5 Shocking Takeaways From The Coast Guard Bears Football 2024 Season And 2025 Outlook

The United States Coast Guard Academy Bears football program has firmly established itself as a must-watch team in NCAA Division III football, particularly within the competitive NEWMAC (New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference). As of December 16, 2025, the program is riding a wave of momentum following a successful 5-5 campaign in 2024, highlighted by one of the most significant wins in the history of its storied rivalry. The Bears are not just competing; they are building a foundation for sustained success under Head Coach C. C. Grant, blending the demanding life of a cadet with the rigors of collegiate athletics.

The 2024 season proved that the Bears can be a formidable force, showcasing a prolific offense that kept them in every game. Now, with a core group of talented players returning and a new season on the horizon, the focus shifts to translating close games into conference victories and making a serious push for the NEWMAC title in 2025. This deep dive uncovers the key takeaways from the recent season and what fans can expect from the New London, CT-based squad.

The Architect: Head Coach C. C. Grant and Program Biography

The Coast Guard Bears football team represents the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) and competes at the NCAA Division III level. The program is steeped in history, having played its first recorded game in 1922, and its legacy includes connections to some of football's greats.

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• Team Name: Coast Guard Bears
• Affiliation: NCAA Division III
• Conference: NEWMAC (New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference)
• Home Field: Cadet Memorial Field (Capacity: 4,500)
• Location: New London, Connecticut (New London, CT)
• Head Coach: C. C. Grant (Entering his sixth season in 2025)
• All-Time Football Record (Approximate): 290-482-27 (Through 2024 season)
• Famous Alumni/Coaches: Otto Graham (Hall of Fame Coach/Player), Curt Knight (NFL Pro Player), Thomas Farris (Professional Football Player for Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears).
• Key Rivalry: Secretaries' Cup vs. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)

Head Coach C. C. Grant has been a long-time leader at the Academy, taking over the football program for the 2020 season. While his overall record stands at 15-26, his tenure has been marked by significant offensive firepower and a commitment to developing cadet-athletes who excel both on the field and in their future roles serving the nation.

The 2024 Season: A Tale of Two Halves and Clutch Victories

The 2024 campaign saw the Bears achieve a balanced 5-5 overall record, finishing 3-4 in the NEWMAC standings, tied with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense, the final record reflects a highly competitive Division III landscape where every conference game is a battle.

The Prolific Offense of Sean Burns

The heart of the 2024 team was its high-powered offense, led by quarterback Sean Burns. Burns was the engine of the prolific attack, averaging a significant number of passing yards per game. His ability to distribute the ball and lead scoring drives was critical to the team's success, making the Bears a threat to score on any possession.

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Overtime Thrillers and Early Momentum

The Bears proved their grit early in the season, winning two nail-biting overtime contests. They opened the season with a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory against the University of New England. This was immediately followed by another thrilling win, a 52-45 double-overtime shootout against Anna Maria College. These early victories set a tone of resilience and provided crucial non-conference momentum, showcasing the team's ability to perform under intense pressure.

The Shocking 2024 Secretaries' Cup Dominance

The most significant and defining moment of the 2024 season was the 44th annual battle for the Secretaries' Cup against their arch-rivals, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). This rivalry is a cornerstone of Service Academy football at the Division III level, and the games are historically intense and often come down to the wire.

A Dominant Victory Over the Mariners

In a stunning display of offensive and defensive execution, the Coast Guard Bears dominated the USMMA Mariners, winning the 2024 Secretaries' Cup with a commanding 42-21 score at Tomb Field in Kings Point, N.Y. This victory was a massive statement for the Coast Guard program, as it was a decisive win in a rivalry known for its close finishes, including a previous dramatic 39-38 loss at historic Fenway Park.

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The 42-21 final score not only secured the coveted Cup but also highlighted the team's ability to peak in their most important game of the season. This triumph gives the Bears bragging rights and a psychological edge heading into the 2025 season, making the next Secretaries' Cup a highly anticipated event for both academies and NEWMAC football fans.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season and Key Players to Watch

With the 2024 season in the rearview mirror, attention turns to the 2025 campaign, where the Bears aim to improve their 3-4 conference record and challenge the top teams in the NEWMAC, such as SUNY-Maritime, Salve Regina, and WPI.

The 2025 Roster: New Faces and Returning Leaders

The 2025 roster, which is already being finalized, shows a strong mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. The program’s success will rely on the development of these key players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball to complement the proven offense.

• Riley Miller (LB): A linebacker listed on the 2025 roster, Miller's performance at the heart of the defense will be crucial for stopping the run and applying pressure.
• Amr Baadani (WR): Listed as a Wide Receiver, Baadani will be a key target in the passing game, helping to maintain the prolific nature of the Bears' offense.
• Ty (DB): A Defensive Back, Ty represents the core of the secondary, essential for shutting down opposing passing attacks in the air-raid-heavy NEWMAC conference.
• James Wheeler IV: Having had a strong performance in 2024, including multiple rushing touchdowns in the season opener, Wheeler's role will be vital for a balanced offensive attack in 2025.

The Bears, who play their home games at Cadet Memorial Field in New London, CT, will need strong leadership from both the upperclassmen and the coaching staff to navigate the tough conference schedule, which includes matchups against teams like MIT and Norwich.

The Division III Service Academy Difference

What makes Coast Guard Bears football unique is the dual commitment required of its athletes. As NCAA Division III players, they do not receive athletic scholarships, but as cadets, they are simultaneously training to become officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. This means balancing rigorous academic and military training with the demands of football practice and a full 10-game schedule.

The program's history is a testament to this unique environment, producing not only successful teams but also leaders like Hall of Famer Otto Graham, who coached the Bears. The team's participation in the NEWMAC ensures high-level competition, preparing the cadets for the intense pressures of their future careers. The drive, discipline, and teamwork cultivated on the football field at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are directly transferable to their service careers, making the Coast Guard Bears a true embodiment of the term "student-athlete." The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in this storied program's history.