MANKATO, Minn. --- #14 Minnesota State returns home this Saturday as it hosts the Winona State Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Our History: The 2025 season marks the school's 98th season playing football. The Mavericks are 522-405-27 (.561) in 954 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 150-26 (.852) 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 147-38 (.794) 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 147 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. Winona State: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Winona State marks their 63rd all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 39-19-4. The Mavericks have won their last two meetings against the Warriors, including a 49-42 road win in their most recent meeting back on Nov. 4, 2023.

Minnesota State owns an 18-9-2 home record against the Warriors, including a 9-4 record at Blakeslee Stadium. MSU has won its last three games against the WSU at Blakeslee Stadium, including a 40-13 win the last time the Warriors came to Blakeslee Stadium back on Nov. 12, 2022.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 5-1 record, including a 4-1 NSIC record. MSU has won its last three outings, including a 47-19 road win at Concordia-St. Paul last weekend.

As a team, MSU is averaging 34.5 points and 429.7 yards of offense a game this season, including 203.8 rushing yards and 225.8 passing yards.

Sophomore Sam Backer leads the Maverick rushing attack with 457 yards and 10 touchdowns, while freshman Maximus Sims has tallied 290 yards and four touchdowns.

Sims has thrown for 876 yards and four touchdowns this season. Senior TreShawn Watson leads the Maverick receiving corps with 732 yards and five touchdowns, while senior Grant Guyett has notched 308 receiving yards.

The Maverick defense has allowed 14.2 points and 338.2 yards of total offense a game this season, including 171.0 rushing yards and 167.2 passing yards.

Junior Nathan Drumm has tallied 28 tackles, including one for a loss, while freshman Jefferson Mobry has tallied 25 tackles and three interceptions. Junior Amaun Williams has notched 23 tackles and two interceptions also.

Minnesota State head coach Todd Hoffner is in his 15th season with the Mavericks. He owns a 147-38 (.794) record, including a 9-4 record against Winona State.

Concerning the Warriors: Winona State enters the weekend the owner of a 3-3 record, including a 3-2 NSIC record. Last weekend at home, WSU defeated Wayne State 21-14.

As a team, Winona State is averaging 21.8 points and 288.8 yards of offense a game this season, including 100.8 rushing yards and 188.0 passing yards a game.

Anthony Powell leads the WSU rushing attack with 331 yards and five touchdowns, while Josh Buri has notched 145 yards and a touchdown.

Jackson Flottmeyer has thrown for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Nolan Ginskey leads the WSU receiving corps with 324 yards and three touchdowns, while Joe Sikma has tallied 278 yards and three touchdowns.

As a unit, the Winona State defense has allowed 28.3 points and 383.2 yards of offense a game this season, including 162.3 rushing yards and 220.8 passing yards.

Blake Schraufnagel leads the WSU defense with 44 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for a loss. Connor Haggerty has notched 20 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, while Lincoln Snitker has posted 25 tackles and an interception.

Winona State is coached by Brian Curtin who is in his first season as head coach of the Warriors. He owns a 3-3 record.

Maverick Football Luncheons: The Minnesota State football team will host its MSU Touchdown Club Luncheon the day before each home game this season, starting on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The Luncheons will be held at the Loose Moose Saloon, at 11:30 a.m. and will feature coach's presentations, along with a Q&A with Maverick student-athletes and video. The Luncheons are open to the public.