5 Reasons Why The Upper Iowa University Football Team Is The Hottest Story In The GLVC For 2025

The Upper Iowa University (UIU) football program is entering its 2025 season with unprecedented momentum, building on a streak of historic achievements that have firmly established the Peacocks as a major contender in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). As of December 2025, the team has successfully transitioned into a new era of Division II football, shedding its underdog status with record-breaking wins and a high-energy coaching staff.

This surge of success is rooted in the program's recent history, including a landmark bowl victory and a highly anticipated 2025 schedule that promises thrilling matchups both at home in Fayette, Iowa, and on the road. The excitement surrounding the Upper Iowa Peacocks is palpable, driven by a blend of veteran leadership and promising new talent ready to take the field at Harms-Eischeid Stadium.

Head Coach Jason Hoskins: Biography and Program Architect

The resurgence of the UIU football program is inextricably linked to the leadership of Head Coach Jason Hoskins. He was named the program's 16th head football coach following the 2019 season, taking the reins and immediately setting a new standard for competitiveness within Division II athletics.

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• Name: Jason Hoskins
• Position: Head Football Coach / Defensive Backs Coach
• Appointment Date: Following the 2019 Season (officially 16th Head Coach)
• Coaching Focus: Known for his defensive expertise, he also directly coaches the Defensive Backs.
• Education: Earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.
• Program History: Hoskins has overseen the program's successful transition into the GLVC and its most successful seasons in modern history.

Hoskins has consistently focused on building a culture of discipline and high performance, which directly translated into the program's recent historic success. His strategic vision has been key to attracting talent and maximizing the potential of the Peacocks roster.

The Historic 2023-2024 Seasons: A New Era of UIU Football

The foundation for the Upper Iowa Peacocks' 2025 outlook was laid in the two preceding seasons, which saw the program achieve records not seen in decades. This period marked the team's shift from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) to becoming a full-time member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

Landmark Achievements and Bowl Victory

The 2023 season was a watershed moment, culminating in a 9-3 overall record and a historic postseason victory.

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• First Bowl Win: The Peacocks secured their first bowl game victory in the 132-year program history by defeating Hillsdale (Mich.) in the Albanese Candy Bowl showdown.
• Program Record Wins: The 9-3 record tied the program's all-time record for wins in a season, a mark previously set by the 1964 team.

The momentum continued into the 2024 campaign, where the team finished with a strong 7-4 overall record (6-2 GLVC), marking the program's first seven-win season since the historic 1964 team.

Key Players and Coaching Staff Driving the 2025 Outlook

The 2025 season is poised for success thanks to a roster featuring proven All-Conference talent and a stable, experienced coaching staff. The focus on developing players and maximizing performance has led to numerous individual accolades.

All-GLVC Talent and Standout Performers

The program’s shift in status was highlighted by the 2024 postseason awards, where 16 members of the Upper Iowa football program earned All-GLVC honors. This included one First Team member, nine Second Team members, and six Honorable Mention selections.

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Senior receiver Mante Morrow was a major force, earning the GLVC Offensive Player of the Week award during the season, showcasing the high-level talent the Peacocks are developing. Other key players representing the program at the GLVC Football Kickoff included Overstreet Jr. and Smith, who are expected to be leaders in the upcoming campaign.

2025 Coaching Staff Stability and New Additions

Head Coach Jason Hoskins is supported by a dedicated staff, ensuring continuity and specialized development. New additions in the summer of 2024, such as assistant and offensive line coach Max Longman and wide receivers coach Markhus Taylor, brought fresh perspectives and expertise to the team. Long-time assistant coach Rhett Mizer also returns, providing crucial stability and knowledge of the program's system.

The Must-See 2025 Upper Iowa Football Schedule

The Upper Iowa University football team has finalized its 11-game schedule for the fall of 2025, featuring five highly anticipated home contests at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. The schedule is a balanced mix of challenging non-conference matchups and critical GLVC battles.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Season Opener (August 28): The Peacocks kick off the 2025 campaign with a major non-conference road game against Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
• Home Opener (September 13): The home crowd in Fayette, Iowa, will welcome the team for the first time in 2025 against South Dakota Mines.
• GLVC Conference Play: A crucial early conference matchup is set for September 27 at home against Lincoln University, which will be vital in the GLVC standings.
• Challenging Road Trip: The team faces a tough road test on September 20 against Michigan Tech, testing their mettle early in the season.

The schedule reflects the program's rising prominence, with competitive games designed to prepare the team for a deep run in the GLVC championship race.

Peacock History and Tradition: More Than Just a Mascot

The Upper Iowa Peacocks nickname and tradition are steeped in a history that dates back to the very beginnings of the university's athletic program, established in 1893.

The story of the Peacock mascot originated in the early 1890s when W.C. Marby, a right end on the inaugural UIU football team, brought a stuffed peacock back to the campus in Fayette after a Christmas break. The name stuck, becoming an enduring symbol of the university’s athletic identity.

Historically, the program has been a member of significant conferences, including the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), before finding its current home in the GLVC. Legendary figures like Doc Dorman, who set a record for coaching football at a single college, are a testament to the program's long-standing tradition and commitment to the sport.