5 Shocking Realities Of The Valdosta State Blazers Football Program Under New Head Coach Graham Craig

The Valdosta State Blazers football program is currently navigating a period of significant transition and high-stakes competition, with the 2025 season marking the dawn of a new era. As of December 10, 2025, the Blazers are deep into the Gulf South Conference (GSC) schedule, showcasing a resilient 4-4 overall record as they fight for a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The biggest storyline is the leadership change, as former offensive coordinator and VSU quarterback Graham Craig took the reins, inheriting a program fresh off a National Championship appearance but facing the challenge of maintaining elite status without its former head coach. The current state of the Blazers is a fascinating mix of championship pedigree and fresh challenges, with the team battling through a rigorous 2025 slate that included a tight 31-27 victory over Clark Atlanta to kick off the new coach's tenure. Blazer Nation is focused on the team’s performance in the final GSC matchups, where every game is critical for their postseason aspirations, especially as they prepare to close out their home schedule against a ranked opponent. This article dives into the five most impactful realities defining the Valdosta State football program right now.

Head Coach Graham Craig: Biography and Career Profile

The Valdosta State Blazers welcomed a familiar face to lead the program, elevating former offensive coordinator Graham Craig to the role of Head Football Coach. His appointment on January 20, 2025, made him the 12th head coach in the program’s storied history, bringing an immediate sense of continuity and a deep understanding of the "Blazer Way."

• Full Name: Graham Craig
• Current Role: Head Football Coach, Valdosta State Blazers (Appointed January 20, 2025)
• Previous VSU Role: Offensive Coordinator (2024 Season)
• Playing Career: Former Valdosta State Quarterback (Played in 2012)
• Coaching Experience (Prior to VSU OC): Spent four seasons as the Offensive Coordinator at the University of West Georgia, serving under former Blazers Head Coach David Dean.
• Key Achievement (2024): Orchestrated the high-powered Blazers offense that led the team to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game.
• First Win: The Graham Craig era began with a 31-27 victory over Clark Atlanta in the 2025 season opener.

1. The Immediate Aftermath of the 2024 National Championship Run

The most recent major event in Valdosta State football history remains the incredible run to the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship Game. This achievement solidified the program’s reputation as a Division II powerhouse, but the final outcome—a 49-14 loss to the dominant Ferris State Bulldogs—left a hunger for redemption. The success of the 2024 season, which saw the Blazers ranked 12th in the preseason American Football Coaches Poll, set an incredibly high bar for the incoming staff and players. The 2024 team, under former Head Coach Tremaine Jackson, demonstrated explosive offensive capabilities and defensive tenacity, proving they belonged on the national stage. However, the season ended with a major shift: Coach Jackson departed for the head coaching job at Prairie View A&M immediately following the title game. This departure meant the 2025 team had to quickly adapt to a new head coach, even if that coach, Graham Craig, was already a part of the family. The transition has been smooth, but the pressure to return to that championship level is a constant reality for the 2025 squad.

2. The New Offensive Philosophy Under Coach Craig

Graham Craig's promotion from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach signals a commitment to an offensive identity that has already proven successful at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. His knowledge of the existing personnel, including key offensive playmakers, has been crucial in maintaining continuity. The offense is expected to remain high-tempo and aggressive, utilizing the talents of returning stars. Key offensive entities like Quarterback Sammy Edwards, who delivered a standout performance in the 2024 season, are central to the new system. The backfield, featuring running backs such as Blake Hester and Alfonso Franklin, provides a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing. The success of the 2025 season hinges on whether Craig can evolve the offense just enough to counteract opponents who have studied the 2024 film while maintaining the efficiency that led them to the national final. The early 2025 results, including a strong start in GSC play, suggest the transition is working.

3. The High-Stakes 2025 Gulf South Conference Gauntlet

The Gulf South Conference is arguably the most competitive league in NCAA Division II football, and the Blazers’ 2025 schedule is a brutal test of their new leadership. The current 4-4 record, while respectable, shows the difficulty of the slate, especially considering the team is fighting for every victory. The 2025 schedule includes crucial GSC matchups that will define their season. The team’s ability to perform in these high-pressure environments is paramount for a playoff bid.

Upcoming Critical 2025 Matchups:

• GSC Showdown vs. Delta State: As of early December, the Blazers are preparing to close out their home schedule against the No. 21 ranked Delta State (7-2, 1-1 GSC). This game is a must-win for VSU to improve their standing and gain national attention.
• Rivalry Games: Key conference battles against teams like West Alabama and other GSC contenders will determine the conference title race.
• Non-Conference Wins: Early season victories against teams like Johnson C. Smith and Chowan helped build the foundation for the new era, but the focus now shifts entirely to the conference slate.

4. The Importance of Defensive Leadership and Key Entities

While the offense often steals the headlines, the Valdosta State defense is a crucial component of their championship identity. The defensive unit features proven entities who provide the necessary leadership and playmaking ability to win tight GSC contests. Safety Larry Elder, for example, is a veteran defensive back who anchors the secondary and is tasked with stopping the pass-heavy attacks common in the Gulf South. The defense must continue to be stout, especially after the high-scoring nature of the 2024 National Championship Game. The coaching staff, including new additions and holdovers, has emphasized a return to the dominant defensive performances that were hallmarks of previous VSU championship teams. The development of younger players and the ability to generate turnovers will be essential for the Blazers to climb the national rankings and secure a playoff berth in the challenging Super Region II.

5. The Legacy and Future of Blazer Football

Valdosta State is not just a great Division II program; it is one of the most successful in the nation, boasting four NCAA Division II National Championships (2002, 2007, 2012, 2018). The program’s history is rich with legendary coaches and players, setting an expectation of excellence that transcends any single season. The hiring of Graham Craig, a former VSU player and a coach with ties to successful VSU regimes (both David Dean and Tremaine Jackson), underscores the program's commitment to maintaining its legacy. The current 2025 season is a litmus test for the future. A strong finish, even without a national title, would validate the new direction and prove that the Blazers are poised to remain a perennial contender in the Gulf South Conference and on the national stage for years to come. The goal is clear: return to the GSC Championship and, ultimately, the NCAA Division II final.