Elon continued its strong start to the 2026 season Saturday, pulling away from Maine for a 43-17 victory at Rhodes Stadium.
The Phoenix improved to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in CAA play, using explosive plays, a suffocating defense and a huge special-teams performance to take control of the game. Elon led 19-3 at halftime and scored 24 more points after the break.
Freshman running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore led the offense with a career-high 126 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries. The former Tarboro High star averaged 9 yards per attempt and broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.
Dylan Magazu also produced two touchdowns in very different ways. His only reception went for a 57-yard touchdown from Elijah Guttman in the second quarter, then he added a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth. Kenaz McMillian caught three passes for 46 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown from TJ Crews IV.
Special teams set the tone
Elon’s special teams provided perhaps the most unusual statistic of the afternoon: the Phoenix blocked two Maine punts in the first quarter.
Tyler Owens blocked the first, recovered it himself and returned the ball to the Maine 14. Later in the quarter, CJ Hector blocked another punt through the end zone for a safety that gave Elon a 5-0 lead.
The Phoenix also recovered a muffed punt late in the third quarter, helping set up a Luke Barnes field goal.
By the numbers
- 376: Total yards for Elon compared with 315 for Maine.
- 6.1: Yards per play for Elon. Maine averaged 3.9.
- 126: Rushing yards for McDowell-Moore on 14 carries.
- 73: Punt-return yards for Elon on five returns.
- 0-for-4: Maine on fourth-down attempts.
- 1-for-12: Elon on third down — a pretty remarkable number for a team that scored 43 points and won easily.
- 43: Elon’s highest point total of the season.
- 3-0: Elon’s record at home so far, with victories over Glenville State, Sacred Heart and now Maine.
⭐ Elon Standouts
Kamerin McDowell-Moore: The freshman running back rushed for a career-high 126 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, averaging 9 yards per attempt. His 55-yard touchdown helped Elon take a 19-3 lead into halftime.
Dylan Magazu: Made the most of two touches. Magazu caught a 57-yard touchdown pass from Elijah Guttman, then added a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Kenaz McMillian: Caught three passes for 46 yards, including a 39-yard fourth-quarter touchdown from TJ Crews IV that extended Elon’s lead to 36-10.
Derek Hite: Led the Elon defense with 10 tackles, including half a tackle for loss. Brodie Carroll added nine tackles, while Tony Hart III finished with eight.
Jevean Brown and Nhycer Kelly: Each recorded a sack as Elon finished with five tackles for loss and two sacks. Brown also forced a fumble and broke up two passes.
Tyler Owens and CJ Hector: The special-teams troublemakers. Owens blocked one punt, recovered it and helped give Elon possession at the Maine 14. Hector blocked another punt that resulted in a safety.
Quarterback rotation continues: With Brady Stober unavailable, redshirt freshman Elijah Guttman made his second consecutive start and completed 11 of 29 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. TJ Crews IV also saw action and made his only attempt count, connecting with Kenaz McMillian for a 39-yard fourth-quarter touchdown.
