University of Massachusets Athletics
Photo by: THOM KENDALL FOR UMASS ATHLETICS
September 14, 2026 | Football
T.Y. Harding returned an 82-yard punt return to the house, marking the second punt return touchdown of his career.
AMHERST, Mass. – Senior wide receiver T.Y. Harding has been named the Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday morning.
It marks the first career weekly MAC honor for Harding and the fourth honor for the Massachusetts football program this season.
Harding led Massachusetts to a 37-10 win over Sacred Heart on Saturday as the Minutemen started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2011.
Harding had a 48-yard touchdown grab on the game's second play to give UMass an early 7-0 lead. He then posted an 82-yard punt return touchdown to put the Minutemen up 14-0. It marked his second career punt return touchdown.
For the day, Harding finished with 141 yards on two punt returns to go along with 49-yards receiving for 190 all-purpose yards on the day.
UMass takes on Stonehill at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, for its first meeting at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (ESPN+). Game themes include the Hall of Fame Game and Hispanic Heritage Month. Click here for more Hall of Fame Weekend Details. New this season, there will be a clear bag policy at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, click here for more details.
It marks the first career weekly MAC honor for Harding and the fourth honor for the Massachusetts football program this season.
Harding led Massachusetts to a 37-10 win over Sacred Heart on Saturday as the Minutemen started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2011.
Harding had a 48-yard touchdown grab on the game's second play to give UMass an early 7-0 lead. He then posted an 82-yard punt return touchdown to put the Minutemen up 14-0. It marked his second career punt return touchdown.
For the day, Harding finished with 141 yards on two punt returns to go along with 49-yards receiving for 190 all-purpose yards on the day.
UMass takes on Stonehill at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, for its first meeting at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (ESPN+). Game themes include the Hall of Fame Game and Hispanic Heritage Month. Click here for more Hall of Fame Weekend Details. New this season, there will be a clear bag policy at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, click here for more details.
Players Mentioned
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