annually to the Richmond community.
Recruiting Benchmark: A strong 2024 season could elevate Richmond’s national recruiting profile, helping attract higher-rated prospects.
Conference Stability: As the CAA faces realignment, Richmond’s performance helps maintain the conference’s national relevance in FCS football.

With experienced leadership and a renewed focus, the 2024 Richmond Spiders aim to reclaim their status as a top-tier FCS program, both on the field and in the classroom.