Hailey
The Pittsburg State University Gorillas football team is getting ready to start its 2025 preseason camp. With high expectations and a strong group of returning players, the Gorillas are focused on preparing for another big season. The camp starts Monday, August 4, and will be held at Carnie Smith Stadium, located on the PSU campus in Kansas.
Gorillas’ First Practice Scheduled for Monday Morning
The first practice of the preseason will take place at 9:15 a.m. on Monday. The team will continue with morning practices every day through Saturday, all starting at the same time. These practices are important because they help coaches and players get back into rhythm and focus on their game strategy.
Head Coach Tom Anthony Leads Experienced Team into Camp
Tom Anthony, now in his second year as head coach, will lead a group of returning players who know what it takes to win. The team has 12 returning starters, which means more than half of the main lineup is back this season. That experience is expected to make a big difference.
Gorillas Feature Star Players With All-MIAA Honors
Some of the top returning players have already received All-MIAA honors, which means they were recognized as some of the best players in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
- Jordan Rogers, a redshirt senior safety, earned first-team All-MIAA honors in 2024.
- Drew Daniels, a senior offensive lineman, was named to the second team.
- Jaylen Fuksa, a redshirt senior cornerback, also made the second team.
These athletes are expected to lead the team both on and off the field.
37 Letterwinners Return to Bring Experience and Leadership
In total, 37 players who have previously earned a varsity letter are back this year. These letterwinners provide valuable experience and are expected to mentor the new recruits joining the team for the 2025 season.
This blend of veterans and newcomers gives Pitt State a strong mix of talent and leadership, which will be key in building team chemistry during the preseason.
Gorillas Aim for Another Strong Season After 8-3 Finish in 2024
Last year, the Gorillas finished the season with an 8-3 record, making their third straight appearance in the NCAA Division II national playoffs. They also finished second in the MIAA standings after winning back-to-back conference titles in 2022 and 2023.
With so much past success, the 2025 season comes with high hopes and big goals for Pittsburg State.
Ranked No. 2 in Coaches Poll, Picked First by the Media
In the 2025 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, the Gorillas were ranked No. 2, showing strong respect from other coaches in the conference. However, in the MIAA Preseason Media Poll, Pitt State was picked as the favorite to win the conference title this year.
This shows that sports reporters believe the Gorillas have what it takes to come out on top in 2025.
Opening Game Set Against Defending Champs Ferris State
The first game of the 2025 regular season will be a big one. The Gorillas will travel to Big Rapids, Michigan, to face Ferris State, the defending NCAA Division II national champion. The game will be played on Thursday, August 28, at 6 p.m. (CDT) at Top Taggart Field.
This matchup will be a great test and an exciting start to the season.
All Eyes on Pitt State Football in 2025
The Pittsburg State Gorillas football team is set for another exciting year. With experienced players, talented newcomers, and a strong coaching staff, they are in a great position to succeed. The preseason camp will play a big role in shaping the team’s performance. As the season begins, fans and players alike are full of hope for another playoff run and possibly a conference title.