MANKATO — No. 11 Minnesota State University football opens its 2025 season against Northwest Missouri State at 6 p.m. Thursday at Blakeslee Stadium.
The 2025 season marks the school’s 98th season playing football, boasting a 517-404-27 record in 948 games. MSU enters its 16th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 146-25. The Mavericks earned a total of 25 conference championships, including eight in the NSIC and earned their 15th NCAA Tournament appearance, reaching the semifinal round for the fifth time since 2012, falling to Valdosta State 35-21.
MSU’s three playoff wins last season marked the third time it won three NCAA Tournament games in the same season.
The 2025 season marks the 15th season with head coach Todd Hoffner. He’s compiled a 142-37 record, including seven NSIC Championships and 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Hoffner was named the AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year in 2019, marking the third time he has received the award. He was later named the AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year as the Mavericks advanced to their second NCAA Championship game in 2019.
Hoffner’s 142 coaching victories at MSU are the most in program history. Hoffner passed Dan Runkle’s record of 108 career coaching victories after MSU’s 68-10 win over Minot State on Sept. 25, 2021.
The Thursday game between MSU and Northwest Missouri State marks their 18th all-time meeting. MSU owns a 10-8 all-time record against the Bearcats, including a 38-22 win last season in Maryville, Missouri.
Sophomore Sam Backer rushed for 104 yards, while seniors TreShawn Watson and Grant Guyett recorded 40 and 35 receiving yards, respectively. On defense, senior Caleb Paulus recorded two tackles for a loss and forced a fumble, while senior Abe Hestdalen also recorded two tackles.
Chris Ruhnke completed 15 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns last season, while Jadon Brady rushed for 13 yards. Luke Matthews led the Bearcat receivers with 140 yards and a touchdown.
Shane Fredrickson led NWMSU with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Carter Edwards tallied seven tackles, including one for a loss.
Maverick football luncheons
The team will host its MSU Touchdown Club Luncheon the day before each home game this season, starting on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
The luncheons will be 11:30 a.m. at the Loose Moose Saloon and will feature coach’s presentations, along with a Q&A with Maverick student-athletes and video. The luncheons are open to the public.