DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson Football returns to the road Saturday afternoon as the Hatters travel to Davidson, North Carolina, for a Pioneer Football League matchup against Davidson College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Davidson College Stadium, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.

The Hatters (1-8, 0-5 PFL) enter the weekend looking to turn an increasingly productive offensive stretch into their first conference victory, having scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games. Stetson is coming off a 44-34 setback against Dayton in which it accumulated a season-high 570 yards of total offense, while Davidson (3-6, 1-4 PFL) returns home following a 35-7 loss at St. Thomas.

Saturday marks the 17th all-time meeting between the programs, with Davidson holding a 9-7 advantage in the series. Stetson claimed a memorable 35-32 victory in last season's meeting at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, establishing a program single-game record with 384 rushing yards and snapping a five-game losing streak against the Wildcats. The Hatters will look to build on that performance as they seek consecutive victories over Davidson for the first time since winning three straight meetings from 2016 through 2018.

Stetson has developed one of the Pioneer Football League's more productive passing attacks this season, with its recent improvement helping the Hatters remain competitive against several conference opponents. After averaging 150.8 passing yards per game in 2025, Stetson has nearly doubled that production to 289.1 yards per contest through nine games this fall.

The Hatters have accumulated 2,602 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns, surpassing their touchdown total from the entire 2025 season. Quarterback Thomas von Grote ranks 10th nationally in passing yards and is tied for 11th in passing touchdowns, while Shawne Jones, Wyatt Rogers and Brett Gonda also appear among the FCS statistical leaders. Stetson is also averaging 405.6 yards of total offense per game, with the passing attack accounting for more than 70 percent of that production.

Much of the improvement has come during conference play, where Stetson has thrown for at least 300 yards in five consecutive games. The Hatters have totaled 1,714 passing yards and 15 touchdowns during that stretch, averaging 342.8 yards through the air against Marist, St. Thomas, Presbyterian, Morehead State and Dayton.

The offense has also demonstrated greater balance in recent weeks, particularly against Dayton last Saturday. Stetson rushed for a season-high 224 yards while adding 346 passing yards, producing 570 yards of total offense and 27 first downs against a Flyers team that entered the contest allowing just 20.0 points per game.

Stetson has now scored 108 points over its last three games, including 43 against Presbyterian, 31 at Morehead State and 34 against Dayton. During that span, the Hatters have averaged 493.0 yards of total offense while benefiting from contributions across their receiving corps and backfield.

Saturday provides another opportunity to build on that momentum against a Davidson defense allowing 432.4 yards and 37.2 points per game. The Wildcats have surrendered 28 rushing touchdowns and 14 passing scores, while opponents are averaging 233.6 passing yards per contest.

Stetson enters Saturday's matchup looking to build on one of its most memorable performances of the 2025 season, when the Hatters defeated Davidson 35-32 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Oct. 4. The victory featured a program-record 384 rushing yards as Stetson scored all five of its touchdowns on the ground to earn its first Pioneer Football League win since October 2023.

Quarterback Chris Stephenson played a central role in the victory, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start. His performance included a 65-yard touchdown run as the Hatters repeatedly found success on the ground against the Wildcats. The win also snapped a five-game losing streak in the series and marked Stetson's first victory over Davidson since 2018.

The Hatters went on to defeat Morehead State later that season, securing consecutive PFL victories for the first time since 2019. This year's meeting provides another opportunity for Stetson to build on that success, although the offense has taken on a different identity with the emergence of its passing attack.

While Stetson has relied more heavily on the arm of Thomas von Grote this season, its running game delivered an encouraging performance against Dayton last Saturday. The Hatters rushed for a season-high 224 yards, highlighted by Stephenson's 83 yards on just four carries and Troy Flowers' 76 yards and a touchdown.

Stephenson, who is averaging 9.2 yards per carry this season, broke free for a 61-yard run that helped set up Stetson's second touchdown against the Flyers. The Hatters will look to carry that balance into Saturday's contest against a Davidson defense allowing 198.9 rushing yards per game.

Junior quarterback Thomas von Grote has emerged as the centerpiece of Stetson's offensive transformation, establishing himself as one of the Pioneer Football League's most productive passers in his first season with the Hatters.

Von Grote enters Saturday ranked 10th in the FCS with 2,436 passing yards and tied for 11th nationally with 20 touchdown passes, completing 213 of 339 attempts for a 62.8 completion percentage. His passing production has helped Stetson average nearly 290 yards through the air while providing the Hatters with the ability to sustain long possessions and generate explosive plays downfield.

After throwing for 273 yards against Marist and 296 at St. Thomas, von Grote has surpassed 300 passing yards in each of his last three games. He threw for 345 yards and five touchdowns against Presbyterian, followed by 350 yards and three scores at Morehead State before completing 28 of 46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns against Dayton.

The three-game stretch has produced 1,041 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, including several important scoring drives during the closing minutes of conference games. Against Presbyterian, von Grote threw five touchdown passes while adding another score on the ground, becoming the first Hatter to throw five touchdowns against a PFL opponent since Brady Meitz accomplished the feat against Davidson in 2022.

At Morehead State, von Grote directed a six-play, 74-yard touchdown drive in just 42 seconds, finding Shawne Jones for a 2-yard score with 59 seconds remaining. He followed that performance against Dayton with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including a 59-yard connection with Landon Farco and an 8-yard strike to Jones that brought Stetson within three points.

Von Grote's ability to distribute the football has been particularly important as Stetson continues to develop its receiving corps, with multiple players emerging as reliable targets. His 20 touchdown passes have come during a season in which the Hatters have produced their most consistent passing stretch in recent years.

Junior wide receiver Shawne Jones has established himself as one of Stetson's most productive scoring threats, finding the end zone eight times in seven appearances while providing von Grote with a dependable target in the passing game.

Jones enters Saturday tied for ninth nationally with a team-leading eight touchdown catches, adding 36 receptions for 421 yards while averaging 60.1 receiving yards per contest. His production has been particularly impressive over the last several weeks, with seven of his eight touchdowns coming during his last five appearances.

The junior recorded two touchdown receptions against Marist and Presbyterian before adding another at Morehead State, where his 2-yard catch in the closing minute brought Stetson within one possession. He followed that performance against Dayton with seven catches for a season-high 95 yards, highlighted by an 8-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

Jones also played an important role in Stetson's third-quarter scoring drive against Dayton, recording receptions of 33 and 23 yards as the Hatters advanced deep into Flyers territory. His ability to create separation and produce significant gains has helped Stetson maintain offensive momentum against conference opponents.

With eight touchdowns on just 36 catches, Jones has consistently capitalized on his opportunities, particularly in scoring situations. His continued production will be important against a Davidson defense that has allowed 14 touchdown passes and recorded just two interceptions this season.

Wide receiver Landon Farco has become another significant weapon in Stetson's passing attack, combining consistent production with the ability to turn individual receptions into substantial gains.

Farco enters Saturday with 32 receptions for 487 yards and six touchdowns in eight appearances, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. His six receiving touchdowns rank second on the team behind Jones, while his 487 receiving yards also place him among the Hatters' leading offensive contributors.

The junior has enjoyed a particularly productive stretch over his last three games, catching five touchdown passes against Presbyterian, Morehead State and Dayton. He recorded two touchdowns against the Blue Hose before following with four catches for 102 yards and another pair of scores at Morehead State.

Farco's performance against the Eagles also included an important contribution on special teams, returning two punts for 63 yards. His 53-yard punt return helped create favorable field position for Stetson's second-quarter touchdown, contributing to a 21-14 halftime advantage.

Against Dayton, Farco continued to provide an explosive presence despite recording just two receptions. His 59-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter brought the Hatters within four points, extending his recent scoring streak and helping Stetson remain within striking distance against one of the PFL's top teams.

Farco and Jones have now combined for 14 receiving touchdowns this season, providing von Grote with multiple scoring options while complementing the consistent production of senior Wyatt Rogers.

Senior captain Wyatt Rogers continues to lead Stetson's receiving corps, providing an experienced and reliable presence as the Hatters have expanded their passing attack throughout the season.

Rogers enters Saturday tied for 15th nationally in receptions per game, leading the Hatters with 54 catches for 631 yards and two touchdowns. He is averaging 6.0 receptions and 70.1 receiving yards per contest. His production has been especially meaningful after appearing in just three games during the 2025 season, with the senior returning to become one of Stetson's most consistent offensive contributors.

Earlier this season, Rogers recorded at least eight receptions in four consecutive contests, totaling 35 catches during that stretch. He caught nine passes against Marist, St. Thomas and Presbyterian before adding eight receptions for 83 yards at Morehead State.

His performances have included a season-high 123 receiving yards against Webber International, along with 103 yards against Marist and 105 against Presbyterian. Rogers has also contributed as a return specialist, providing additional versatility to the Hatters' offensive and special teams units.

Although he was held to one reception against Dayton, Rogers remains Stetson's leading receiver and an important option in a passing attack that has increasingly spread the ball across multiple contributors.

Stetson's passing production has been complemented by an improving rushing attack, with several players contributing to the Hatters' most productive ground performance of the season against Dayton.

Running back Troy Flowers leads Stetson with 419 rushing yards on 96 carries and three touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. He has also been a consistent receiving option out of the backfield, recording 26 catches for 313 yards and two additional scores.

Flowers' 732 yards from scrimmage lead the Hatters, demonstrating his versatility as both a runner and receiver. Against Presbyterian, he produced 183 yards from scrimmage, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown reception, before contributing a 3-yard rushing touchdown at Morehead State.

He followed those performances with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against Dayton, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. His 24-yard run helped set up a second-quarter touchdown that gave Stetson a 16-9 halftime lead.

Quarterback Chris Stephenson has provided an additional rushing dimension, accumulating 368 yards and four touchdowns on 40 attempts while averaging 9.2 yards per carry. Against Dayton, Stephenson rushed for 83 yards on just four attempts, including a 61-yard gain that helped Stetson cover 88 yards in four plays during its second-quarter scoring drive.

Tight end Anthony Benzija has also contributed to the offense in several ways, recording 25 receptions for 236 yards and a touchdown while adding 61 rushing yards on eight attempts. His versatility has been evident throughout conference play, including a 34-yard rush on a fake punt and a completed two-point conversion pass against Presbyterian.

Freshman wide receiver Kingston McCullough has begun to emerge as another contributor, catching his first collegiate touchdown against Dayton on a 28-yard pass from von Grote. McCullough finished with three receptions for 41 yards against the Flyers, adding another option to Stetson's developing offensive rotation.

Sophomore punter Brett Gonda has been one of Stetson's most consistent performers on special teams, ranking fourth nationally with an average of 45.6 yards per punt through nine games.

Gonda has recorded 40 punts for 1,823 yards this season, with 13 traveling at least 50 yards. He has also placed six punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, providing the Hatters with valuable field position throughout the year.

His most impressive performance came against Presbyterian on Oct. 17, when he averaged 53.5 yards on six punts, including an 80-yard attempt that stands as Stetson's longest of the season. Four of his six punts against the Blue Hose traveled at least 50 yards.

Gonda followed that outing with three punts for 145 yards at Morehead State, averaging 48.3 yards per attempt, before recording two punts for 86 yards against Dayton. His ability to consistently generate distance remains an important component of Stetson's special teams production.

Linebacker Shug Bentley continues to lead the Stetson defense, recording 67 tackles through nine games while adding three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His consistency has helped anchor a unit that has totaled 41 tackles for loss, nine sacks and five interceptions this season.

Freshman defensive back Dylan Kelly follows with 55 tackles in eight appearances, adding 2.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and an interception. Kelly has been one of the Hatters' more productive young defenders, establishing himself as a regular contributor during his first collegiate season.

Linebacker Damontez McDowell has added 47 tackles in seven appearances, while Barrett Kennedy ranks fourth on the team with 45 tackles and four tackles for loss. Jahlani Clarke has contributed 41 tackles and three pass breakups, giving Stetson additional production throughout its defensive unit.

Defensive back Jahyden Clark has also become an important playmaker in the secondary, recording 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and a team-leading two interceptions. His latest takeaway came against Dayton, when he intercepted a pass late in the second quarter and returned it 16 yards, helping preserve Stetson's 16-9 halftime advantage.

Along the defensive front, Casey Bending leads the Hatters with 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, while Alex Yearwood has added four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Nycere Jacobs has also contributed 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, providing depth along the defensive unit.

Stetson's defense will face a Davidson offense led by dual-threat quarterback Casey Bullock, whose ability to contribute through the air and on the ground will present an important challenge. Limiting Bullock's rushing opportunities and creating pressure in passing situations will be significant factors as the Hatters look to earn their first conference victory.

Stetson put together one of its most productive offensive performances of the season last Saturday, accumulating 570 yards of total offense in a 44-34 setback against Dayton at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

The Hatters answered Dayton's opening field goal with a 16-play, 73-yard drive capped by Trey Hess' 33-yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3 late in the first quarter. Stetson then took its first lead early in the second when von Grote connected with freshman Kingston McCullough for a 28-yard touchdown, giving the Hatters a 10-3 advantage.

After Dayton pulled within one point, Stetson responded with an 88-yard scoring drive highlighted by Stephenson's 61-yard run. Flowers followed with a 24-yard rush before finishing the possession with a 6-yard touchdown, extending the Hatters' lead to 16-9 with 2:21 remaining in the half.

The defense helped preserve that advantage when Clark intercepted Dayton quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer and returned the ball 16 yards, giving Stetson another opportunity before halftime. Although the Hatters were unable to add to the lead, they entered the locker room with a seven-point advantage against a Flyers team that had won three consecutive games.

Dayton scored twice during the third quarter to move ahead 23-16, but Stetson answered with a 10-play, 68-yard drive that featured receptions of 33 and 23 yards by Jones. Hess converted a 25-yard field goal to bring the Hatters within four points entering the fourth quarter.

After Dayton extended its lead to 30-19 early in the final period, von Grote directed a 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 59-yard pass to Farco. The Flyers responded with a rushing touchdown, but Stetson again moved 75 yards downfield before von Grote found Jones for an 8-yard score. A successful two-point conversion brought the Hatters within three points at 37-34 with 7:40 remaining.

Dayton added another touchdown with 3:57 left before an interception ended Stetson's final scoring opportunity. The Hatters nevertheless finished with 346 passing yards, 224 rushing yards and 27 first downs, converting eight of 13 third-down attempts while generating their highest total offense output of the season.

Von Grote completed 28 of 46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, while Jones caught seven passes for 95 yards and a score. Farco added two receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, Stephenson rushed for 83 yards and Flowers contributed 76 rushing yards and a score.

Defensively, McDowell led Stetson with seven tackles, while Clark added six tackles and an interception. The Hatters held a seven-point halftime lead for the second consecutive game and continued to demonstrate offensive growth against one of the conference's top opponents.

Davidson enters Saturday's matchup with a 3-6 overall record and a 1-4 mark in Pioneer Football League play, looking to rebound from a 35-7 loss at St. Thomas last weekend. The Wildcats have earned victories over Dickinson, VMI and Morehead State this season, with two of those wins coming in overtime.

The Wildcats opened the year with losses to Concord and Elon before earning their first victory with a 28-14 decision over Dickinson on Sept. 12. Davidson followed with a 27-24 overtime win against VMI, but struggled to maintain that momentum as conference play began, dropping consecutive games to Drake, San Diego and Presbyterian.

Davidson returned to the win column on Oct. 17 with a 34-31 overtime victory against Morehead State, producing 444 yards of total offense, including a season-high 270 rushing yards. The Wildcats were unable to carry that production into their most recent contest, however, managing just 192 total yards and 58 rushing yards in the loss at St. Thomas.

Through nine games, Davidson is averaging 22.0 points and 332.8 yards of total offense per contest. The Wildcats have accumulated 1,986 passing yards and 1,009 rushing yards, scoring 13 touchdowns through the air and another 13 on the ground.

Quarterback Casey Bullock is the focal point of the Davidson offense, leading the Wildcats in both passing and rushing production. Bullock has completed 191 of 330 passes for 1,930 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 509 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores on 125 carries.

His ability to create opportunities with his arm and legs has made him responsible for the majority of Davidson's offensive touchdowns. Bullock has accounted for 23 touchdowns this season, giving the Wildcats an option in both designed passing situations and rushing plays near the goal line.

Wide receiver AJ Adams has been one of Davidson's most consistent receiving threats, leading the team with 50 catches for 484 yards and four touchdowns. Adams is coming off a 10-reception performance at St. Thomas, where he caught the Wildcats' lone touchdown pass.

Jacary Lightsey provides Davidson with another productive option, leading the Wildcats with 557 receiving yards on 45 receptions despite appearing in only seven games. Lightsey is averaging 79.6 receiving yards per contest and has scored three touchdowns, while Andrew Frazier has contributed 28 catches for 322 yards.

Alani Ajigbotosho has added 19 receptions for 237 yards and two touchdowns, giving Davidson several options in its passing attack. The Wildcats have relied on their receiving depth throughout the season, particularly in games where opponents have limited their rushing production.

In addition to Bullock's 509 rushing yards, Will Jones has contributed 237 yards on 57 carries, while Brodey Berg has added 194 yards on 58 attempts. Davidson's most productive performance on the ground came against Morehead State, when the Wildcats rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

Defensively, Davidson has allowed 335 points through nine games, an average of 37.2 per contest. The Wildcats are surrendering 432.4 yards of total offense per game, including 198.9 rushing yards and 233.6 passing yards, while opponents have scored 28 touchdowns on the ground.

Despite the yardage allowed, Davidson has demonstrated an ability to create negative plays, recording 49 tackles for loss and 16 sacks this season. The Wildcats have also recovered six fumbles and intercepted two passes, although their defense has struggled at times to contain sustained drives and explosive offensive plays.

Linebacker Hudson Altenburg leads Davidson with 57 tackles and has added 1.5 tackles for loss and three pass breakups. Ayden Bell follows with 40 tackles and four tackles for loss, while Ryan Bassani and Jarmal Gilmore have each recorded 37 tackles.

Gilmore has been particularly effective along the defensive front, leading the Wildcats with seven tackles for loss and four sacks. His ability to generate pressure will be a factor against a Stetson passing attack that has thrown for at least 300 yards in five consecutive games.

Defensive back Hayden Meese has also been an important contributor, recording five pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. His three recoveries account for half of Davidson's team total, highlighting the Wildcats' ability to capitalize on loose footballs and create additional possessions.

On special teams, Christos Tzoumakas handles Davidson's kicking and punting responsibilities, converting four of eight field goal attempts while averaging 42.6 yards on 35 punts. His longest punt of the season has traveled 58 yards, and he has placed 11 attempts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Davidson's matchup with Stetson presents an interesting contrast between two offenses that have relied on different strengths this season. The Wildcats will look to generate production behind Bullock's dual-threat ability, while the Hatters aim to continue their recent success through the air and build on an increasingly productive rushing attack.

Stetson and Davidson will meet for the 17th time Saturday in a series that dates back more than a century. Davidson holds a 9-7 advantage in the all-time series, although the Hatters claimed the most recent meeting with a 35-32 victory in DeLand last October.

The programs first met on Nov. 21, 1912, when Stetson earned a 21-6 victory. Following several meetings during the 1950s, the series resumed in 2013 as part of the modern era of Stetson Football and has continued regularly as a Pioneer Football League matchup.

Davidson won five consecutive meetings from 2019 through 2024 before Stetson ended that streak with last season's three-point victory. The Hatters also won three straight games in the series from 2016 through 2018, highlighted by a 56-53 road victory on Oct. 27, 2018.

Stetson owns a 3-4 record in games played at Davidson, with Saturday's contest providing an opportunity for the Hatters to earn consecutive victories over the Wildcats for the first time since their 2016-18 winning streak.

Saturday's Pioneer Football League matchup between Stetson and Davidson is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Davidson College Stadium in Davidson, North Carolina.

The game will stream live on ESPN+, with live statistics available through GoHatters.com. Fans can also follow updates throughout the afternoon on Stetson Football's social media channels.

Following Saturday's road contest, Stetson returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Nov. 14 to host Valparaiso in its final home game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the Hatters set to recognize their graduating seniors as part of Senior Day.

Stetson will then conclude the 2026 regular season at San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 21.


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.