Stetson Hatters Unveil 2025 Schedule with 7 Home Games Under New Coach Mike Jasper
The Stetson Hatters are ready for a fresh start. On February 28, 2025, the university officially dropped its 2025 football schedule — 11 games total, seven of them right here in DeLand, Florida at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. It’s the first full season under new head coach Mike Jasper, and fans aren’t just excited — they’re hungry for a turnaround. After finishing 2-9 in 2024, this year feels different. The opener? August 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. EDT, against Webber International, under the glow of LED lights as part of "GLOW STETSON, presented by Pepsi." It’s not just a game. It’s a statement.
A New Era, A New Look
“We’re not rebuilding. We’re redefining,” Jasper told reporters after the announcement. And the schedule backs it up. Seven home games. That’s the most since 2018. The Hatters haven’t had a home-heavy slate like this since they returned to football in 2013 after a 57-year absence. The stadium, with its 6,000-seat capacity, will buzz on September 20 when Harvard University rolls in for Family and Friends Weekend. Yes — Harvard. A non-conference heavyweight. A chance for the Hatters to prove they belong on the same field as Ivy League programs. And ESPN+ will carry it all — every home game, every away trip. No more wondering where to watch.The home stretch is especially telling. October 11 brings Morehead State University for Breast Cancer Awareness & Hilinski’s Hope — a game tied to mental health advocacy. October 25? An unnamed opponent, still TBD. That’s the one gap in the official release. Wikipedia lists Marist College for November 8, but gohatters.com says Butler University. The university hasn’t clarified yet. Minor inconsistency? Maybe. But it’s the kind of detail that makes fans double-check their calendars.
Conference Gauntlet
The Pioneer Football League — founded in 1991 as a non-scholarship FCS conference — doesn’t hand out easy wins. This year’s slate includes five league opponents: Davidson College, University of Dayton, Drake University, Valparaiso University, and University of San Diego. But the toughest test? October 18 in Clinton, South Carolina, where the Presbyterian Blue Hose enter the game 6-0 and ranked No. 19/21. The Hatters are 3-4 against them historically — but this year, it’s a road game. No home-field advantage. Just a chance to shock the nation.Then there’s the travel. Four away games. From Finley Stadium in Chattanooga to Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. And finally, Valparaiso’s Brown Field in Indiana — a place where snow might fall in November. The Hatters haven’t played there since 2019. The logistics alone — buses, hotels, weather prep — are a test of resilience. But Jasper’s staff is already mapping out training rotations and recovery protocols. This isn’t just about wins. It’s about culture.
What This Means for DeLand
This schedule isn’t just for the players. It’s for the town. DeLand’s downtown businesses expect a 30% spike in weekend traffic during home games. Local restaurants are already booking catering contracts. The Stetson University alumni network, strong in Florida and the Southeast, is rallying. Donations to the football program are up 42% since January. And for the first time in years, local high school coaches are telling their kids: "You can play here. You can be here." The November 22 finale — Senior Day/Military Appreciation against San Diego — is already sold out in early ticket pre-sales. That’s the emotional anchor. It’s not just the last game. It’s a celebration of the seniors who joined when the program was still finding its footing. They’re the ones who watched the lights go out in 2013. Now they’ll see them shine.
What’s Next?
The Hatters don’t have spring practice scheduled yet, but Jasper’s staff is already evaluating film from last season’s close losses — the three-point defeat to Dayton, the overtime heartbreaker against Morehead State. They’re targeting depth at linebacker and special teams. And they’re quietly recruiting two junior college transfers who played in the Big South. If they land them, the 2025 roster could be the most balanced in program history.One thing’s clear: this isn’t a rebuild. It’s a resurgence. The schedule isn’t easy — but it’s honest. No cupcakes. No padding. Just football. And for a school that hasn’t had a winning season since 2017, that’s exactly what the fans wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2025 schedule compare to past seasons?
The 2025 schedule features seven home games — the most since 2018 and the highest since the program’s 2013 relaunch. In 2024, the Hatters played only five home games. The increase reflects both a strategic push to boost attendance and revenue, and the team’s growing stability under new coach Mike Jasper. The number of FCS conference opponents remains consistent (five), but the inclusion of Harvard and Webber International adds national visibility.
Why is there a discrepancy between gohatters.com and Wikipedia about the November 8 game?
Yes — gohatters.com lists Butler University, while Wikipedia cites Marist College. The university has not issued a correction, and both teams are in the Pioneer Football League. It’s possible one source is outdated, or the game was rescheduled. Fans are advised to check the official athletics site closer to the date. This is not unusual; schedule changes often occur months ahead of kickoff, especially for non-TV games.
What impact will ESPN+ broadcasts have on the program?
Every single game — home and away — will be streamed live on ESPN+. That’s unprecedented exposure for a non-scholarship FCS team. It boosts recruiting, increases alumni engagement, and opens doors for sponsorships. Last year, Stetson’s YouTube stream averaged 1,200 viewers. ESPN+ could push that to 10,000+ per game. The network’s reach also means NFL scouts and graduate program recruiters will be watching more closely.
How does the Pioneer Football League differ from other FCS conferences?
Unlike most FCS leagues, the Pioneer Football League doesn’t offer athletic scholarships — all players are on academic aid. That means teams rely on strong academics, student-athlete development, and coaching efficiency. It’s a grind. But it also produces resilient players. Stetson’s 2025 roster includes 18 students who were valedictorians in high school. The league’s 11 members — including Davidson, Dayton, and Valparaiso — are known for tight, physical games. Winning here takes discipline, not just talent.
What’s the significance of the Harvard game?
Harvard is one of only two Ivy League schools that still play FCS football. Their 2024 season ended 5-5. Stetson hasn’t beaten an Ivy League team since 2015. But this isn’t a tune-up — it’s a statement game. A win here would be the biggest in program history. Even a close loss draws national attention. For DeLand, it’s a chance to show that small-school football can compete with elite academics and tradition.
What’s the projected record for the 2025 season?
Based on strength of schedule and historical matchups, analysts predict a 5-6 record. A win over Presbyterian on the road would be huge. A home victory against Butler or San Diego could push them to 6-5 — their first winning season since 2017. The key? Avoiding early losses. If the Hatters start 3-1, momentum could carry them into November. But a 1-3 start? That’s a long climb.
