Southwestern College football is generating a great deal of excitement during this offseason period. The Moundbuilders prepare for what coaches and players believe could be a breakthrough season this next fall.
Coming off an 8-3 season and just barely missing the national tournament, the football team showed vast improvement. The Builders will return a strong core of veteran players while adding many key recruits, giving the program a jolt of optimism heading into their spring workouts. The team’s recent development, combined with growing confidence inside the weight room, has created some confidence leading into the 26’-27’ season.
Southwestern sadly finished last season narrowly missing the NAIA Tournament, but they’re poised to use some momentum to carry into next season. The team improved in several statistical categories, including offensive production and defensive consistency, and closed the year competing very closely with inter-conference opponents. Those gains have given fans around Winfield some excitement for the Builders’ upcoming campaign.
“We’ve been taking big steps forward as a program,” freshman wide receiver Wyatt Geissler said. “Now we just have to keep it about building on that and setting a higher standard.”
The Moundbuilders will benefit from the return of several key starters on both sides of the ball. The offense is Southwestern’ strong suit, as they led all of NAIA in points per game last season. They look to replicate this, as they expect to take a leap with their experienced skill players and an offensive line that gained valuable reps’ last season. Coaches believe that this continuity will allow the unit to operate more effectively and play faster.
Defensively, Southwestern looks to rely on a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Improved tackling and communication were areas of focus last season, and the coaching staff believe that those improvements will turn into more stops and turnovers next year. Recruiting has also played a major role in the program’s optimism. The coaching staff signed several high school athletes who fit the team’s system and culture, adding depth to key positions. According to the program, this year’s recruiting class emphasizes speed, versatility, and football IQ.
Beyond wins and losses, the Moundbuilders aim to strengthen their connection with the campus and Winfield community. Having student attendance and community support last season helped energize home games, and the program hopes that this same excitement continues to grow.
Spring practices and summer conditioning will be critical as the team prepares for the fall schedule. Coaches emphasize that consistency and health will determine how far the Moundbuilders can go.
Southwestern opens next season with the goal of competing for a conference title, a national tournament appearance, and establishing itself as a program on the rise. While challenges remain, the combination of returning experience, new talent and growing belief has set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.