The 5 Must-See Games On The Blockbuster 2025 Pittsburg State Football Schedule

The Pittsburg State Gorillas football team is poised for a massive 2025 season, and the schedule is packed with must-see matchups that will test their championship mettle from day one. After a dominant 2024 season that saw the Gorillas finish as MIAA Co-Champions with a 10-3 overall record, expectations in Pittsburg, Kansas, are sky-high, as evidenced by their preseason No. 1 ranking in the MIAA Media Poll. The 2025 slate features a brutal non-conference gauntlet and a highly competitive Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) schedule that promises thrilling action at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium and on the road. This is the most current and up-to-date breakdown of the schedule for fans planning their fall Saturdays.

The 2025 season, which was officially announced earlier this year, is built to challenge the Gorillas under Head Coach Tom Anthony. It includes a rare Thursday night opener against the defending national champions and a marquee non-conference clash against a Division II powerhouse, setting the stage for an intense run at the MIAA title and a deep NCAA Division II playoff push.

Pittsburg State Gorillas Football: Key 2025 Season Details and Program Profile

The Pittsburg State Gorillas have one of the most storied programs in NCAA Division II history, known for their passionate fan base and winning tradition. Here is a quick look at the vital statistics and key personnel for the 2025 campaign, providing the essential context for the upcoming schedule.

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• University: Pittsburg State University (PSU)
• Location: Pittsburg, Kansas
• Team Nickname: Gorillas
• Conference: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)
• NCAA Division: Division II
• Head Coach: Tom Anthony (Entering his second season; guided the team to an 8-3 record in his debut season, with the 2024 team finishing 10-3 as MIAA Co-Champions).
• Offensive Coordinator: Mark Smith (Elevated to the role in December 2024).
• Home Stadium: Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium
• Stadium Capacity: 8,343 (Widely regarded as one of the finest venues in Division II).
• 2024 Season Result: 10-3 Overall, 8-1 MIAA (MIAA Co-Champions).
• 2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 2 in MIAA Coaches Poll, No. 1 in MIAA Media Poll.

The Full 2025 Pittsburg State Gorillas Football Schedule Breakdown

The 2025 schedule is a challenging 11-game slate, featuring two massive non-conference tests and nine MIAA contests. The Gorillas will host six games at the historic Carnie Smith Stadium, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see the action live. All times listed are Central Time (CT).

2025 Pittsburg State Gorillas Football Schedule (Dates & Opponents)

• Thursday, August 28: at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI) - 5:00 P.M. (Non-Conference)
• Saturday, September 6: vs. University of Central Oklahoma (HOME) - 7:00 P.M. (MIAA)
• Saturday, September 13: vs. Grand Valley State University (HOME) - Time TBA (Non-Conference)
• Saturday, September 20: vs. Fort Hays State University (HOME - Family Day) - 4:00 P.M. (MIAA)
• Saturday, September 27: at Emporia State University (Emporia, KS) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, October 4: vs. University of Nebraska at Kearney (HOME) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, October 11: at Washburn University (Topeka, KS) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, October 18: vs. Northwest Missouri State University (HOME - Homecoming) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, October 25: at Central Missouri University (Warrensburg, MO) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, November 1: vs. Missouri Southern State University (HOME - Rivalry) - Time TBA (MIAA)
• Saturday, November 22: vs. Chadron State College (HOME) - 1:00 P.M. (Non-Conference)

The Five Games That Will Define Pitt State's 2025 Season

While every MIAA game is crucial, a handful of matchups stand out as potential season-defining moments. These games will determine the Gorillas' national standing, playoff seeding, and MIAA title hopes.

1. The National Opener: at Ferris State University (August 28)

This is arguably the most anticipated game in the entire Division II landscape to kick off the 2025 season. The Gorillas travel to Big Rapids, Michigan, for a rare Thursday night showdown against the Ferris State Bulldogs, who are the reigning NCAA Division II national champions. This non-conference clash is a massive early-season test that will immediately establish Pitt State's national credibility. A win here would send a powerful message across the country that the Gorillas are legitimate title contenders. It’s a battle of two of the nation's premier programs.

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2. The Marquee Home Test: vs. Grand Valley State University (September 13)

The Gorillas follow up their opener with another high-profile non-conference game, hosting the Grand Valley State Lakers. The Lakers are another Division II powerhouse, and this game is a crucial early home test for Head Coach Tom Anthony's squad. A victory at Carnie Smith Stadium against a team of GVSU's caliber would be a major resume booster for NCAA playoff consideration later in the year, ensuring the Gorillas enter the MIAA schedule with momentum.

3. The Family Day Rivalry: vs. Fort Hays State University (September 20)

The first true MIAA home test comes against the Fort Hays State Tigers. This is a key conference matchup, and the Family Day atmosphere ensures a packed and electric Carnie Smith Stadium. The MIAA is notoriously tough, and getting a home win against a conference rival is essential for a team with championship aspirations. The 4:00 P.M. kickoff is perfect for a full day of tailgating and Gorilla football.

4. The Homecoming Showdown: vs. Northwest Missouri State University (October 18)

The annual Homecoming game is always a highlight, and this year features a classic MIAA rivalry against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. While the exact time is yet to be announced, this game will be a crucial mid-season battle that often has direct MIAA championship implications. Historically, the matchups between these two programs have been intense, high-stakes affairs that draw massive crowds and national attention. This contest is a must-watch for any college football fan.

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5. The Rivalry for the Axe: vs. Missouri Southern State University (November 1)

The Gorillas' rivalry game against the Missouri Southern Lions, known as the "Battle for the Traveling Trophy," is a tradition-rich contest that always brings out the best in both teams. Occurring late in the season, this game will likely have playoff implications for Pitt State and is a chance to secure bragging rights over a regional rival. The atmosphere for this contest is always frenetic, making it a fitting game to round out the home schedule before the final regular season stretch.

Pittsburg State's Path to the MIAA Championship and NCAA Playoffs

The 2025 Pittsburg State football schedule is a clear statement of intent: the Gorillas are not shying away from competition. By scheduling two of the toughest non-conference opponents in Division II (Ferris State and Grand Valley State), the team is building an impressive strength of schedule, which is critical for NCAA playoff seeding. The MIAA slate, including tough road trips and major home games against Fort Hays State and Northwest Missouri State, will test their depth and consistency.

With a core of returning talent and the momentum of a 2024 MIAA Co-Championship, Head Coach Tom Anthony and his staff have the Gorillas positioned as the team to beat in the conference. Fans can expect a physical, high-energy brand of football that aims to not only win the MIAA title but also bring the Division II National Championship back to Pittsburg, Kansas. The road to glory begins on a Thursday night in August, and the excitement for the 2025 season is palpable.