Bridgewater, NJ — The Northeast Conference (NEC) has announced additions to its conference football slate for the upcoming 2024 season.
 
Earlier this month, Mercyhurst University accepted a full membership invitation from the NEC Council of Presidents. With football being one of 27 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs that the University sponsors, the Lakers will take on a number of NEC opponents during the 2024 season. 
 
Located in Erie, PA, Mercyhurst will attain full membership status in 2028-29 and will be eligible for the FCS Playoffs upon completion of its four-year NCAA Division I reclassification period. 
 
In their inaugural season as an NEC member and Division I program, the Lakers are set to square off against Robert Morris (Sept. 14), Central Connecticut (Oct. 12), Duquesne (Nov. 2) and Saint Francis U (Nov. 23). Mercyhurst also has games against two other Division I opponents on its eight-game slate. 
 
The Lakers kick off their season on Aug. 31 at Wheeling.
 
With the addition of Mercyhurst, the NEC slate has been bolstered from 21 games to 25 contests this season.