DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson Football returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium for its final home game of the 2026 season on Saturday, Nov. 14, welcoming Valparaiso for a 1 p.m. Pioneer Football League matchup. The afternoon will feature Senior Day and Military Appreciation festivities as the Hatters recognize 16 members of their program and honor the military community. Saturday's contest will stream live and free of charge on the Stetson Hatters YouTube channel.

The Hatters (1-9, 0-6 PFL) return to DeLand looking to close their home schedule on a positive note following a 33-14 setback at Davidson last weekend. Stetson has continued to generate production through its passing attack, accumulating at least 300 passing yards in six consecutive games while receiving contributions from several offensive players. Valparaiso (4-5, 3-3 PFL) arrives following a 31-20 road loss to Dayton, having earned three conference victories this season.

Saturday will mark the eighth all-time meeting between the programs, with Valparaiso holding a 5-2 advantage in a series that has featured several closely contested games. The Beacons have won the last three meetings, including a 32-31 overtime decision last November, while Stetson will look to secure its first victory over Valparaiso since 2018.

Saturday's home finale will provide Stetson with an opportunity to recognize 16 members of its football program, celebrating their contributions both on and off the field. The Hatters will honor the group alongside their families during a special pregame ceremony at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, recognizing the commitment, leadership and dedication they have demonstrated throughout their collegiate careers.

The occasion carries additional significance as Stetson concludes its second home season under head coach Mike Jasper. Since arriving in DeLand in December 2024, Jasper has continued to build the foundation of the program, with veteran leadership playing an important role in helping younger players develop and adjust to the demands of collegiate competition.

Several upperclassmen have made significant contributions throughout the 2026 campaign, including senior captains Wyatt Rogers and Kyle Elphick. In total, the Hatters will recognize 16 players whose experience, leadership and commitment to the program have helped guide a roster that has also seen numerous younger student-athletes take on meaningful responsibilities.

Rogers has been one of Stetson's most productive offensive players, leading the receiving corps with 60 catches for 686 yards and two touchdowns. After appearing in just three games last season, the senior returned to become one of the team's most reliable targets while providing an experienced presence within the offense.

Elphick has also been an important contributor on the defensive side, recording 44 tackles this season while continuing to provide leadership at linebacker. Against Davidson last Saturday, he finished with seven tackles and a forced fumble that helped set up Stetson's opening touchdown.

Saturday will also serve as Military Appreciation Day presented by Culver's, with Stetson recognizing active-duty service members, veterans and military families throughout the game. The afternoon will feature military-themed videoboard presentations and a special Stetson military hat giveaway, available while supplies last.

Fans are encouraged to wear green and join the Hatters in celebrating their seniors and honoring the military community during the final home football game of the season.

Stetson returns home after spending three of its previous four weekends on the road, with Saturday marking the Hatters' fifth and final appearance at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium this season. Their previous home contests included a 45-10 victory over Webber International on Sept. 5, along with conference matchups against Marist, Presbyterian and Dayton.

Despite the challenging results during PFL play, Stetson has demonstrated considerable offensive improvement in its second season under Jasper. The Hatters have accumulated 4,018 yards of total offense through 10 games, averaging 401.8 yards per contest, while producing 2,944 passing yards and 22 touchdowns through the air.

The passing attack has been particularly productive over the last six games, with Stetson averaging 342.7 passing yards per contest during that stretch. The Hatters have totaled 2,056 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air since the beginning of conference play, receiving contributions from a receiving corps that has continued to develop throughout the fall.

Stetson has also demonstrated its ability to generate explosive plays, particularly during a three-game stretch against Presbyterian, Morehead State and Dayton. The Hatters scored 108 points during those contests, averaging 36.0 per game, while accumulating more than 400 yards of total offense in each outing.

The offense was held to 14 points at Davidson last Saturday but still managed 342 passing yards, highlighted by two long touchdown receptions from Landon Farco. The performance extended Stetson's streak of 300-yard team passing games to six, reflecting a season in which the Hatters have increasingly relied on their depth at receiver to generate production.

Saturday presents another opportunity for Stetson to build on that offensive growth against a Valparaiso defense that has been effective at creating negative plays and turnovers. The Beacons have recorded 62 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and 14 interceptions through nine games, making ball security and sustained offensive possessions important factors in the matchup.

Sophomore wide receiver Landon Farco has emerged as one of Stetson's most productive offensive weapons, combining consistent receiving production with the ability to generate significant gains downfield. Farco enters Saturday with 36 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns in nine appearances, averaging 17.0 yards per catch.

Farco is coming off his most productive receiving performance of the season, recording four catches for a season-high 125 yards and two touchdowns against Davidson. His 63-yard touchdown reception gave the Hatters a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter, while a 54-yard scoring catch in the third brought Stetson within 12 points.

The performance marked Farco's second 100-yard receiving game of the season and his third contest with multiple touchdown receptions. He previously scored twice against Presbyterian and Morehead State, giving him seven receiving touchdowns over his last four appearances.

Farco's recent production has been particularly impressive considering the variety of ways he has contributed to the offense. He recorded four receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns at Morehead State, where he also returned two punts for 63 yards, including a 53-yard return that helped set up Stetson's second-quarter touchdown.

Against Dayton, he added two catches for 77 yards, highlighted by a 59-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter. That scoring play brought the Hatters within four points and continued a stretch in which Farco has repeatedly provided explosive plays during conference competition.

Farco and Shawne Jones are tied for the team lead with eight receiving touchdowns apiece, giving Stetson multiple scoring threats as it prepares to face a Valparaiso defense that has allowed just 11 touchdown passes this season.

Junior wide receiver Shawne Jones has established himself as one of Stetson's most dependable offensive contributors, recording 42 receptions for 489 yards and eight touchdowns in eight appearances. His production has been particularly valuable in scoring situations, where he has consistently provided the Hatters with opportunities to finish drives.

Jones enjoyed a productive stretch during conference play, scoring seven touchdowns over five appearances that included multiple-touchdown performances against Marist and Presbyterian. His ability to create separation and find openings in opposing defenses has made him one of the Hatters' most reliable receiving options throughout the season.

Against Dayton, Jones recorded seven catches for a season-high 95 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by an 8-yard scoring reception that brought Stetson within three points during the fourth quarter. He also contributed gains of 33 and 23 yards during a third-quarter scoring drive, helping the Hatters remain within striking distance against the Flyers.

Jones followed that performance with six receptions for 68 yards at Davidson, including a 27-yard gain that represented his longest catch of the afternoon. His 42 receptions rank second on the team behind Rogers, while his eight touchdowns match Farco for the team lead.

With Jones and Farco combining for 16 receiving touchdowns this season, the Hatters have developed multiple downfield threats capable of producing explosive plays and creating scoring opportunities.

Senior captain Wyatt Rogers has been a consistent presence in Stetson's offense throughout the season, leading the Hatters with 60 receptions for 686 yards and two touchdowns. His production has been especially significant after appearing in just three games during the 2025 campaign, with the veteran receiver returning to become one of the team's most reliable offensive contributors.

Rogers is averaging 6.0 receptions and 68.6 receiving yards per contest, providing experience and consistency to an offense that has relied heavily on its passing attack. Earlier this season, he recorded at least eight catches in four consecutive games, totaling 35 receptions during that stretch.

His performances have included a season-high 123 receiving yards against Webber International, along with 103 yards against Marist and 105 against Presbyterian. Rogers also caught eight passes for 83 yards at Morehead State before continuing to contribute against Dayton and Davidson.

Against the Wildcats last Saturday, Rogers recorded six receptions for 55 yards, helping Stetson move the football during its opening possession and on several fourth-quarter drives. He has also contributed as a kickoff return specialist, providing additional versatility throughout the season.

With Saturday marking his final home appearance as a Hatter, Rogers will look to continue his productive senior campaign while helping Stetson close its home schedule against Valparaiso.

One of Stetson's most notable developments this season has been the continued growth of its passing attack. After averaging 150.8 passing yards per game in 2025, the Hatters have nearly doubled that production to 294.4 yards per contest through 10 games this fall.

Stetson has completed 264 of 418 team passing attempts for 2,944 yards and 22 touchdowns, surpassing its passing touchdown total from the entire previous season. The offense has thrown for at least 300 yards in six consecutive games, generating 2,056 passing yards during that stretch.

Junior quarterback Thomas von Grote has played an important role in that development, completing 242 of 381 passes for 2,774 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. His recent performances have included four consecutive 300-yard passing games, totaling 1,379 yards and 13 touchdown passes against Presbyterian, Morehead State, Dayton and Davidson.

Von Grote's five-touchdown performance against Presbyterian was among the highlights of Stetson's season, while his production against Davidson included scoring connections of 63 and 54 yards to Farco. The Hatters have also received contributions from Chris Stephenson, whose versatility has allowed him to impact the offense as both a passer and runner.

Stetson's increased passing production has been supported by the development of a receiving corps featuring Rogers, Jones, Farco, Anthony Benzija and several younger contributors. Freshman Kingston McCullough became another player to make an impact against Dayton, catching his first collegiate touchdown on a 28-yard reception.

With Valparaiso entering Saturday among the PFL's most productive defenses in terms of sacks and interceptions, maintaining offensive efficiency and protecting the football will be important as the Hatters look to continue their development.

Running back Troy Flowers has been one of Stetson's most versatile offensive contributors, leading the Hatters with 421 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 103 carries while adding 30 receptions for 351 yards and two receiving scores.

Flowers has accumulated 772 yards from scrimmage this season, providing Stetson with a dependable option in both its rushing and passing attacks. His ability to contribute as a receiver has been particularly valuable as the Hatters have increasingly relied on distributing the football among multiple offensive players.

Against Presbyterian, Flowers produced 183 yards from scrimmage, including a 75-yard touchdown reception that remains one of Stetson's longest offensive plays of the season. He followed with a rushing touchdown at Morehead State before recording 76 rushing yards and another score against Dayton.

Flowers also contributed four receptions for 38 yards at Davidson last weekend, including a 26-yard gain during a fourth-quarter possession that advanced the Hatters deep into Wildcats territory.

Stephenson has provided another dimension to Stetson's ground game, rushing for 384 yards and four touchdowns on 44 attempts while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. His most explosive run of the season came against Dayton, when he broke free for a 61-yard gain that helped set up a second-quarter touchdown.

The Hatters will look to establish greater consistency on the ground Saturday after being limited to 26 rushing yards against Davidson. Stetson previously rushed for a season-high 224 yards against Dayton, demonstrating its ability to generate balanced offensive production.

Stetson's defense has been led throughout the season by linebacker Shug Bentley, who enters Saturday with a team-high 71 tackles, including three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His consistency has helped anchor a unit that has recorded 46 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and five interceptions through 10 contests.

Freshman defensive back Dylan Kelly ranks second on the team with 61 tackles in nine appearances, adding 2.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and an interception. Kelly has taken on significant responsibilities in the secondary during his first collegiate season, including six tackles and an important fourth-down stop against Davidson.

Linebacker Damontez McDowell has also been one of the Hatters' most productive defenders, recording 57 tackles in eight appearances. McDowell delivered his first double-digit tackle performance of the season at Davidson, finishing with 10 stops, including seven solo tackles and one tackle for loss.

Barrett Kennedy has contributed 48 tackles and four tackles for loss, while freshman Jahlani Clarke has added 47 tackles and three pass breakups. Senior linebacker Kyle Elphick enters Saturday with 44 tackles after recording seven stops and a forced fumble against Davidson, helping create the turnover that set up Stetson's first-quarter touchdown.

Defensive end Casey Bending has emerged as one of the Hatters' top pass rushers, leading the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Bending recorded two sacks and a pass breakup at Davidson, including two important stops during the second quarter that helped limit the Wildcats to a field goal before halftime.

In the secondary, Jahyden Clark has recorded 39 tackles, six pass breakups and a team-leading two interceptions. His most recent takeaway came against Dayton, when he intercepted a pass late in the second quarter to help preserve Stetson's 16-9 halftime advantage.

Stetson's defensive leaders will face a Valparaiso offense that has scored 24 touchdowns from scrimmage this season, providing another opportunity to generate pressure and create turnovers in the Hatters' final home contest.

Sophomore punter Brett Gonda has been a consistent performer for the Hatters, totaling 2,019 yards on 45 punts for an average of 44.9 yards per attempt. His production has included 13 punts of at least 50 yards and seven placed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Gonda's most impressive performance came against Presbyterian, when he averaged 53.5 yards on six punts, including a season-long 80-yard attempt. Four of his six punts against the Blue Hose traveled at least 50 yards, helping Stetson generate favorable field position throughout the afternoon.

Against Davidson last Saturday, Gonda punted five times for 196 yards, averaging 39.2 yards per attempt while placing one inside the Wildcats' 20-yard line. His continued consistency will be important against a Valparaiso special teams unit that has been particularly dangerous in the return game.

Stetson opened last Saturday's contest at Davidson with an explosive touchdown connection between Thomas von Grote and Landon Farco, but the Wildcats responded with 26 unanswered points before securing a 33-14 victory at Davidson College Stadium.

The Hatters began the afternoon with a promising 12-play, 61-yard possession that reached the Davidson 18-yard line before ending on downs. Stetson's defense responded with a takeaway when Kyle Elphick forced a fumble by quarterback Casey Bullock that Lemuel Bass recovered at the Hatters' 38-yard line.

Stetson needed just two plays to capitalize, as von Grote connected with Farco for a 63-yard touchdown with 5:33 remaining in the opening quarter. Trey Hess added the extra point to give the Hatters a 7-0 advantage, which they carried into the second period.

Davidson answered with two field goals and a touchdown during the second quarter, moving ahead 13-7 at halftime. The Wildcats extended their lead early in the third following an interception that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Bullock before completing a 90-yard scoring drive to move ahead 26-7.

The Hatters responded with another explosive play through the air, covering 75 yards in four plays before Farco hauled in a 54-yard touchdown reception. Hess added the extra point with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter, bringing Stetson within 12 points at 26-14.

Davidson added another touchdown early in the fourth, but Stetson continued to move the football through the air. The Hatters advanced inside the Wildcats' 15-yard line on each of their final two possessions, although a turnover on downs and an interception prevented Stetson from adding to its total.

Farco finished with four receptions for a season-high 125 yards and both touchdowns, while Jones added six catches for 68 yards and Rogers contributed six receptions for 55 yards. Stetson finished with 342 passing yards and 368 yards of total offense.

Defensively, McDowell led the Hatters with 10 tackles, while Bending recorded two sacks and a pass breakup. Elphick added seven tackles and a forced fumble as Stetson finished with five tackles for loss and two sacks.

Valparaiso enters Saturday's contest with a 4-5 overall record and a 3-3 mark in Pioneer Football League play, having demonstrated an ability to generate turnovers and control field position throughout the season. The Beacons have earned conference victories over Morehead State, Drake and Presbyterian, while their latest outing resulted in a 31-20 setback at Dayton.

The Beacons opened the year with a 59-13 victory over Lawrence Tech before dropping games at Murray State and Indiana State. After a narrow 33-28 loss to Butler in their conference opener, Valparaiso responded with consecutive victories, defeating Morehead State 37-3 and Drake 21-13.

Following a 38-13 setback at San Diego, the Beacons returned home to defeat Presbyterian 24-7 on Oct. 24, using a strong defensive effort to limit the Blue Hose to seven points. Valparaiso then traveled to Dayton last Saturday, where the Flyers secured a 31-20 victory.

Through nine games, Valparaiso is averaging 26.2 points and 300.6 yards of total offense per contest. The Beacons have accumulated 1,834 passing yards and 871 rushing yards, scoring 12 touchdowns through the air and another 12 on the ground.

Quarterback Rowan Keefe leads the passing attack, completing 156 of 257 attempts for 1,697 yards and 11 touchdowns against four interceptions. Keefe is averaging 188.6 passing yards per game while completing 60.7 percent of his attempts, providing the Beacons with a consistent presence under center.

Keefe has also contributed to the rushing attack, recording four rushing touchdowns despite being held to 81 net rushing yards on 52 attempts. His ability to contribute in short-yardage situations gives Valparaiso another option near the goal line, particularly when the Beacons rely on their ground game to sustain possessions.

Running back Cedric Benning III leads Valparaiso with 273 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 80 carries, averaging 3.4 yards per attempt. Michael Rumoro has added 213 yards and two touchdowns on 56 attempts, while Ashton Allen has contributed 138 yards on 37 carries.

Valparaiso's rushing production has fluctuated throughout the season, with the Beacons recording 203 yards and three touchdowns against Lawrence Tech before being held below 100 rushing yards in several conference contests. They enter Saturday averaging 96.8 rushing yards per game, making their passing attack an important component of the offense.

Wide receiver Chris Gundy leads Valparaiso with 31 receptions for 367 yards and a touchdown, averaging 40.8 receiving yards per game. Gundy has also emerged as a significant special teams threat, contributing 287 yards and three touchdowns on 13 punt returns, including a season-long 95-yard return.

Marty O'Keeffe has added 22 receptions for 279 yards and a touchdown, while Daniel White has recorded 19 catches for 231 yards and a team-leading four receiving scores. Micah Mackay has contributed 19 receptions for 218 yards, giving Keefe several options in the passing game.

Valparaiso's receiving corps has also received contributions from Devin Yeats, who has recorded 20 catches for 214 yards, and Colin Hayes, who has added 15 receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns. The Beacons have distributed the football among numerous targets throughout the season, with several players contributing to their passing production.

Defensively, Valparaiso has been one of the PFL's more disruptive units, recording 62 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and 14 interceptions through nine games. The Beacons are allowing 22.7 points and 363.0 yards of total offense per contest, including 182.2 rushing yards and 180.8 passing yards.

Linebacker Anthony Feltrinelli leads the team with 67 tackles, including 32 solo stops. Max Samuel follows with 60 tackles and has been one of Valparaiso's most productive defenders near the line of scrimmage, recording 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Defensive back Nic Lendino has emerged as a major playmaker in the secondary, recording 55 tackles, three pass breakups and a team-leading five interceptions. Lendino has returned those takeaways for 68 yards, including an interception return for a touchdown, while Mark Johnson has contributed 51 tackles and two interceptions.

Alex Goworowski has added 49 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks, while Jason Salman has recorded 40 tackles and three interceptions. Their contributions have helped Valparaiso establish a defense that has repeatedly created additional possessions for its offense.

The Beacons' turnover production has been particularly impressive, with 14 interceptions and three fumble recoveries helping Valparaiso establish a plus-seven turnover margin. Opponents have thrown just 11 touchdown passes against the Beacons, demonstrating the challenge Stetson's passing attack will face Saturday.

Special teams have provided another important source of production, particularly through Gundy's success in the punt return game. The Beacons have accumulated 381 yards and four touchdowns on 20 punt returns, averaging 19.1 yards per attempt as a team.

Gundy has accounted for three of those four scores, while Bertrand Berry II has added another punt return touchdown. Valparaiso has also averaged 27.2 yards on kickoff returns, with Gundy contributing 404 yards on 16 attempts and Kaiser Wilhelm adding 222 yards on six returns.

Kicker Luke Scoma has converted 10 of 14 field goal attempts, including a season-long 48-yard kick, while punter Will Orlando has averaged 41.1 yards on 42 attempts. Orlando has placed 10 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, providing the Beacons with another element of field-position control.

Saturday's matchup will feature a contrast between Stetson's productive passing offense and a Valparaiso defense that has excelled at creating pressure and forcing turnovers. The Beacons will look to build on their defensive success while relying on offensive balance and special teams production to generate scoring opportunities.

Stetson and Valparaiso will meet for the eighth time Saturday in a series that began on Oct. 24, 2015. The Beacons hold a 5-2 advantage in the all-time series and have won the last three meetings, including a pair of overtime victories in 2023 and 2025.

Last season's matchup at Brown Field produced one of the closest games in series history, with Valparaiso rallying from a 17-0 halftime deficit to force overtime before securing a 32-31 victory. Stetson led 24-16 entering the fourth quarter, but the Beacons tied the game and eventually prevailed in the extra period.

The teams also met in 2023, when Valparaiso claimed a 23-20 overtime victory at Brown Field. The Beacons previously earned a 19-10 victory in 2019, establishing their current three-game winning streak against the Hatters.

Stetson's most recent victory in the series came on Nov. 17, 2018, when the Hatters defeated Valparaiso 45-31 in DeLand. The programs also met in 2015, 2016 and 2017, with Stetson earning its first series victory in a 27-24 decision on Oct. 14, 2017.

The Hatters own a 1-1 record against Valparaiso at home and will look to improve that mark Saturday while earning their first victory over the Beacons since 2018.

Saturday's Pioneer Football League matchup between Stetson and Valparaiso is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Florida.

The game will stream live and free of charge on the Stetson Hatters YouTube channel, with live statistics available through GoHatters.com. Fans can also follow game-day coverage and updates through Stetson Football's official social media channels.

Tickets for Saturday's home finale are available through the Stetson Athletics Ticket Office, with additional game-day information available on GoHatters.com.

Following Saturday's home finale, Stetson will conclude the 2026 regular season on the road against San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Torero Stadium, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.

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.