UNK Athletics
Kearney, Neb. – The 118th football team in Nebraska Kearney history reported to fall camp this past weekend with the first practice happening on Monday, Aug. 5.
The Lopers will practice daily (8:30-10:30 a.m.) and then hold a walkthrough (4-5 p.m.). Some key dates are Sunday, Aug. 11 (first full padded practice; 2:30-4:30 p.m.), Tuesday, Aug. 13 (first scrimmage; morning) and Thursday, Aug. 21 (second scrimmage; 7-9 p.m.). Practices and scrimmages are free and open to the public. Finally, UNK’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 26.
Head coach Ryan Held and his staff have a roster of 133 players that includes 66 Nebraska natives and players from 19 other states. Picked 10th in the MIAA preseason coaches’ and media polls, the Lopers have 13 returning starters (six defense, four offense and three on special teams) as well as 20 other letterwinners.
Returning All-MIAA players are left tackle Kooper Reece (Valentine) and defensive end Quillan Felton (Lithonia, Ga.). Reece received his honor in 2021 and is trying to return from a major injury sustained in Oct. 2022. Next, graduate transfer Reagan Jones (Wichita) is the new starting quarterback racking up over 4,000 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns in four years at Missouri Western. F
Finally, UNK brought in 19 other transfers including back Isaiah Harris (Nebraska), receiver Shane Dailey Jr. (Idaho State), defensive back Chandler Brown (U. of Buffalo) and three offensive and three defensive linemen.
The year kicks off Thursday, Aug. 29 at Chadron State with the home opener set for the night of Sept. 7 vs. Northwest Missouri.