Sports

Yale QB Returns From Injury To Toss 4 TDs In Courageous Performance One Day After Dad’s Passing

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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Yale QB Dante Reno scrambles against Holy Cross.


Yale quarterback Dante Reno threw four touchdowns in a win over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon. That courageous performance came one day after his father passed away.

Reno believes his dad was watching down on him during the career-day. The passer made him proud.

Tony Reno is a former Yale head football coach that led the Bulldogs from 2012-2025. He is the program’s second-winningest coach, going 83-49 with five Ivy League titles. He led the team to its first ever FCS playoff appearance last year, winning his postseason debut against Youngstown State.

Dante Reno is a fourth-year junior. He started his career at South Carolina, where he spent two seasons. He then transferred to Yale before the 2025 campaign.

Reno did so to play for his father in New Haven, Connecticut. In his first season with the team, he started 12 games, throwing for 2,498 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Bulldogs won the Ivy League and finished the year ranked 13th nationally.

In February, the head coach stepped down for health concerns.

Tony Reno passed away over the weekend.

His passing hit the Yale community hard. Many, including current head football coach Kevin Cahill, sent condolences and appreciation for Reno’s impact on their lives.

Less than 24 hours after his death, Yale kicked off against Merrimack. Dante Reno put on one of the most courageous performances you’ll ever see.

Dante Reno threw for 4 TDs.

I am lucky to still have my father after 36 years on this earth. I could not fathom losing my dad in my early 20s during a time when you’re still trying to figure out life as a college student.

Reno is experiencing that, along with the responsibilities of being a starting quarterback. His father’s guidance helped him land at his current school. Reno believes he would’ve wanted him to continue playing after his passing.

He did just that on Saturday. Reno threw for nearly 300 yards and four scores to help Yale beat Merrimack. The performance was powerful.

Dante Reno missed his last game due to injury. He made his return on Saturday despite the circumstances to lift his team in a come-from-behind effort.

College football fans took note.

It was an incredible showing for the Yale signal caller. His dad is proud. Reno will have the college football world rooting for him throughout the remainder of the season.