What Is 2016 Rhode Island Rams football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–6 record under head coach Jim Fleming. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and did not qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Key Facts

The team finished the 2016 season with a 6–6 overall record
Head coach Jim Fleming was in his first year leading the program
They played their home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, RI
Rhode Island went 4–4 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play
The Rams did not qualify for the FCS playoffs in 2016

Overview

The 2016 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island during the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by first-year head coach Jim Fleming, who took over the program after the departure of former coach Joe Trainer.

The Rams played their home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, and aimed to rebuild the program after several seasons of subpar performance. Despite showing improvement in several areas, the team narrowly missed postseason eligibility with a 6–6 overall record.

Record: The Rams finished the 2016 season with a 6–6 overall record, marking a modest improvement from previous years.
CAA Performance: Rhode Island posted a 4–4 conference record, placing them in the middle of the competitive Colonial Athletic Association standings.
First-Year Coach: Jim Fleming assumed head coaching duties in 2016, bringing new energy and a renewed focus on player development and discipline.
Home Venue: All home games were held at Meade Stadium, a 5,180-seat facility on the university's Kingston campus.
Postseason: The team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, needing at least seven wins to be considered for the 24-team field.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2016 campaign featured a mix of promising offensive performances and defensive struggles, especially in close conference matchups. Rhode Island faced a challenging CAA schedule, which included nationally ranked opponents such as James Madison and New Hampshire.

Season Opener: The Rams opened the season with a 34–20 loss to FBS opponent UMass, showing resilience despite the defeat.
Key Victory: A 31–28 win over in-state rival Brown highlighted non-conference play and boosted team morale.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 23.6 points per game, led by quarterback JaJuan Lawson and running back Bryson Harris.
Defensive Challenges: The Rams allowed 27.3 points per game, struggling particularly in the second half of close contests.
Notable Game: A 38–31 overtime loss to Villanova in October demonstrated the team's ability to compete with top-tier CAA programs.
Final Game: Rhode Island closed the season with a 35–21 win over Campbell, finishing with a winning streak of two games.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2016 Rams to prior seasons reveals key trends in performance and coaching impact.

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Head Coach	Postseason
2014	2–10	1–7	Joe Trainer	No
2015	4–7	3–5	Joe Trainer	No
2016	6–6	4–4	Jim Fleming	No
2017	7–4	5–3	Jim Fleming	No
2018	8–4	6–2	Jim Fleming	No

The 2016 season served as a transitional year under new leadership, laying the foundation for future success. While the Rams did not reach the playoffs, the improvement from 4–7 in 2015 to 6–6 in 2016 signaled positive momentum. The team’s performance against CAA opponents showed increased competitiveness, and player development under Fleming began to take shape. This season marked the beginning of a multi-year upward trend that would continue into the late 2010s.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal moment in the revitalization of the Rhode Island football program, setting the tone for future competitiveness. Though not a postseason year, it represented progress under new leadership and served as a benchmark for future success.

Program Momentum: The 6–6 record was the best since 2013 and demonstrated clear improvement under first-year coach Jim Fleming.
Recruiting Impact: A more competitive team helped boost recruiting efforts, attracting higher-caliber athletes in subsequent classes.
Conference Standing: Finishing above .500 in CAA play showed Rhode Island could compete with established programs like Maine and Richmond.
Player Development: Quarterback JaJuan Lawson and linebacker Cole Castaneda emerged as leaders, contributing to team stability.
Fan Engagement: Improved performance led to higher attendance and renewed interest in the football program.
Foundation for Success: The 2016 season laid the groundwork for a 7–4 record in 2017 and consistent improvement through the late 2010s.

The 2016 Rhode Island Rams may not have made the playoffs, but their season was a critical step in rebuilding a once-struggling program. With steady coaching, improved performance, and growing institutional support, the team began a trajectory that would eventually make them a more respected name in the FCS landscape.