Concordia Football Kicks Off 2025 with Optimism and Fresh Faces
At the 2025 Nebraska Small College Football Media Day, Concordia University, Nebraska made a statement both in style and substance. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow, along with senior players Daylon Henson, Grant Huss, and new starting QB Gideon Stark, previewed a season filled with high expectations following an 8-2 campaign in 2024.
Program Outlook & Offseason Updates
- Coach Patrick Daberkow enters his 9th season after leading the Bulldogs to their best record since 2001.
- Concordia must replace significant offensive personnel, including its entire 2024 starting offensive line and star QB-WR duo DJ McGarvie and Austin Jablonski.
- The team remains confident, with Coach Daberkow praising the spring as one of the most productive of his tenure.
Key Returners & Leaders
- Gideon Stark (QB): After 3 years as a backup, Stark is poised to take over the offense with a strong arm and deep leadership experience. He’ll throw to returning receivers like Adam Van Cleave and Max Bartels.
- Carlos Collazo (RB): Led the GPAC in yards per carry (6.7) in 2024, rushing for 560 yards and 7 TDs. He is expected to take on a larger role in 2025.
- Daylon Henson (Safety): An All-American who had 6 interceptions and a defensive touchdown last season. A key piece of a defense that returns much of its core.
- Grant Huss (Linebacker): Concordia’s leading tackler with 89 stops in 2024 and a strong vocal leader for the defense.
- Offensive Line: Despite losing all starters, the unit is expected to reload with talent developed internally.
Strengths & Style
- The defense and special teams are largely intact, including standout specialists Peyton Atwood (K) and Braxtyn Koch (P).
- Concordia allowed just 4 sacks in the past 15 games, reflecting elite line play they hope to replicate.
- The 2024 offense averaged a school-record 38.5 points and 469.7 yards per game.
Culture & Leadership
- Coach Daberkow emphasized selflessness and unity as the team’s core values, drawing from Philippians 2:3-4to inspire locker room culture.
- Players spoke of a tight-knit, humble team that plays “for each other,” with no cliques and strong mutual trust.
Key Dates
- Report Date: August 5
- Blue-White Scrimmage: August 16, 11 a.m. (open to the public)
- Home Scrimmage vs. Opponent: August 30, 7 p.m.
- Season Opener vs. Doane: September 6, 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium
Senior linebacker Grant Huss called the night game experience at Bulldog Stadium “something like no other,” highlighting the light show and electric atmosphere.
To learn more please visit: https://www.cune.edu/athletics/teams/football/news/2025-media-day-notebook-new-look-bulldogs-confident-following-24-breakthrough
