By: Paxton Ritchie
CSC Sports Information Director
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State athletics has officially announced its football schedule for the upcoming 2025 season, which features four home games, a Division I opponent and a Week 8 bye.
The Eagles' home dates at Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium will be September 13 at (vs. Black Hills State), September 27 (vs. Colorado Mesa), October 11 (vs. New Mexico Highlands) and November 8 (vs. Western Colorado). CSC's home opener against Black Hills State will kick off at 6 p.m., with the other three home games starting at 1 p.m.
For the second consecutive season, Chadron State will begin the season early with a "Week 0" game. This year, the Eagles will open on the road against the University of Northern Colorado, a Division I (FCS) opponent which currently competes in the Big Sky Conference, on Saturday, August 30.
The following Saturday, September 6, Chadron State will complete its nonconference schedule by traveling to take on in-state rivals Nebraska Kearney. The two schools will compete once again for the "Good Life Trophy," a traveling trophy that was introduced last season for what is scheduled to be a yearly renewed rivalry between the schools.
Chadron State's home opener and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opener will be Saturday, September 13 against Black Hills State. The Eagles will play in consecutive weeks for the first eight games of the season prior to having a bye week during the week of Saturday, October 26.
The September 27 game against Colorado Mesa will serve as both homecoming and the Eagles' Hall of Fame weekend. Senior Day will take place during CSC's home finale against Western Colorado on November 8.
Highlights of the road RMAC games on CSC's schedule include the annual Eagle-Rock Trophy showdown with South Dakota Mines in Rapid City on November 1 and the regular season finale at defending RMAC champions CSU Pueblo on November 15.
Chadron State is coming off a competitive 3-8 season where the Eagles lost five games by seven points or fewer, including two one-score losses to nationally ranked opponents.
The Eagles are set to return quarterback DJ Ralph, who battled injuries but was named the RMAC Offensive Player of the Week after one of the five games he started for CSC last season. Key leaders from a defensive unit that ranked second in the RMAC in total defense and third in scoring defense also return, including All-Region safety Dax Yeradi and linebacker Logan O'Brien. Chadron State also welcomed a class of 38 signees on National Signing Day this February.
All Eagle games, home and away, will be broadcast live with a video feed on the RMAC Network and on the radio on Double Q County 97.5/105.9 FM with Dave Collins. Further information on tickets will be available soon.
Chadron State began spring practice this past Wednesday. The Eagles' intrasquad spring game will take place on Friday, April 25.
