When you think of Patriot League basketball, Colgate is the first program that comes to mind. And when you think of Colgate, you think of Matt Langel, the architect behind its rise to sustained success.
A Decade and a Half of Consistency
Entering his 15th season at the helm, Langel has made Colgate the standard in the league and one of the most respected mid-major programs in the country.
Building a Dynasty the Hard Way
Langel’s journey has not been an overnight success story. His first six seasons produced losing records, but the program’s patience paid off. By the 2017–18 campaign, Colgate had turned the corner with a 19–14 record and a second-place finish in the league.
Since then, Langel has built a Patriot League powerhouse. From 2018 through 2024, the Raiders won five straight NCAA Tournament berths and captured multiple league titles. Even in the shortened COVID season, Colgate topped the standings. Over that stretch, they posted 23 or more wins in every full season.
A Step Back and a Chance to Regroup
Last year brought the first real stumble in a long time. Colgate went 14–19 overall and 10–8 in league play, finishing tied for third in the standings. Their five-year tournament streak came to an end after a semifinal loss to American, but Langel viewed the season as a valuable learning experience for a younger roster.
The Raiders return with renewed energy, motivated by the sting of missing March. Langel’s track record suggests that kind of adversity will not linger long.
2025–26 Schedule Tests the Raiders Early
Colgate’s upcoming non-conference schedule offers both challenges and opportunities. The Raiders open the season with a major road test at Michigan State against Tom Izzo’s Spartans. They will then host Northeastern and Drexel before another Big Ten matchup at Illinois on November 14.
The gauntlet continues in December with a trip to face defending national champion Florida, a matchup that could draw national attention. Patriot League play begins on New Year’s Eve at Lafayette, setting the stage for another title chase.
The Road Back to the Top
Langel’s career record stands at 241–203 overall and 151–87 in the Patriot League, a testament to long-term success and stability. After being picked third in this year’s preseason poll, behind Navy and Boston University, the Raiders are once again in striking distance of another run.
With an experienced coach, battle-tested roster, and a culture built on accountability, Colgate looks ready to remind everyone why it became the Patriot League’s measuring stick.
If history is any guide, Matt Langel’s Raiders will not stay out of the NCAA Tournament for long.