​Yale’s Dante Reno pays tribute to fallen father Tony with four-TD performance vs. Merrimack originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Dante Reno picked the perfect day to author up one of the best performances of his budding collegiate career.The Yale quarterback was struck by unimaginable tragedy in the lead-up to Saturday’s game vs. Merrimack, losing his father, former Bulldogs head coach Tony Reno, who died following a prolonged struggle with illness at 52.The younger Reno opted to show his love for his father on the field, putting forth an epic display to lead his side to victory. Given the nature of his performance, you would be forgiven for thinking the outing was inspired by something divine.With that, here’s what you need to know about Dante Reno’s showing in Yale’s first game since his father’s passing.MORE: What we know about Tony Reno’s passingYale’s Dante Reno pays tribute to fallen father with four-TD performance vs. MerrimackReno, a former four-star prospect who first washed up at South Carolina before joining his father in New Haven in 2025, enjoyed one of the best performances of his career on Saturday — just one day after Yale announced that his father had died.Reno threw for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns as the Bulldogs saw off Merrimack, 41-24.Yale QB Dante Reno (22 of 39, 298 yards, four TDs, INT) helped lead the Bulldogs past Merrimack 41-24 today.Reno’s father, Tony Reno – the second-winningest coach in Yale history over the 2012-25 seasons – passed away from an illness earlier this week. He was 52.…— Opta FCS Football (@OptaAnalystFCS) October 3, 2026Tony Reno was one of Yale’s greatest-ever tacticians, recording the second-most wins in program history across his 14-year career. He stepped away from the Bulldogs in February due to illness.The Bulldogs paid tribute to their beloved coach ahead of Saturday’s game, releasing the following video to celebrate Tony Reno’s legacy on- and off-the-field. A tribute to a legend. 🕊️Prior to the start of today’s game, the Yale Athletics community honored Coach Tony Reno.#ThisIsYalepic.twitter.com/6dCS1iaRZy— Yale Football (@yalefootball) October 3, 2026Dante authored up a display for the ages, helping Yale overcome a 21-7 deficit en route to the win. He took to social media to praise his father after the game went final. This one’s for you pops❤️ https://t.co/mKBx0eeEFQ— Dante Reno (@dantereno10) October 3, 2026Tony Reno leaves behind his wife Toni and children, Dante, Angelina and Vince.