DeLAND, Fla. – Eight months of offseason preparation culminate this week as Stetson Football officially opens preseason camp, beginning the final stretch toward the 2026 season.
Entering year two under head coach Mike Jasper, the Hatters return to the practice field after spending the past year establishing the foundation of the program. Now, with the culture in place and an experienced roster returning alongside a talented group of newcomers, the focus shifts from building to growing.
"We want to continue to build, and this is really a growth mindset year for us," Jasper said. "We've sown the seeds. Now it's time to water them and watch the growth happen."
Stetson opens the season on Aug. 28 with one of the toughest tests in the Football Championship Subdivision, traveling to face preseason No. 3 South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits reached the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division I Football Championship and enter the season ranked No. 3 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll.
2026 Preseason Camp at a Glance
- Camp Opens: Wednesday, Aug. 5
- Season Opener: Aug. 28 at No. 3 South Dakota State
- Home Opener: Sept. 5 vs. Webber International
- Head Coach: Mike Jasper (Second Season)
- Returning Players: 50+
- Newcomers: Approximately 50
- Practices: Open to the Public and Media
Competition Begins
As camp opens, one of the coaching staff's biggest objectives is identifying the players who will make the trip to Brookings for the season opener. Jasper said nearly every position group enters preseason with meaningful competition.
"Our biggest priority is solidifying our roster," Jasper said. "We've got about 111 guys on the roster, so we've got to find the top guys we're going to put on that plane to go to South Dakota State. We're approaching it almost like an NFL-style training camp, identifying the guys that deserve to be on the roster and give us the best chance to win."
Position battles span nearly every unit, particularly along the offensive line, in the secondary, at Bandit linebacker and at quarterback.
Jasper said the quarterback room has taken significant strides since the spring and enters camp with more depth than a year ago as returning signal callers Chris Stephenson and Kael Alexander continue to develop alongside North Texas transfer Thomas Von Grote.
"The maturation at quarterback has been outstanding," Jasper said. "With the addition of Tom and seeing how much Chris and Kael have grown, I'm really excited about that room."
The offensive staff is also excited about the versatility developing at tight end. Former quarterback Gunner Chenier has transitioned into an athletic tight end role after spending last season under center, following a similar move made by Anthony Benzjia a year ago. Along with Jack Stanton, the trio gives the Hatters additional flexibility in both the passing game and run game.
Built Throughout the Summer
Although preseason practice officially begins this week, Jasper believes much of the team's progress has already taken place.
Since June, the Hatters have consistently had more than 100 players on campus participating in workouts, strength and conditioning sessions and player-led activities, allowing newcomers and returners to build chemistry well before camp.
"We've had over 100 guys here every day since June getting after it," Jasper said. "Mentally, we've been able to learn a lot about this team. Now we want to see if these guys can hit and tackle. It's going to be a fun, physical training camp."
With more than 50 returning players and approximately 50 newcomers, camp will provide the first opportunity to evaluate how quickly the newest Hatters adjust to the speed and physicality of Division I football while veterans compete for expanded roles.
Establishing an Identity
Beyond evaluating personnel, Jasper believes preseason camp is about defining the personality his team will carry into the season.
"This team's gritty," Jasper said. "They're very hungry. There's a high level of energy buzzing around this building, and I think these guys are ready to go show it."
That mentality, he said, has become increasingly evident throughout the offseason as players have embraced the program's standards and expectations heading into year two.
A Program Taking Shape
Jasper believes the progress extends well beyond the football field.
From improved roster retention and player development to academics, alumni engagement and community involvement, he sees a program that has taken significant strides over the past year.
"We're light years ahead," Jasper said. "The way these young men have bought into the culture has been phenomenal. From roster retention and academics to getting out in the community and bringing alumni back into the program, we've made tremendous strides. As a football team, these kids are really bought into what we believe in, and I'm excited to continue to grow."
That progress is evident on the field as well.. With a full year in the offensive and defensive systems, Jasper expects a more confident, faster and more physical football team than the one that opened the 2025 season.
"This team will look completely different than any other Stetson team," Jasper said. "We're bigger, we're stronger, we're faster, and these guys are more determined than ever. The understanding of our scheme is far beyond where it was last year, and we feel very confident that it's going to translate into wins."
What to Watch During Camp
- Quarterback Competition – Chris Stephenson, Kael Alexander and North Texas transfer Thomas Von Grote headline one of the team's deepest position groups entering camp.
- Battle in the Trenches – Battles along the offensive line will help determine the five starters protecting the offense throughout the season.
- Impact Newcomers – Approximately 50 newcomers, including one of the program's largest recruiting classes and several experienced transfers, will compete for immediate playing time.
- Defensive Depth – The secondary and Bandit linebacker position feature several returning contributors and newcomers competing for key roles.
- Building Toward Week One – Every practice brings the Hatters one step closer to their Aug. 28 opener against preseason No. 3 South Dakota State.
Practice Information
All preseason practices are open to members of the media and the public throughout training camp.
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Practice Schedule
- Aug. 5-14: 9-11 AM (Sunday off-day)
- Beginning Aug. 17: Practice times vary as the Hatters transition toward game-week preparation. Media planning to attend practice should contact Stetson Athletic Communications for the most up-to-date schedule.
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Practice Location
- Athletic Training Center
- 401 E. Minnesota Ave.
- DeLand, Fla.
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Parking
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A small parking lot is located directly in front of the Athletic Training Center. Additional complimentary parking is available just down the road overlooking the Stetson soccer fields.
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Media Availability
- Members of the media are encouraged to attend practice throughout preseason camp. To help ensure access and coordinate interview opportunities, media are asked to provide advance notice whenever possible, with 24 hours preferred.
- Head coach Mike Jasper and requested student-athletes will be available following practice, schedule permitting. Interview requests should be directed to:
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Photo & Video Policy
- Media are welcome to photograph and film practice. Per head coach Mike Jasper, video of individual drills is permitted; however, media are asked to refrain from filming team periods or offensive and defensive formations during practice.
- Fans can follow preseason camp with daily updates, feature stories, photo galleries and more by visiting GoHatters.com and following Stetson Football and Stetson Athletics on social media.
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.
