DELAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters returns home for Homecoming this Saturday, October 25, to face the St. Thomas Tommies at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., with the game presented by Watson Realty.
Stetson comes off a 42-7 road loss to #19 Presbyterian but will look to continue their strong performance at home after winning back-to-back games against Davidson and Morehead State. The Hatters hold a 3-5 overall record and average 20.5 points per game, having scored 23 touchdowns through eight contests. Stetson generates 331.6 yards of total offense per game, including 160.3 yards rushing, which ranks fourth in the Pioneer Football League.
The Hatters' backfield features sophomore Trey Clark, who has led the team with 319 yards and four touchdowns on 80 carries, while graduate back Cayden Betts has added 274 yards on the ground and scored Stetson's lone passing touchdown last weekend on a 27-yard reception from sophomore quarterback Chris Stephenson. Stephenson has rushed for 292 yards and three touchdowns this season on 49 carries, while Dylan Redmon leads the receiving corps with 261 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Michael Dempsey has also impressed with 289 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in his debut season.
Stetson's defense will look to build off a strong effort against Presbyterian, where linebacker Shug Bentley recorded nine tackles and continues to lead the team with 50 tackles on the year. Defensive end Immanuel Williams leads the team with two sacks, and Andrew Martin recorded a sack last weekend as well.
The Tommies enter with a 4-3 record, coming off back-to-back conference wins over Davidson and Valparaiso. St. Thomas dropped a close contest to #11 Idaho and started conference play 0-2 with losses to San Diego and Butler. The Tommies average 34 points per game, second-most in the PFL, scoring 32 touchdowns on 411.6 yards per contest. Running back Joseph Koch leads the ground attack with 353 yards and five touchdowns on 61 carries, while Pat Bowen has added 280 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Andy Peters has completed 85 passes for 1,254 yards and 12 touchdowns with two interceptions. Peters' top target, Quentin Cobb-Butler, has 30 catches for 526 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Ryan Sever has totaled 50 tackles, while Jordan Pendleton has registered 3.5 sacks on the season.
This will be the fifth meeting between the programs, with Stetson still seeking its first win against the Tommies. Last season, Stetson scored a program-high 24 points in the matchup. Fans attending Homecoming can enjoy a full day of festivities, including a halftime performance by the Stetson band, the presentation of the Homecoming Court, and former players returning to campus.
Fans can take advantage of several affordable ticket options this season by visiting the Hatter Ticket Office website at GoHatters.com/tickets, calling (386) 738-4287 during weekday business hours, or emailing hattertickets@stetson.edu for assistance. Parking is free for all Stetson athletic events, including football, with Spec Martin Stadium lots opening four hours before kickoff. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, tailgate, and enjoy the pregame atmosphere with fellow Hatters.
HatterZone 2.0 offers a tented, air-conditioned hospitality area inside the stadium for $25 per person. The ticket includes food from Sonny's BBQ, snacks and drinks courtesy of Pepsi, with beer available for purchase. HatterZone 2.0 tickets can be purchased online for single games or by contacting the Hatter Ticket Office directly for season ticket holders or those with tickets from other sources. Availability is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fans are encouraged to follow Stetson Football on social media for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout Homecoming. Fans who cannot make it in person can stream the game live on ESPN+, with live stats available at GoHatters.com.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
