Harvard WR goes full-on Randy Moss on lateral Hail Mary TD vs. Colgate

Harvard football produced one of the most unbelievable finishes of the college football season Saturday night. The Crimson pulled off a stunning Hail Mary sequence involving wide receiver Nate Bailey and a perfectly executed lateral to shock Colgate and their head coach Curt Fitzpatrick 20-17 in a dramatic finish.

With Harvard desperately needing a miracle on the final play, quarterback Charlie Smith heaved a deep pass toward the end zone. The ball was caught by tight end Teigan Pelletier, who immediately found himself in a difficult position with Colgate defenders closing in.

However, Pelletier quickly made the crucial decision to laterally hand the football to Bailey. Bailey then secured the lateral and immediately accelerated toward the left side of the field. His effort carried him into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, which handed Harvard a walk-off victory and preserved the Crimson’s perfect 3-0 start.

Harvard pulling out a win with something similar to the old Randy Moss Hail Mary/lateral play pic.twitter.com/1bIAPCpNOs

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) October 4, 2026

Harvard’s game-winning sequence closely resembled a famous play from more than two decades ago. The spectacular finish immediately brought comparisons to a memorable Randy Moss play from 2003, when the former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was involved in a similar Hail Mary-and-lateral sequence against the Denver Broncos.

After the victory, Bailey reflected on the preparation and competitive environment that helped him deliver in such a crucial moment.

“When we’re going against each other every day, I try to sharpen the tools I have and the gifts I have so on game day it shows. Nobody wants it more than this group, so we all do it together really well,” Bailey said.

Bailey’s involvement in the final play provided the perfect end to an outstanding night for the freshman wide receiver. He finished the game with 16 receptions for 197 yards.

The dramatic victory over Colgate also gave Harvard another significant win against a ranked opponent while preserving its undefeated record. More importantly, the incredible final play provided the Crimson with a memorable victory that will likely remain one of the defining moments of their season.