It’s a Saturday night in St. Joseph, and the air smells like a mix of humid Missouri river bottom and overpriced popcorn. If you’ve ever sat in the bleachers at Spratt Stadium, you know exactly what I’m talking about. People often get the name wrong—calling it "Western Missouri University football"—but for the locals and the alumni, it’s always been Missouri Western State University football.
Small-town ball? Sure. But don't tell that to the sea of black and gold screaming their lungs out.
The Griffons are in a weird spot right now. Honestly, the 2025 season was a bit of a gut punch. They finished 3-8 overall, going 2-7 in the MIAA. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a program that once dominated the region. But if you think this team is just another footnote in Division II history, you’re missing the bigger picture.
Why Missouri Western State University Football Still Matters
Why do we care about a D-II team in a town of 80,000? Basically, because Missouri Western is a "pro" environment hidden in a college town.
Since 2010, the Kansas City Chiefs have held their summer training camp on this campus. Think about that. Super Bowl champions like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are literally sweating on the same turf where the Griffons practice. That $15.7 million indoor facility wasn't just built for the students; it’s a high-performance lab that few schools at this level can match.
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The Tyler Fenwick Era: Growing Pains
Tyler Fenwick took the reins a couple of years back, and it’s been a rollercoaster. He came in with a solid pedigree, but the MIAA is a meat grinder. You’ve got powerhouses like Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State (the hated rivals just 40 miles up the road) who don't give you an inch.
Last year, the Griffons hit some high notes—like that 19-12 win over Missouri Southern in Joplin—but they also got smoked 50-14 by Emporia State. It's that inconsistency that drives fans crazy.
The Legends and the Record Books
You can't talk about this program without mentioning the guys who actually put it on the map. Most people don't realize that Greg Zuerlein—"Greg the Leg"—kicked here. Yeah, the NFL Pro Bowler.
Then there’s Michael Hill. In 2012, the dude was a human cheat code. He rushed for 2,168 yards in a single season. I'm not making that up. He averaged nearly 7 yards every time he touched the ball. That 2012 season was arguably the peak of Missouri Western State University football, with 12 wins and a deep playoff run.
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All-Time Stat Leaders (The Real Ones)
- Passing Yards: Drew Newhart still holds the crown with 3,034 yards in the 2009 season.
- Receptions: Jonas Bennett has been a bright spot lately, hauling in 70 catches for 905 yards just this past season (2024).
- The Defense: Names like David Hedrick and Kinney Redding are etched into the Hall of Fame for a reason. They played a brand of "hit you in the mouth" football that defined the 70s and 80s Griffons.
The Rivalry That Divides the Region
The "Highway 71" rivalry with Northwest Missouri State is basically the MIAA's version of the Iron Bowl. It’s personal.
St. Joseph and Maryville are close enough that people work in one and live in the other. When these two teams meet at Spratt Stadium, the attendance records usually shatter. We’re talking over 7,000 people packed into a D-II stadium, which sounds small until you're standing in the middle of it and can't hear the person next to you.
The reality? Northwest has had the upper hand lately. It’s the elephant in the room. For Missouri Western to get back to the top, they have to figure out how to beat the Bearcats consistently.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
So, what’s the move for 2026?
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The transfer portal has changed everything, even at the D-II level. Missouri Western just saw five of their guys earn CSC Academic All-District honors in January 2026, including some key starters. Keeping that talent in St. Jo is the biggest challenge Fenwick faces.
They need to fix the defense. Giving up 44 points to Pitt State and 50 to Emporia isn't going to cut it. The offense has flashes of brilliance—Jonas Bennett is a legitimate threat—but they need a more consistent ground game to take the pressure off the QB.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you're following Missouri Western State University football, here is what you need to keep an eye on over the next few months:
- Watch the Spring Game: This is where you'll see if the mid-year transfers actually fit the scheme.
- The "Chiefs Effect": Look for facility upgrades. Every year the Chiefs are there, the university finds ways to iterate on their sports medicine and weight room tech.
- MIAA Media Day: Pay attention to where the coaches pick the Griffons to finish. Last year they were overlooked, and they’ll likely be underdogs again in 2026.
The program isn't dead. Far from it. It’s just in that gritty, "everything is possible" rebuilding phase that defines Missouri sports.
To stay updated on the latest roster moves or to grab tickets for the 2026 home opener at Spratt Stadium, check the official athletics site at GoGriffons.com. You can also follow the #GriffUp hashtag on social media to see the off-season grind in real-time.