EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) – Emporia State kicks off its football season in just over a month.
The Hornets finished the 2024 campaign with a 7-4 overall record. Emporia State had a 4-2 record at home, while the team went 3-2 away from Welch Stadium.
Here’s a look at Emporia State’s path in 2025.
Minot State (HOME): This will be the first meeting between the Hornets and the Beavers. Minot State finished with a 5-6 overall record with four of its wins earned on its home turf in 2024. The Beavers will be hitting the road to take on Emporia State on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
Angelo State (AWAY): Emporia State defeated Angelo State, 17-12, in its only meeting ever between the two programs on Sept. 7, 2024. In last year’s meeting, Angelo State was ranked No. 24 in the country prior to the game against the Hornets. Emporia State’s defense had a dominant showing, holding the Rams to one of 20 on third down and stopping them twice on fourth down in the fourth quarter. The 2024 contest was the first time Emporia State held an opponent without a touchdown since its 38-0 shutout win against Northeastern State on Sept. 16, 2023. Emporia State will face Angelo State on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.
MORE: ESU football evaluates dozens of players at ‘First Snap’ Friday
Nebraska-Kearney (AWAY): This matchup on Sept. 20 at noon will be the first MIAA matchup for the Hornets in the 2025 campaign. Emporia State currently holds a 3-game win streak against the Lopers. During its 3-game win streak, Emporia State’s offense has averaged 41.6 points and the defense has held Nebraska-Kearney to 24.3 points. The Hornets had a record setting 42-35 win in its matchup on Oct. 26, 2024. Quarterback Gunnar Gundy threw a school record 564 yards. Wide receiver Tyler Kahmann took two single game records as he recorded 296 receiving yards and hauled in five touchdown catches.
ALSO READ: Emporia State adds former Division 1 offensive line coach to coaching staff
Pittsburg State (HOME): Emporia State hosts the Gorillas on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. for its first MIAA action at home. In 2024, the Hornets snapped a 6-game losing streak to Pittsburg State after a 24-21 win on the road. In addition to getting its first win in Pittsburg since 2016, the Hornets, ranked No. 21, got a top-five win as the Gorillas were ranked No. 4. Emporia State’s Cade Stephenson had two interceptions while Kobe Holley and Sage Sieperda each recorded nine tackles. Holley also added an interception.
Missouri Western (AWAY): Since the year 2000, the series between the Hornets and Griffons has been nearly even. Emporia State is 8-9 against Missouri Western in that time span. In the 2024 matchup, the Hornets earned a 30-27 come-from-behind overtime win at Welch Stadium. Gundy went 49 of 74 for 454 yards and three touchdowns while Kahmann had 13 receptions for 178 yards with two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Jaaron Joseph had seven tackles with an interception while Tyler Schultze and Arich Ansley each had four tackles and an interception. The 2025 matchup will occur in St. Joseph, Mo., on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.
ALSO READ: Emporia State football’s quarterback competition continues on
Missouri Southern (HOME): Emporia State has won the last 13 games against Missouri Southern. The win streak dates back to Nov. 9, 2002. During the win streak, Emporia State’s offense has scored 47 or more points six times. The Hornets defeated Missouri Southern in its last meeting, 49-30. Quarterback Chase Ricke had a career high 485 passing yards in his first career start.
Central Oklahoma (AWAY): The Hornets have won four out of its six meetings against Central Oklahoma. Emporia State fell in the 2024 season finale, 55-38, to the Bronchos. Kahmann hauled in 12 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Emporia State and Central Oklahoma battle on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
MORE: With nearly 50 new players, Emporia State football figuring things out during summer
Central Missouri (AWAY): The Mules have taken the last two matchups against Emporia State. The Hornets fell to Central Missouri in the 2024 matchup, 45-36. Gundy went 30 of 51 for 341 yards with four touchdowns and added 100 rushing yards on eight carries in last season’s matchup. The two MIAA foes will meet in Warrensburg, Mo. on Oct. 25 with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m.
Northwest Missouri (HOME): Emporia State fell 14-9 in a tight 2024 matchup against Northwest Missouri. Despite the loss, the Hornets forced seven Bearcat turnovers. Joseph had ten tackles, a forced fumble and two pass break ups. Holley had six tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. Caleb Mondi had six tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss with a forced fumble while Rafe Goucher added six tackles, three for a loss and a pass batted down. Emporia State’s homecoming game against Northwest Missouri will occur on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
ALSO READ: Local athletes sign with Emporia State football
Washburn (AWAY): Washburn and Emporia State opened up the 2024 campaign against each other in the 120th Turnpike Tussle. The Hornets won last season’s season opener, 30-14. Bo Odom had a team high eight tackles while Schultze had two picks for 49 yards. Danarius Hollywood and Clem McCullough also contributed with interceptions for the Hornets. Emporia State has won the last four matchups against the Ichabods. The Turnpike Tussle resumes in Topeka on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
Fort Hays State (HOME): Emporia State concludes its 2025 season with Senior Day against the Tigers. The Hornets have won three of its previous four meetings with Fort Hays State. The Tigers defeated Emporia State in 2024, 36-7. The Hornets will take on Fort Hays State in the season finale on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
You can order Emporia State tickets HERE.
Copyright 2025 WIBW. All rights reserved.