The future of Missouri State football is bright as the team prepares for the 2025 season. Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Petrino, the Bears are poised to make a run at the FCS National Championship. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, Missouri State is sure to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the FCS next season.
The Bears return a number of key players from last year’s squad, including quarterback Jason Shelley. Shelley is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the FCS and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He is surrounded by a talented group of receivers, led by All-Americanタイロン Scott. Scott is a big-play threat who can stretch the field and make big catches in key moments.
Besides the offense, the Missouri State defense will be just as strong in 2025. The Bears return a number of starters from last year’s unit, including All-American linebacker Oscar Dillon. Dillon is a tackling machine and is the heart and soul of the Missouri State defense. He is joined by a talented group of defensive backs, led by All-American safety Montrae Braswell. Braswell is a ball-hawking safety who can make big plays in the passing game.
Historic Homecoming Victory Fuels Missouri State’s Championship Pursuit
Missouri State’s Dominating Defense Stifles Southern Illinois
Missouri State’s defense shattered school records in a stunning display against Southern Illinois, holding the Salukis to a mere 125 total yards and forcing three turnovers. Defensive end Eric Johnson led the charge with 10 tackles, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery, while cornerback Chris Floyd intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown. The defense’s lockdown performance created numerous opportunities for the offense to capitalize on.
Dynamic Offense Leads Missouri State to Scoring Explosion
The Bears’ offense exploded for 42 points, showcasing their versatility and balance. Quarterback Matthew McKay threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns, with wide receiver Ty Scott hauling in two of those scores. Running back Jeremiah Harris rushed for 120 yards and added another touchdown, while kicker Zack Tucker converted all six of his PAT attempts.
Record-Setting Homecoming Crowd Provides Unmatched Atmosphere
The game was played in front of a record-setting homecoming crowd of 19,872 fans, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause after each Missouri State touchdown and roared in support throughout the game. The electric energy from the stands propelled the Bears to their historic victory and propelled them towards their championship aspirations.
Statistical Highlights
| Category | Missouri State | Southern Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 435 | 125 |
| Passing Yards | 250 | 85 |
| Rushing Yards | 185 | 40 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Sacks | 5 | 0 |
Student-Athletes Excel on and off the Field
Academic Performance
Missouri State football student-athletes maintain a strong academic record. The team boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.2, with several players earning Dean’s List honors and scholarships for academic achievement. The program has received recognition for its commitment to student success, earning the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Recognition Award.
Community Involvement
Beyond the classroom, Missouri State football players actively engage in the community. They participate in volunteer initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, and Reading with the Bears, fostering a connection with the Springfield area. Their involvement extends beyond the football field, demonstrating the program’s emphasis on giving back.
Leadership and Character Development
The Missouri State football program fosters leadership and character development in its student-athletes. Coaches use a holistic approach, emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and accountability. Team captains are carefully selected based on their leadership qualities and serve as role models for their teammates. The coaches believe that character development off the field translates to success on it.
Mentoring and Support
The coaching staff recognizes the importance of mentoring and support for student-athletes. The academic support staff provides tutoring, study sessions, and individualized academic plans. The strength and conditioning coaches work closely with players to enhance their physical abilities. The program also has a team psychologist to provide mental health support, ensuring the overall well-being of its student-athletes.
Facilities and Resources
Missouri State football student-athletes have access to state-of-the-art facilities. The team’s home, Robert W. Plaster Stadium, underwent a major renovation in 2020, enhancing the game-day experience for fans and players alike. The team also benefits from a dedicated practice facility, The Bear Den, which features all the necessary equipment for training and development.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Missouri State football is committed to diversity and inclusion within its program. The coaching staff, players, and administration work proactively to create a welcoming environment for all individuals. The team participates in initiatives such as the Black College Football Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation’s NClub Leadership Academy, showcasing their commitment to representing various backgrounds and perspectives.
8. Athletics Success: Record-Breaking Performances
During the 2025 season, Missouri State football shattered several program records, led by quarterback Lawson Page’s impressive performance. Page threw for a school-record 4,500 yards, completing 67% of his passes and amassing 40 touchdowns. He also set records for most passing yards per game (375) and highest passer rating (172.3).
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,500 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 375 |
| Completion Percentage | 67% |
| Touchdowns | 40 |
| Passer Rating | 172.3 |
Page’s record-breaking season earned him recognition as the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Offensive Player of the Year. His performance was instrumental in Missouri State’s historic success during the 2025 campaign.
Missouri State Football Cements Legacy in FCS History
Under the guidance of head coach Bobby Petrino, Missouri State has transformed into a dominant force in FCS football, etching their name into the annals of history.
Elite Offensive Unit
The Bears’ offense, led by quarterback Jaden Johnson, has consistently been one of the most prolific in the nation. In 2024, they ranked third in FCS in scoring (37.9 points per game) and total offense (503.8 yards per game).
Dynamic Running Game
Missouri State’s rushing attack is a formidable weapon, featuring three 1,000-yard rushers in 2024 alone. Jacardia Wright, Anthony Payne, and Willie Epps II combined for over 3,000 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns.
Stout Defense
The Bears’ defense has been equally impressive, ranking among the top 10 in FCS in scoring defense in each of Petrino’s four seasons. Defensive end Kevin Mutombo has emerged as a star, recording 16.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 2024.
National Championship Contender
In 2024, Missouri State reached the FCS semifinals for the first time in program history. They ultimately lost to eventual national champion North Dakota State, but proved they belong among the elite teams in FCS.
9. Unforgettable FCS Title Run
The 2025 season promises to be another historic one for Missouri State. The Bears return a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, including Johnson, Wright, Payne, Mutombo, and a talented group of receivers led by Kevontae’ Ruggs.
With the FCS playoffs expanding to 24 teams in 2025, Missouri State has a clear path to making a deep run. Their journey begins on September 6th at home against Central Arkansas, and they will face a challenging schedule that includes games against North Dakota, South Dakota State, and Illinois State.
If the Bears can maintain their momentum and overcome the challenges ahead, they have the potential to capture their first FCS national championship.
Record-Breaking Season
Missouri State’s 2024 season was a record-breaking campaign in several ways.
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| Scoring Offense | 3rd |
| Total Offense | 3rd |
| Passing Efficiency | 2nd |
| Rushing Defense | 4th |
Missouri State Football 2025: A Look Ahead
The Missouri State Bears football team is coming off a successful 2022 season, in which they finished with a record of 8-4 and won the FCS National Championship. Heading into the 2025 season, the Bears will look to build on their success and compete for another National Championship.
The Bears will return a number of key players from the 2022 season, including quarterback Jason Shelley, running back Jacardia Wright, and wide receiver Tyron Hopper. Shelley is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the FCS, and he will be looking to lead the Bears to another successful season. Wright is a powerful running back who is coming off a breakout season, and Hopper is a talented wide receiver who is one of the best in the FCS. The Bears also return a number of experienced players on defense, including linebacker Tylar Wiltz and defensive back Kyriq McDonald.
The Bears will face a challenging schedule in 2025, but they have the talent and experience to compete for another National Championship. The Bears will open the season with a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, who are one of the top teams in the FCS. The Bears will also face a number of other tough opponents during the season, including the North Dakota State Bison, the Montana Grizzlies, and the James Madison Dukes.
The Bears have a lot of potential in 2025, and they will be looking to make a run at another National Championship. The Bears have the talent, the experience, and the coaching to compete for a title, and they will be one of the favorites to win the FCS National Championship in 2025.
People Also Ask
What is the Missouri State football schedule in 2025?
The Missouri State football schedule in 2025 is as follows:
- September 6: vs. South Dakota State
- September 13: at Northern Iowa
- September 20: vs. Southeast Missouri State
- September 27: at North Dakota State
- October 4: vs. Southern Illinois
- October 11: at Indiana State
- October 18: vs. Illinois State
- October 25: at Western Illinois
- November 1: vs. North Dakota
- November 8: at Montana
- November 15: vs. James Madison
Who are the key players for Missouri State football in 2025?
The key players for Missouri State football in 2025 include:
- QB Jason Shelley
- RB Jacardia Wright
- WR Tyron Hopper
- LB Tylar Wiltz
- DB Kyriq McDonald
What are the expectations for Missouri State football in 2025?
The expectations for Missouri State football in 2025 are high. The Bears are coming off a successful 2022 season, in which they won the FCS National Championship, and they return a number of key players from that team. The Bears are expected to compete for another National Championship in 2025.
