The Princeton Chase has long been one of the notable collegiate head races. Held exclusively for college crews, it gives crews a chance, in the fall season, to measure themselves against direct competition they’ll face throughout the spring season. As Penn looks to rebound from their misfortune at the Head of the Charles, other teams are kicking off their seasons, and Princeton remains the team to beat, we’ll be looking at a fast weekend of chasing!
Princeton University
Princeton continues to assert themselves as national contenders, finishing second overall at IRAs in 2024 and fifth this past spring. These are impressive results given the level of competition and the challenges of graduating key seniors. After securing seventh place at last year’s Head of the Charles and eighth this year, the Tigers seem to be holding steady comparatively to last year. Consistency has defined their program, but to get back to the level they reached two seasons ago, they’ll have to push past their comfort zone and find another gear.
University of Pennsylvania
Penn enters the Princeton Chase with something to prove. Their Head of the Charles campaign ended much earlier than anticipated, after a steering malfunction prevented their ‘A’ boat from finishing in the Men’s Championship Eights category. With that disappointment still fresh, Penn will be eager to make a strong comeback here following their victory on their home course at the Head of the Schuylkill. We expect a hungry crew of Quakers looking to channel that frustration into speed!
La Salle University
La Salle has been steadily climbing the national ranks, improving from 20th at the 2024 IRAs to 17th this year, a clear sign of growing speed and confidence. This program is surely looking to show its competitiveness against the strong middle-pack crews. After missing last year’s Princeton Chase and delivering a 2023 performance that didn’t turn many heads, this year could be different. With strong momentum from their performance at the Head of the Charles, La Salle has the potential to shake things up, and maybe even be in the running for a podium finish if Penn doesn’t hold them off!
Other Contenders
Columbia did not compete at this year’s Head of the Charles, making the Princeton Chase their first appearance of the 2025-26 season. After slipping two spots to finish 18th overall at the IRAs, the Lions will be eager to start the season with a stronger tone and regain some lost ground.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is also looking to redeem themselves after a challenging run at the Head of the Charles. Head Coach Beau Hoopman noted that the championship eight spent the majority of the race in the wake of California Rowing Club, which cost them valuable speed and nearly ten seconds. They’ll be ready to reset on Lake Carnegie and prove their speed after overtaking Columbia and La Salle in the varsity eights category at the IRAs this past spring. Georgetown, who finished less than a second ahead of Wisconsin on the Charles a little over a week ago, adds another layer of competition.
Prediction
Princeton‘s consistency, home-course advantage, and proven speed make them the clear favourite to capture the top spot once again. Although the real drama will likely be for the spots behind them. Penn will be looking for a strong comeback after their Head of the Charles setback, La Salle bringing their rising speed and new energy into the mix, and Wisconsin will be determined to improve on their Charles performance. It is sure to be hot and heavy for the crews chasing Princeton, and as always in rowing, anything can happen on race day!
