The Northern Iowa Football team kicks off their 2024-25 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31 when they welcome the Valparaiso Beacons to the UNI-Dome. Kickoff time is set for 4 p.m.
Head Coach Mark Farley, who enters his 24th season at the helm, comes in as the second-winningest active coach in the FCS. He boasts a 180-103 record.
This season is a little different, with new faces in the coaching staff. Trey Tinsley, a former Washington State quarterback, is expected to take over as the new offensive coordinator. Tinsley was formerly at Mississippi State as an analyst under coach Mike Leach and his explosive “Air Raid” style of offense.
Nobody should benefit more from the new coordinator than quarterback Aidan Dunne. Dunne, who completed nine of 11 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in his seven career games, earned the starting spot in camp. Coach Farley acknowledged Dunne’s hard work this offseason.
“Aidan had to get better to win the starting position,” Farley said. “He wasn’t the starter coming into this. But every time he stepped on the field, when you brought somebody in to compete with him, he just got better.
Senior running back Tye Edwards comes back after rushing for 536 yards and five touchdowns a season ago. Pass catchers Sergio Morancy and Jaiden Ellis-Lahey will look to lead the receiving room.
Jared Penning was named as an FCS Preseason All-American. Listed on the Second Team for offensive lineman, Penning is the lone Panther on the list. He was also named to the Preseason All-MVFC First Team for the third straight season. Lineman Tristan Roper was also honored as a Preseason All-MVFC pick.
On the defensive side of the ball, linemen Cannon Butler and Carter Hewitt will look to wreak havoc on their opponents. Butler and Hewitt were listed as Preseason All-MVFC Second Team and Third Team, respectively. Playing right behind them will be linebacker Tucker Langenberg, who is just one of two returning starting defensive players. Langenberg had 71 total tackles a season ago. Punter Noah Pettinger was named to the Preseason All-MVFC Third Team.
Valparaiso comes in as an interesting team, finishing with a 3-8 record. A position to look for on Saturday will be how the Beacons handle their quarterbacks. Three returning gunslingers are all in the mix to see playing time as the season. goes on.
Ryan Mann and Barret Labus will establish the ground game and a number of pass catchers will try to spread the field.
Defensively, Sam Hafner will be one of the best players on the field. Valpo has lots of depth at linebacker and the Beacons return three members of their secondary from a season ago.
