5 Shocking Takeaways From The Valdosta State Blazers Football 2025 Season And The New Graham Craig Era

As of December 10, 2025, the Valdosta State Blazers football program has officially closed the book on a dramatic 6-5 season, one that marked a pivotal transition under the leadership of new Head Coach Graham Craig. This season was a curious mix of dominant Gulf South Conference (GSC) play and an early exit from the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs, leaving Blazer Nation with a complex feeling of both disappointment and immense optimism for the future. The 2025 campaign was defined by a return to the postseason and the formal installation of a VSU legend at the helm, signaling the start of a new era for one of Division II's most storied programs. The team’s performance against top-tier opponents, including a hard-fought battle in the playoffs, provides the blueprint for what fans can expect as the Blazers pursue their fifth national championship.

The Graham Craig Era: A New Blazer Blueprint

The appointment of Graham Craig as the 12th Head Coach in Valdosta State Blazers football history was a highly anticipated event, officially ushering in a new chapter for the program. His story is one of a Blazer coming home, bringing a deep understanding of the championship culture to the sidelines.

Graham Craig: Full Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Graham Craig
• Current Role: Head Football Coach, Valdosta State University (VSU)
• Appointment Date: Officially introduced in early 2025 (following the 2024 season).
• VSU Connection (Player): Served as a reserve quarterback for the Blazers.
• Championship History (Player): Was a member of the Valdosta State 2012 NCAA Division II National Championship team under Coach David Dean.
• Previous VSU Role (Coach): Returned to VSU prior to the 2024 season, serving as the Offensive Coordinator.
• Coaching Acclaim: Was named Co-Coach of the Year in a previous season (likely 2024, or a previous role before VSU).
• Coaching Style: Known for his offensive mind, continuing the high-powered offensive tradition VSU is famous for.

Craig's transition from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach was seamless, as he was already intimately familiar with the roster and the high expectations of the Valdosta State community.

His promotion was a clear signal from the university, led by Athletic Director Troy Katen, that the program intends to maintain its status as a perennial Division II powerhouse.

2025 Season Recap: The Road to the NCAA Division II Playoffs

The 2025 season was a roller coaster for the Valdosta State Blazers, culminating in a respectable 6-5 overall record. The team showcased their dominance within the league by securing a 3-0 conference record in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), a testament to their strength in one of the nation’s toughest Division II leagues.

Playoff Heartbreak Against Albany State

The Blazers earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs, but their postseason journey was cut short in the first round.

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Traveling to face the No. 13 Albany State Golden Rams, the Blazers fought valiantly in a high-scoring affair.

The final score saw Valdosta State fall just short, losing 35-30. This loss ended the season but highlighted the team’s ability to compete at the highest level of the NCAA postseason.

The close margin against a nationally ranked opponent suggests the Blazers are on the cusp of a deeper playoff run in the coming years under Coach Craig.

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Key Players and the Talent Shaping VSU’s Future

A successful 2025 season, despite the playoff loss, was built on the back of impressive individual performances and the emergence of future stars. The roster is loaded with talent that should excite Blazer Nation.

The Quarterback Position: The Rise of Seth Smith

One of the most significant developments of the 2025 season was the emergence of quarterback Seth Smith.

The redshirt sophomore stepped up to take on a larger role, playing in nine games and demonstrating the potential to be the full-time starter in the next season.

Smith’s performance, including 17 of 29 passing for 181 yards and a touchdown, provided valuable experience that will be crucial for the team's offense, which operates out of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

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Freshman Phenom and All-Region Honors

The VSU roster also featured several players who garnered significant recognition, underscoring the depth of talent being developed.

• Shawn Paschall: Named Offensive Freshman of the Year, Paschall represents a huge piece of the team’s future on the offensive side of the ball.
• D2CCA All-Super Region Two Honorees: Several Blazers earned D2CCA Football All-Super Region Two honors, a prestigious recognition that highlights the program's competitive excellence across the region.
• Veteran Leadership: Players like John Martin (DL), J. Dawkins (OLB), and D. Coleman (DB) provided the veteran core that anchored the team through the challenging GSC schedule.

The Legacy of a Division II Powerhouse and Future Outlook

The Valdosta State Blazers are not just a football team; they are a historical landmark in NCAA Division II football. The program, which began in 1982, boasts one of the most decorated histories in the sport.

A History of National Dominance

The Blazers have an enviable record in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship. They have competed in seven national title games, winning four of them: 2004, 2007, 2012, and 2018.

Their overall NCAA postseason record stands at an impressive 34-15, cementing their status as a true Division II Powerhouse.

The 2024 season saw the team reach the national championship game, where they ultimately fell short, but the consistent presence in the title hunt is a foundational element of the program’s identity.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

To fully understand the VSU football program, one must recognize the key entities and factors that contribute to its success and culture:

• Gulf South Conference (GSC): The highly competitive conference VSU belongs to, often producing multiple national title contenders.
• Ferris State: A major rival, especially in the national championship landscape, having faced VSU in multiple title games.
• Blazer Creed Award: An internal honor recognizing integrity, showing the program's commitment to character development beyond the field.
• Lowndes County, GA: The geographical home and passionate fanbase that fuels the program’s success.
• Offensive Coordinator: A critical position in the VSU system, which Graham Craig previously held, emphasizing the team's offensive philosophy.

With the 2025 season complete, the focus immediately shifts to the 2026 campaign. Coach Craig and his staff, including the Defensive Coordinator, will leverage the experience gained from the playoff run and the development of players like Seth Smith and Shawn Paschall. The goal remains simple: return to the NCAA Division II National Championship game and bring the fifth title back to Valdosta, Georgia.