The Rise And Resilience: 5 Key Takeaways From Mount St. Joseph University Football’s 2025 Season

The Mount St. Joseph University Lions football team continued its run as a dominant force in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) during the 2025 season, finishing with a strong 6-5 overall record and a near-perfect 5-1 mark in conference play. This performance solidified the Lions' status as perennial contenders in NCAA Division III football, showcasing both offensive firepower and a commitment to academic excellence. As of today, December 17, 2025, the program is riding a wave of success built on consistent coaching and top-tier player development, making them a must-watch team in the HCAC. The 2025 campaign, while not resulting in a fourth consecutive HCAC title, was a testament to the program’s resilience and depth, especially against a challenging non-conference schedule. Head Coach Tyler Hopperton, now in his ninth season, has successfully cultivated a culture of winning, highlighted by impressive victories and significant individual player honors that point toward a very bright future for the Mount St. Joseph football program.

The Leadership and Legacy of Head Coach Tyler Hopperton

Tyler Hopperton has become synonymous with the recent success of Mount St. Joseph University football, transforming the Lions into one of the most respected programs in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. His biography is a testament to his dedication to the institution and Division III football.

• Full Name: Tyler Hopperton
• Born: August 3, 1989
• Current Position: Head Football Coach / Special Teams Coordinator
• Years at MSJ: 14th year overall; 9th season as Head Coach (as of 2025)
• Alma Mater (Undergraduate): College of Mount St. Joseph (B.S.)
• Alma Mater (Graduate): Xavier University (M.Ed.)
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for building a program that excels both on the field and in the classroom.
• HCAC Success: Led the Lions to three consecutive HCAC titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• HCAC Preseason Favorite: The Lions were tabbed as the preseason favorite to win their fourth straight HCAC title heading into the 2025 season.

Hopperton's tenure has been characterized by a remarkable winning percentage and an ability to consistently compete for the conference championship and a spot in the NCAA Division III playoffs. His commitment to the student-athlete experience is further highlighted by the large number of players who achieve Academic All-HCAC honors each year.

2025 Season Recap: A Resilient 6-5 Finish

The 2025 season for the Mount St. Joseph Lions was a thrilling, high-stakes journey that saw the team navigate a demanding schedule and maintain their elite status within the HCAC. Finishing 6-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play, the Lions proved they are a program built for sustained success. The Lions kicked off their season with challenging non-conference matchups against teams like Muskingum University and Aurora University. These early games, while tough, prepared the team for the rigors of the HCAC schedule. The team's 5-1 conference record was a phenomenal achievement, showcasing their dominance over most of their league rivals.

The HCAC Championship Streak Ends, But Dominance Remains

Heading into the 2025 season, the Mount St. Joseph Lions were the three-time defending HCAC Champions, having secured titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their victory over Rose-Hulman in a previous season had secured their third title in a row. While the 2025 HCAC title ultimately went to Hanover, the Lions' 5-1 conference performance confirmed their position as the clear runner-up and a top-tier program. The team demonstrated their ability to "Overpower Rose-Hulman" with a decisive 48-0 road shutout in a key conference matchup. The season was defined by a strong finish, including a box score from a final game on November 22, 2025, against Westminster College (PA), indicating the team was competitive until the very end of the calendar year.

Star Power: The Lions’ Key Players and D3 Honors

Mount St. Joseph’s success is a direct result of exceptional talent on the field, with several players earning significant regional and national recognition for their 2025 performance. The program’s ability to develop players who are recognized by organizations like D3football.com is a major selling point for prospective recruits.

The Quarterback and Offensive Core

The Lions' offense was guided by the dynamic play of quarterback Jaxon Schreiber. A junior, Schreiber was instrumental in the team’s high-scoring victories. In a late-season game against Westminster, Schreiber showcased his potential, throwing for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns. His ability to manage the game and deliver under pressure was crucial to the Lions' success. Alongside Schreiber, running back Steven Napier provided a consistent ground attack. Napier, a key offensive entity, finished the season with 114 attempts for 410 rushing yards and a touchdown over 10 games, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. The receiving corps was anchored by junior wide receiver Michael Hunkus, a constant threat whose presence stretched opposing defenses.

All-Region and Preseason All-America Recognition

The program’s reputation was further bolstered by the announcement that a "Trio of Lions Earn Second Team All-Region from D3football.com" on December 10, 2025. This prestigious honor, given to the top players in Division III football, underscores the quality of talent being developed at MSJ. Furthermore, the program had two standouts named to the 2025 D3football.com Preseason All-America Team, highlighting the national respect the Lions have earned. These awards are pivotal for increasing the program's visibility and attracting future stars.

The MSJ Standard: Academic Excellence and Future Outlook

The Mount St. Joseph football program prides itself on the "student" in student-athlete, a philosophy that continues to bear fruit year after year. The 2025 season was a resounding success in the classroom, demonstrating the team’s commitment to academic rigor.

Record-Breaking Academic Honors

In news released on December 11, 2025, a remarkable 38 Lions earned Academic All-HCAC Honors for their performance in the fall sports season. This massive number of academic award winners is a powerful indicator of the program’s culture, where success is measured beyond the scoreboard. The players' dedication to their studies while competing at a high level is a core value instilled by Coach Hopperton and the Mount St. Joseph University administration.

Looking Ahead to the Next Season

With a 6-5 record and a 5-1 HCAC finish in 2025, the Lions are poised for another championship run. The return of key players like Jaxon Schreiber and Michael Hunkus, combined with the proven leadership of Head Coach Tyler Hopperton, ensures the team will once again be a contender for the HCAC title and a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs. The continuous stream of highly recognized players and the program’s strong academic standing make Mount St. Joseph University football one of the most compelling stories in small-college athletics. The Lions will undoubtedly be the team to beat in the HCAC next season.

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