By: Colton Steiner
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University football team is going into the 2025 season with some new drive and a fresh direction. With first-year Head Coach Chris Hedden, the Beavers will look to build on their 3-7 record from last year when they went 3-3 in the Heartland Conference. Hedden comes in with over 30 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator at Trine University.
The Beavers will have shoes to fill after graduating 18 players last season, many who were key components to both the offensive and defensive units. Junior linebacker Travion Curry (Thomson, Ga.) returns after leading the defense with 64 total tackles, two picks, and a forced fumble in 2024. His 48 solo tackles were tied for second in the conference, while his 64 total tackles put him 8th overall in the HCAC. Joining him is senior Mason Brandon (Louisville, Ky./Meade County), who also was a massive force at the linebacker position after tallying 49 tackles, including 30 solos. Also returning for the Beaver defense is senior linebacker Devin Hogan (Warren, Mich./Fitzgerald), who is coming off a season where he recorded 29 total tackles with a forced fumble and a sack.
Senior defensive back Nolan Mills (Louisville, Ky./Meade County) is back for his final year after recording two picks and three pass breakups en route to All-Heartland Conference honors in 2024. With 24 games played on his resume, Mills adds to Bluffton's experience in the secondary. Returning with him is junior defensive back Jaydon McBreen (Portland, Ore./Westview), who led the team with three interceptions. McBreen also added 22 tackles and one tackle for loss in his sophomore season.
After graduating much of its offensive line, senior Antonio Garrett (Murfreesboro, Tenn./Stewart's Creek) will be key to the pocket protection crew, having played in 20 consecutive games.
Despite losing standouts Ethan Beringer and Kainan Stoner to graduation, the Beaver offense brings back Niegel Payne (Detroit, Mich./River Rouge), who currently sits at 11th all-time in career receiving yards with 1,279. The senior wideout returns after putting up 572 yards with 39 receptions in 2024 while also hauling in five touchdowns. Also returning to the Bluffton offense is junior kicker Drew Michael (Eaton), who has an 89.6 percent mark on extra points, which is 5th all-time at Bluffton. Michael is coming off a season where he converted on 28-of-31 on his PAT's.
The Beavers will open up the 2025 season under the lights when they host Kenyon on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. After non-conference games against Albion and Olivet, Bluffton will kick off HCAC competition with Manchester on Saturday, Oct. 4, as the centerpiece of the Homecoming weekend festivities. The Beavers close out their conference play on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a trip to Franklin before wrapping up the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 15, at OAC-power Marietta with a 2 p.m. kickoff.
-BEAVERS-