MANKATO, Minn. --- #9 Minnesota State returns to action this weekend on the road as it travels to Wayne, Neb., to take on the Wayne State Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Bob Cunningham Field.

Our History: The 2025 season marks the school's 98th season playing football. The Mavericks are 523-405-27 (.561) in 955 games since their inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Minnesota State is in its 16th season in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and owns a 151-26 (.853) record in league action. Over the course of its history, MSU has claimed 25 conference championships, including 14 NIC titles and eight NSIC championships. The Mavericks made their 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season as they advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. MSU owns an 18-15 overall record in NCAA postseason play. 

MSU's trip to the NCAA Tournament semifinals last season marked the fifth time in team history that the Mavericks reached the semifinals as they fell to Valdosta State 35-21. MSU previously reached the semifinals in 2012 (L, 35-19 vs. Valdosta State), 2014 (W, 47-13 vs. Concord), 2018 (L, 42-25 vs. Ferris State) and 2019 (W, 58-15 at Slippery Rock).

Minnesota State's three playoff wins last season marked the third time that MSU won three NCAA Tournament games in the same season. The Mavericks won three NCAA Tournament games in 2014 and 2019 when they advanced to the NCAA Championship game.

Grabbing the Reins: The 2025 season marks the 15th season with Head Coach Todd Hoffner on the sidelines. During his 15 seasons at Minnesota State, Hoffner has compiled a 148-38 (.795) record, including seven NSIC Championships and 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Hoffner's 148 coaching victories at Minnesota State are the most in program history.

Hoffner was named the AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year in 2019, marking the third time that he has received the award, with the first two instances coming during the 2014 and 2018 seasons. He was later named the AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year as the Mavericks advanced to their second NCAA Championship game in 2019.

Series vs. Wayne State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Wayne State marks their 18th all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 15-2. The Mavericks have won their last three meetings against the Wildcats, including a 35-28 road win in their most recent meeting back on Sept. 14, 2024.

Sophomore Sam Backer rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown, while senior Grant Guyett caught four passes for 59 yards. Senior Jamal Spyiee notched four tackles, while sophomore Cade Stingle recorded three tackles.

Dawson Forgy recorded 31 rushing yards for the Wildcats, while Alex Kowalczyk notched nine tackles. Brayden Chaney recovered a fumble also.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner owns a 13-2 record against the Wildcats, including a 6-1 road record.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 6-1 record, including a 5-1 NSIC record. MSU has won its last four outings, including a 47-21 home win at Winona State in its most recent contest.

As a team, MSU is averaging 36.3 points and 426.6 yards of offense a game this season, including 208.9 rushing yards and 217.7 passing yards.

Sophomore Sam Backer leads the Maverick rushing attack with 528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while sophomore Carter Henderson has tallied 299 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore Mitchell Thomspon has thrown for 648 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior TreShawn Watson has tallied 732 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while senior Grant Guyett has notched 435 yards and a touchdown.

The Maverick defense has allowed 15.1 points and 335.6 yards of total offense a game this season, including 166.9 rushing yards and 168.7 passing yards.

Junior Antoine Johnson has tallied 34 tackles, including one sack and an interception, while freshman Jefferson Mobry has tallied 28 tackles and three interceptions. Junior Amaun Williams has notched 27 tackles and two interceptions also.

Minnesota State head coach Todd Hoffner is in his 15th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 148-38 (.795) record.

Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the weekend the owner of a 3-4 record, including a 3-4 NSIC record. WSC has lost its last two games, including a 26-21 loss to Bemidji State in its most recent outing.

As a team, Winona State is averaging 26.1 points and 345.1 yards of offense a game this season, including 186.1 rushing yards and 159.0 passing yards a game.

Dawson Forgy leads the WSC rushing attack with 846 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, while Brennan Hayes has notched 291 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Brady McGill has thrown for 520 yards and four touchdowns this season. Dane Petersen leads the WSC receiving corps with 312 yards and five touchdown catches. Alex Phelps has notched 168 receiving yards also.

As a unit, the WSC defense has allowed 18.7 points and 299.4 yards of offense a game this season, including 81.4 rushing yards and 218.0 passing yards.

Jes Krcil leads the WSC defense with 67 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for a loss. and 4.5 sacks. Alex Kowalczyk has tallied 44 tackles and three interceptions, while Luke Lambert has tallied 29 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks.

Wayne State is coached by Logan Masters who is in his fourth season as head coach of the Wildcats. He owns a 27-14 (.659) record, including a 1-3 record against Minnesota State.