Can the state of Indiana produce a college football national champion? One coach believes so. Some old friends return to coach, top players are back and more.
Saturdays in the fall are for college football. Here's what you need to know about Indiana college football teams ahead of the 2025 season.
Butler football coach Kevin Lynch looks to establish culture in first season
Last season (FCS): 9-3 (5-3 Pioneer League)
Coach: Kevin Lynch (first season)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Reagan Andrew (140-215, 1717 yards passing, 11 TDs to 6 INTs, 566 yards rushing, 8 TDs), DL Danny Orgler (32 tackles, 3.5 sacks), LB Jeremiah Jackson (35 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs) DB Devaon Holman (19 tackles, 3 INTs)
Outlook:First-year coach Kevin Lynch comes to Butler after serving as Ball State's quarterbacks coach last season. He replaced Mike Uremovich, who became Ball State's coach. Lynch, the son of former Butler, Ball State and Indiana coach Bill Lynch, is a football lifer looking to bring youthful energy to the program at age 38 while building on the successful foundation estbalished under Uremovich.
Quotable: "Football is hard. There's so much thinking, it's not just about running around. The main thing is always going to be blocking, tackling and catching, but you've got to master the situations and know what's going on when those times come," coach Kevin Lynch said.
Schedule: at Northern Iowa, 2 p.m. Aug. 30; Truman State, 1 p.m. Sept. 6; at Hanover, 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13; at Weber State, 8 p.m. Sept. 20; Marist, 1 p.m. Sept. 27; at St. Thomas, 2 p.m. Oct. 4; Presbyterian, 1 p.m. Oct. 11; at Dayton, noon Oct. 18; Drake, 1 p.m. Nov. 1; at Morehead State, 1 p.m. Nov. 8; at San Diego, 4 p.m. Nov. 15; Valparaiso, 1 p.m. Nov. 22.
DePauw football building off historic 11-win season
Last season (Division III): 11-1 (8-0 North Coast Athletic Conference)
Coach: Brett Dietz (fifth season, 30-6)
Key Returners (2024 stats): RB Caden Whitehead (929 yards rushing, 13 TDs; 166 yards receiving, 18 catches), WR Robby Ballentine (78 catches, 1,204 yards, 20 TDs), OL Bennett Smith, LB Joey Roland (31 tackles, 15 TFLs, 12 sacks, 2 INTs)
Outlook: Despite a tough loss in the final seconds of the Division III postseason third round to Johns Hopkins, the Tigers are looking to build off a school-record 11-win season. The offense must replace four-year starter Nathan McCahill at quarterback. Returners Scott Ballentine and Jack Kazmierczak, along with transfers Marco Sansone (Bucknell) and Dominic Garzolini (Indiana State) are in competition to start at quarterback.
Quotable: "We have to realize how fortunate and how good of a season we had last year. We can't let one game or one play or one quarter or any one thing stop the momentum that we have," DePauw coach Brett Dietz said.
Schedule: at Rose-Hulman, 7 p.m. Sept. 6; at Centre, 7 p.m. Sept. 13; Kenyon, 1 p.m. Sept. 20; at Wittenberg, 1 p.m. Sept. 27; Oberlin, noon Oct. 4; John Carroll, 1 p.m. Oct. 18; at Denison, 3 p.m. Oct. 25; at Ohio Wesleyan, 1 p.m. Nov. 1; Wooster, 1 p.m. Nov. 8; at Wabash, 1:07 p.m. Nov. 15.
Mike Leonard returns to coach Franklin College football
Last season (Division III): 3-7 (2-4 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference)
Coach: Mike Leonard (first season, second stint, 129-55)
Key returners (2024 stats): DE Devonte Brown (52 tackles, 7 sacks, 10.5 TFLs), DB Haidyn Bulmer (34 tackles, 1 INT), CB Luke Lyons (18 tackles, 1 INT), DB Jason Pierre-Louis (17 tackles), DB De'Marreia Stephens (47 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT).
Outlook: Mike Leonard, a six-time HCAC coach of the year returns to Franklin after five years away from the program. Leonard looks to install his quick-strike offense and expects position battles for every spot in the lineup. Finding a starting quarterback between returners Marshall Kmeicik and Devlin McGee is prority No. 1, but the team returners several starters on defense.
Quotable: "I consider a freshman every bit as willing and able as a senior. Lets see how everybody is doing during traning camp. It's a competition, but a friendly competition because we all have to work together," Franklin coach Mike Leonard said.
Schedule: Ohio Northern, 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6; Hope, 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13; at Trine, 1 p.m. Sept. 20; at Muskingum, 6 p.m. Oct. 4; Rose-Hulman, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11; Manchester, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18; at Mount St. Joseph, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25; at Anderson, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1; Bluffton, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8; at Hanover, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15.
Indiana State football to rebuild offensive line, defense
Last season (FCS): 4-8, (3-5 Missouri Valley)
Coach: Curt Mallory (ninth season, 24-44)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Elijah Owens (181-263, 1717 yards passing, 12 TDs to 5 INTs; 645 yards rushing, 8 TDs), WR Rashad Rochelle (58 catches, 527 yards, 4 TDs), RB Plez Lawrence (410 yards, 3 TDs), DB Jorge Valdes (34 tackles, 2 INTs).
Outlook: Indiana State returns just three starters, all on offense. Mallory must break in five new starters across the offense line and an entirely new defense. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Elijah Owens got much needed experience last season, but he'll need several new faces to step up and support him.
Quotable: "I'm really encouraged. I really like the way this team worked since the end of the season. I thought we've had the best summer since we've been here. ... They've worked really hard," coach Curt Mallory said.
Schedule: McKendree, 6 p.m. Aug. 28; Eastern Illinois, 1 p.m. Sept. 6; at Indiana, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12; at Montana, 3 p.m. Sept. 20; at Southern Illinois, 7 p.m. Oct. 4; South Dakota, 1 p.m. Oct. 11; North Dakota State, 1p.m. Oct. 18; at North Dakota, 4 p.m. Oct. 25; at South Dakota State, 3 p.m. Nov. 1; Illinois State, 1 p.m. Nov. 8; at Youngstown State, noon Nov. 15; Murray State, 1 p.m. Nov. 22.
Indiana Wesleyan football may be 'national championship contender'
Last season (NAIA): 11-2, (5-0 Mid-States Football Association)
Coach: Andrew Rode (third season, 21-4)
Key returners (2024 stats): RB Ryan Whitwell (1,157 yards rushing, 12 TDs), WR Isaac Smith (86 catches, 1,115 yards, 14 TDs), DL Anthony Cheesebourough (43 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 8.5 TFLs, 3 fumbles forced), DB Da'Veon Turner (22 tackles, 4 INTs, including pick-6).
Outlook: With incumbent starter Kyle Antoine transferring to Division II Tiffin, Indiana Wesleyan must rely on its talented returners at key positions to support first-year starting quarterback, junior Arjun Lothe. The Wildcats have difference makers at every level, and a deep postseason run is the expectation within the program.
Quotable: "I think we could be (a nation championship contender) it's just a matter of the decisions we're going to be making in and out of practice day in and day out. ... We have a ton of potential to be as good as anybody in the country. How close can we grow? How united can be? How together can we play? Can we be tough and relentless when we're playing. If our guys commit to those things, I think we can be really, really good," coach Andrew Rode said.
Schedule: Keiser, noon Aug. 30; Saint Xavier, 6 p.m. Sept. 6; at Judson, 2 p.m. Sept. 13; Olivet, noon Sept. 20; at Marian, 1:05 p.m. Sept. 27; St. Francis, noon Oct. 4; at Madonna, noon, Oct. 18; Defiance, 4 p.m. Oct. 25; at Taylor, noon Nov. 1; Lawrence Tech, noon Nov. 8; at Siena Heights, noon Nov. 15.
Production returns for playoff-hungry Marian football
Last season (NAIA): 8-2 (4-1 MSFA)
Coach: Ted Karras Jr. (third season in second stint, 89-76)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Tristan Polk (161-285, 2,235 yards passing, 11 TDs to 11 INTs; 162 yards rushing, 11 TDs) RB Keagan La Belle (1,165 yards rushing, 17 TDs), WR Jake Reichard (55 catches, 1,012 yards, 6 TDs), DL Isaiah Street (52 tackles, 9 sacks, 13.5 TFLs).
Outlook: The Knights did not earn a postseason berth. In an effort to beef up its schedule, Marian resurrected the Monumental Match with fellow UIndy as the Knights with host the Greyhounds at Ascension St. Field to open the season. Marian has key returners on both sides of the ball including standout skill players and a stout defensive line led by Western Michigan transfer Isaiah Street.
Quotable: "We want to be fast, physical, but we're still a work in progress (defensively). We're experimenting with different lineups and playing them to their strength in situational football," coach Ted Karras Jr. said.
Schedule: UIndy, 6:05 p.m. Aug. 28; at Lawrence Tech, 7 p.m. Sept. 6; Defiance, 1:05 p.m. Sept. 13; Indiana Wesleyan, 1:05 p.m. Sept. 27; at Madonna, time TBA Oct. 4; at Taylor, 7 p.m. Oct. 11; Saint Francis, 1:05 p.m. Oct. 18; at Olivet, time TBA Oct. 25; St. Francis (Illinois), 1:05 p.m. Nov 1; Judson, 1:05 p.m. Nov. 8; at Saint Xavier, time TBA Nov. 15.
Big offensive line leads Taylor football
Last season (NAIA): 9-2 (4-1 Crossroads League)
Coach: Aaron Mingo (fourth season, 16-17)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Damon Hockett (76-132, 1,358 yards passing, 13 TDs to 2 INTs; 267 rushing yards 3 TDs), RB Kyle Turanchick (509 yards rushing, 9 TDs), TE Nathan Munson (14 catches, 416 yards, 8 TDs) OL Jonathan Grubbs, DL Thad Thoman (26 tackles, 5 sacks, 9.5 TFLs)
Outlook: Taylor's offensive line wouldn't look out of place at the Division I level. Senior left tackle Jonathan Grubbs is 6 foot 6, 295 pounds and a potential All-American. He's the anchor of the Trojans option attack, opening up rush lanes and protecting the quarterback at a high level.
Quotable: "We feel really good about the core group of guys that we have coming back. I feel like there's incredible alignment and buy-in in our program. There's been tremendous growth in the offseason and over the last few years. So we're excited for the season," coach Aaron Mingo said.
Schedule: Olivet, 7 p.m. Aug. 28; at Saint Francis (Illinois), 2 p.m. Sept. 6; Kentucky Christian, 4 p.m. Sept. 13; at Judson, 2 p.m. Sept. 27; Saint Francis, 1 p.m. Oct. 4; Marian, 7 p.m. Oct. 11; at Defiance, 1 p.m. Oct. 18; at Lawrence Tech, 1 p.m. Oct. 25; Indiana Wesleyan, noon Nov. 1; Siena Heights, 1 p.m. Nov. 8; at Madonna, 1 p.m. Nov. 15.
UIndy football seeks repeat GLVC championship
Last season (Division II): 10-2 (8-0 GLVC)
Coach: Chris Keevers (seventh season, 47-12)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Gavin Sukup (184-294, 2,621 yards, 21 TDs to 4 INTs; 362 yards rushing, 5 TDs), RB Garrett Sherrell (370 yards rushing, 4 TDs), OL Ryne Buttz, WR Alonzo Derrick (34 catches, 677 yards, 5 TDs), CB Jalyn Givan (46 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 INT)
Outlook: UIndy, the reigning GLVC champs were picked to finish No. 1 in the conference again this season. The Greyhounds are led by an explosive offense with nine returning starters Gavin Sukup is the back-to-back GLVC offensive player of the year. He'll be tasked with elevating a unit that averaged 38.4 points per game last season.
Quotable: "He throws it, spins, leads, can get out of the way, extends plays and causes people problems. ... He'll frustrate (defenses) because he'll get out of problems. You blitz him he'll get out of problems. Play zone and he's going to pick you apart. If you're going to play man, you're going to pay a price. It's fun to watch," said coach Chris Keevers on Sukup.
Schedule: at Marian, 6 p.m. Aug. 28; at Findlay, noon Sept. 6; Ashland, 2 p.m. Sept. 13; McKendree, 6 p.m. Sept. 20; at Truman, 2:30 p.m. Sept. 27; William Jewell, 6 p.m. Oct. 4; at Missouri S&T, 5 p.m. Oct. 11; Lincoln, 2 p.m. Oct. 18; at Quincy, time TBA Nov. 1; at Southwest Baptist, 2 p.m. Nov. 8; Upper Iowa, 2 p.m. Nov. 15.
Former Westfield coach leads Wabash football into new era
Last season (Division III): 8-3 (7-1 NCAC)
Coach: Jake Gilbert (first year at Wabash)
Key returners (2024 stats): QB Brand Campbell (147-213, 1,939 yards passing, 19 TDs to 3 INTs), RB Xavier Tyler (1,091 yards rushing, 9 TDs), WR Kannon Chase (22 catches, 248 yards, 2 TDs), LB Gavin Ruppert (96 tackles, 3 sacks, 13.5 TFLs, 2 INT), CB Mike Holsclaw (33 tackles, 4 INTs).
Outlook: Jake Gilbert spent the last 13 seasons at Westfield, now he's returning to the college ranks to lead Wabash. Gilbert graduated from Wabash, was an assistant for the Little Giants for five years and spent last season as the defensive coordinator and coach in waiting. Returning quarterback Brand Campbell has a workhorse rusher in Xavier Tyler, but the offense will be breaking in several new pass catchers.
Quotable: "We have a culture of brotherhood and commitment where we outwork and outlast every day," coach Jake Gilbert said.
Schedule: at St. Norbert, 2 p.m. Sept. 6; Case Western, 1 p.m. Sept. 13; at College of Wooster, 2 p.m. Sept. 20; Denison, 2 p.m. Sept. 27; at John Carroll, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4; Ohio Wesleyan, 1 p.m. Oct. 11; at Kenyon, 1 p.m. Oct. 18; Wittenberg, 1 p.m. Nov. 1; at Oberlin, noon, Nov. 8; DePauw, 1:07 p.m. Nov. 15.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana college football 2025 season preview: Butler, Indiana Wesleyan, more
Category: General Sports
