It is often said that players make their biggest improvements from year one to year two, and for the UNK football team, head coach Ryan Held is hoping to see a similar jump in his second season.
The Lopers were 3-8 in 2023, losing three games by a combined 11 points. While UNK had a good defensive year, the offense struggled, ranking as the second worst in the league.
One of the biggest struggles for UNK was disaster plays, as Coach Held describes them. Whether it’s a penalty in a big spot, a turnover or giving up big third down conversions, that has been one of the biggest points of emphasis as the season approaches.
“You’ll hear me talk about the process,” Held said. “We’ve got to stick to that play, just live that play like it has a life of its own, and not worry about the previous play or the next play. Let’s go out there and play football and the rest will take care of itself.”
UNK has made improvements to the offense though, adding Missouri Western transfer quarterback Reagan Jones, Nebraska transfer running back Isaiah Harris and adding depth at the wide receiver position with players like Idaho State transfer Shane Daily Jr, Iowa Central transfer Tavis Maloy, and freshman Dijmon Wheeler.
“Offensively, I think we throw the ball better than we had,” Held said. “We’ve got some guys who can win one on one matchups and they understand how to get open. We just need to stay the course and keep creating competition.”
The defense gave up a lot of yards last year, but ranked as the third best red zone defense. They lose some key players at linebacker and defensive back, but will rely on a solid defensive line to help carry the load. Players like Texas-Permian Basin transfer Caleb Freeland, honorable mention all-MIAA defensive linemen Quillan Felton, Jack Nickolisen and Stephen Matina are all expected to make an impact for UNK this year.
“I see a lot more competitiveness this year,” Felton said. “Nobody has a position, nobody has a starting spot, so everybody has to work. We’ve got some heavyweight hitters on the defensive line.”
UNK was picked last in both the preseason coaches and media poll that came out in late July. The Lopers return 13 starters with six on the defense, just four on offense and three special teams players.
Felton says being picked last was the best thing for them.
“It’s giving us something to push for,” Felton said. “I tell the guys that each game we are just looking to be 1-0.”
For the first time in years, MIAA schools will be playing non-conference games, and the Lopers will open the season against an in-state rival in Chadron State. It will be a trophy game, as the two teams will battle it out for the “Good Life” trophy. The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 29th.
