5 Shocking Ways Susquehanna University Football Became A DIII Powerhouse In 2025
The Susquehanna University football program has officially transitioned from regional contender to national powerhouse, culminating in a historic 2025 season that shattered program records and captivated the entire NCAA Division III landscape. As of today, December 19, 2025, the River Hawks are celebrating a season that saw them reach the NCAA Semifinals and solidify their place as the dominant force in the Landmark Conference, showcasing a level of competitive excellence that suggests their peak is yet to come.
This deep dive explores the five pivotal factors—from coaching brilliance and a legendary senior class to a relentless playoff run—that propelled Susquehanna to unprecedented success, setting the stage for a highly anticipated 2026 campaign under Head Coach Tom Perkovich. The program’s foundation, built on consistent winning and a championship mentality, has never been stronger.
The Historic 2025 Season: A New Era of Dominance
The 2025 Susquehanna University football season will be etched in the annals of the program's history as one of its most successful. The River Hawks finished the year with an impressive 11-3 overall record, a testament to their consistency and resilience in high-stakes environments.
Their dominance within the conference was absolute. Susquehanna clinched its third straight Landmark Conference title, completing a perfect 6-0 run in conference play.
This achievement solidified their dynasty in the newly formed Landmark Conference, where they have quickly established themselves as the team to beat, repeatedly fending off rivals like Wilkes University and Lycoming College.
A Record-Breaking NCAA Tournament Run
The true measure of the 2025 team’s greatness was their performance in the expanded NCAA Division III Football Championship tournament. After securing a first-round bye, the River Hawks embarked on a historic run, winning three NCAA playoff games—a new program record.
The team advanced to the Third Round for the second consecutive year, defeating opponents like Christopher Newport University, before ultimately reaching the national Semifinals.
The journey included hosting two playoff games on campus at Amos Alonzo Stagg, Jr. Field, creating an electric atmosphere in Selinsgrove, PA, and bringing national attention to the university.
This deep run proved that the River Hawks could compete with the elite programs in DIII football, validating the years of work put in by the coaching staff and players. Their season concluded in the Semifinals, but the legacy of the run will inspire future teams.
Coaching Continuity and the 2026 Schedule Outlook
The success of the Susquehanna program is inextricably linked to the leadership of Head Coach Tom Perkovich. Perkovich, who has been at the helm since 2015, has overseen the program's transformation into a perennial championship contender.
His ability to recruit top talent and maintain a winning culture has been the bedrock of the River Hawks’ sustained success, including multiple conference championships and NCAA playoff appearances.
The Completed 2026 Coaching Staff
Coach Perkovich has already finalized his coaching staff for the 2026 season, ensuring continuity and fresh perspectives. The staff includes key personnel like the Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach and recent additions who bring new energy and expertise.
Notably, the 2025 staff saw the addition of Joe DeBonis and Luke Wilson, the latter serving as the Tight Ends Coach. These strategic hires show a commitment to continuous improvement and specialized instruction as the program aims for the national title game in Canton, Ohio, in January 2027.
Key Matchups on the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 schedule is already generating buzz, with the River Hawks set to host six games on their home turf. The season kicks off on Saturday, September 6, with a crucial non-conference tilt against Union College.
However, the most anticipated matchup remains the annual rivalry game against Lycoming College, often referred to as the Stagg Hat Game. This rivalry took on new significance as the two teams battled for the inaugural Landmark Conference title, and it continues to be a highlight of the schedule.
Other key conference opponents will include Catholic University, Moravian University, and Juniata College, all vying to dethrone the reigning champions in the Landmark Conference standings.
Key Players, Records, and the Landmark Conference Landscape
The 2025 team’s success was powered by an exceptional senior class, which finished their careers as the winningest class in Susquehanna Football history, tallying an astounding 43 victories over their four years.
This group, which included stars like Ruisch and Pollock, laid the foundation for the program's modern success, setting a new standard for excellence at the university.
Individual Accolades and Program Records
The national recognition the program received was highlighted by the Associated Press (AP) All-American selections, which featured five players from the Susquehanna roster.
Among the individual standouts was Bourgeois, who earned Special Teams Player of the Year honors, demonstrating the team's strength across all phases of the game.
The program also continues to see individual records fall, such as Nick Lopardo’s impressive single-game punting average record set in 2023, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster.
The Landmark Conference and DIII Playoff Structure
Susquehanna's continued success is tied to the strength and growth of the Landmark Conference, which joined the NCAA Division III football ranks to provide a competitive home for its members. The conference includes seven football-playing institutions, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the DIII playoffs.
The NCAA Division III playoffs themselves have undergone significant changes, expanding to a 40-team, single-elimination bracket. The River Hawks' ability to navigate this challenging, multi-regional format, which is split into four regions, speaks volumes about their national caliber.
Their consistent Landmark titles and deep playoff runs have turned the River Hawks into a team that is now discussed in the same breath as other DIII powerhouses. The focus for the 2026 season will be to push past the Semifinals and compete for the Stagg Bowl, the DIII national championship game.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Stagg Bowl
The Susquehanna University football program enters the 2026 off-season with unprecedented momentum. The historic run to the NCAA Semifinals has raised the bar for all future teams, establishing a new expectation of national contention.
With Coach Perkovich leading a stable and experienced staff, and a culture of winning instilled by the legendary 43-victory senior class, the River Hawks are perfectly positioned. The focus now shifts to recruiting the next generation of talent and preparing for a challenging 2026 schedule that will test their mettle early, starting with Union College, and continuing through the critical Landmark Conference slate against rivals like Wilkes and Lycoming. The goal is clear: a fourth consecutive Landmark title and a trip to the Stagg Bowl.
Detail Author:
- Name : Lacy Hermann
- Username : willow82
- Email : kaylee76@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1979-09-27
- Address : 68124 Zemlak River Apt. 991 West Demarcofort, ND 94594-6860
- Phone : 1-248-519-5349
- Company : White-Bednar
- Job : Writer OR Author
- Bio : Eum impedit quia fugiat ratione. Rem minus et dolore architecto sit aut. Velit quibusdam rerum et illo. In et provident dolorem possimus molestias.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/jodie_xx
- username : jodie_xx
- bio : Enim quaerat repudiandae sit error quasi quia. Enim dolorem est rerum dicta voluptate laborum.
- followers : 6339
- following : 2242
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/schuppe2024
- username : schuppe2024
- bio : Eius rerum ut dolorem iusto unde possimus. Odit et dolor blanditiis sint earum. Quis sapiente illum iure iusto necessitatibus officia.
- followers : 5776
- following : 278
