The fifth ranked UNI Panthers football team looks to set the bar high this year, following a strong finish to a 9-5 campaign in 2015 that ended in the quarterfinals in the FCS playoff.

After shaking off a slow start in 2015, the Panthers won seven games straight before falling to the eventual national champion, and familiar foe North Dakota State.

Led by quarterback Aaron Bailey and offensive lineman Robert Rathje, these two were both named 2016 Hero Sports preseason second team All-Americans.

In addition, Bailey is also included in the College Football Performance Awards National Performer of the Year watch list.  Bailey rushed and passed for over 1000 yards a season ago, breaking several UNI records.

Rathje is ready to yet again anchor one of the more effective offensive lines in the country. Last season, UNI saw a record-breaking effort of 3,266 rushing yards and another 1000 yards from Bailey himself. A feat like this has never happened throughout UNI’s history.

Senior Tyvis Smith ran for 1079 yards in 2015, scoring seven rushing touchdowns.  Other key players returning on the offensive end include three of the top four receiving threats in wide receivers Daurice Fountain and Charles Brown and running back Michael Malloy.

The defense is the question mark this season. The Panthers lose Deiondre’ Hall, who now plays for the Chicago Bears, and finished last season with 82 tackles and 6 interceptions.
In addition to Hall, UNI will also be missing Brett McMakin who led the team with 122 tackles to the NFL, as well as other key contributors to graduation. The defense this year will be led by returning linebacker Jared Farley and defensive lineman Karter Schult who brought down 97 and 81 tackles, respectively.

The Panthers open up the season on Sept. 3 in Ames when they visit in state FBS rival, Iowa State. The Panthers then continue their difficult schedule with games against preseason #13 Montana, at #17 Eastern Washington, Southern Illinois, at South Dakota (receiving votes), at Youngstown State (receiving votes), Missouri State, top-ranked North Dakota State, at Indiana State, at #24 Western Illinois and #14 South Dakota State.

This season looks to be a good opportunity for UNI in both the Missouri Valley Football Conference, as well as on a national level.  The team hopes to see the stands full and look forward to what this season will bring.