The Stetson Hatters will open their 2025 football season Saturday night at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium against the Webber International Warriors, kicking off a new chapter under first-year Head Coach Mike Jasper and his entirely new coaching staff.
On offense, the Hatters will lean on returning leading receiver Dalton Bailey, who will now be catching passes from new starting quarterback Gavin Rupp. Joining Rupp in the backfield is newcomer running back Cayden Betts. Both Betts and Rupp were named among the team's eight captains, highlighting their roles as leaders.
Defensively, Stetson returns key contributors including linebackers Kyle Elphick and Andrew Martin. Martin, who earned Pioneer Football Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2023, is expected to be a major presence once again this season.
Webber International enters the year coming off a 5-5 season in 2024, including a 4-3 record in Sun Conference play. Quarterback Trent Grotjan returns after a strong campaign where he led the Warriors with 1,330 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, and also served as the team's leading rusher.
The two teams last met in 2023, when Stetson secured a 38-28 home victory.
Live stats for Saturday's game will be available on GoHatters.com, and the matchup will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can also stay up to date with Stetson on social media throughout the game.
A variety of new, affordable ticket options are available by visiting the Hatter Ticket Office website at https://www.gohatters.com/tickets, calling the office during weekday business hours at (386) 738-4287 or contacting ticket office staff via email at hattertickets@stetson.edu.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, the Hatter athletics program has introduced a few new features to its football gameday experience.  Parking is free for all Stetson athletic events, including Hatter football. Parking lots at Spec Martin Stadium will be open four hours prior to kickoff and fans are encouraged to tailgate and enjoy fellowship and fun with fellow Stetson fans.
Also new for 2025 is HatterZone 2.0. For just $25, fans can gain access to a tented, air-conditioned hospitality area inside the stadium. The ticket price includes food provided by Sonny's BBQ, chips and non-alcoholic drinks provided by Pepsi. Beer will be available for sale. For fans purchasing single-game tickets, HatterZone 2.0 tickets are available online. For fans who have season tickets or have received tickets via another source, contact the Hatter Ticket Office directly or purchase from the box office on game day. A limited number of tickets is available.
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.
