Let's be real for a second. If you’ve been following the Owls lately, you know things have been in a bit of a transition phase. But honestly, the 2025 season felt different. There’s a certain energy around Jess Dow Field that hasn't been there in a minute. Much of that comes down to the Southern Connecticut State University football roster and the massive shake-up that happened when Joe Loth took the reins as the seventh head coach in program history.
Loth didn’t just walk into a stable situation. He inherited a team that was basically looking for an identity after some lean years. The roster he put together for the 2025 campaign was a mix of gritty veterans who refused to quit and a bunch of new faces trying to prove they belong in the NE10.
The Playmakers Who Defined the 2025 Southern Connecticut State University Football Roster
When you look at the stats from this past season, one name jumps off the page immediately: Kieran Falzon. If you haven't seen this kid run, you're missing out. He basically put the offense on his back. Falzon led the Northeast-10 in almost every major rushing category—points, touchdowns, and rushing yards. We're talking about a guy who racked up 1,227 yards on the ground.
He wasn't just a volume runner, either. He was efficient. He averaged over 6 yards a carry. He had these massive breakout games, like the one against Post where he dropped four touchdowns in an overtime thriller. That 52-45 win to cap off the season? That was the Falzon show, plain and simple.
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But a ground game only works if the defense has to respect the air. That’s where the "Dynamic Duo" came in. Seth Westover and Divine Edwards were absolute problems for opposing secondaries.
- Seth Westover: Led the team with 40 catches and 679 yards. He has this knack for finding the end zone, finishing with 6 receiving TDs.
- Divine Edwards: Even though he missed a couple of games, he still put up 553 yards. His performance against Catawba—145 yards in a single game—was arguably the best individual receiving performance of the year.
Coaching Philosophy and the Loth Effect
Joe Loth coming over from Western Connecticut was a big deal. The guy knows how to build programs. At WestConn, he took a team on a 21-game losing streak and turned them into a consistent winner. You can see him trying to instill that same "refuse to lose" mentality in New Haven.
The coaching staff he built around him reflects that veteran experience. You've got Rob Eggerling handling the defense and John Weiss running the offense. It’s a group that understands the specific grind of New England Division II football. They aren't trying to be flashy; they’re trying to be physical.
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Defensive Standouts and the All-NE10 Honors
Defense was a bit of a roller coaster this year, but the individual talent is definitely there. The Owls ended up with five players on the All-Northeast-10 Conference teams. While the offense got a lot of the glory with Falzon and the receivers, the defensive front and linebacker corps had to grow up fast under Eggerling’s system.
It’s interesting to see how the roster is shifting toward younger talent. Daniel Benzi is a name you need to remember. He earned All-Rookie honors and followed it up with a Second Team All-NE10 selection. When you have a freshman or sophomore making that kind of impact, it gives you a lot of hope for the next couple of seasons.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Honestly, the 4-6 record (4-3 in the conference) doesn't tell the whole story. The Owls were actually pretty competitive in the NE10. They finished 4th in the conference in total offense, averaging about 360 yards per game.
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| Unit | Performance Metric |
|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | 1,420 total yards |
| Passing Offense | 2,182 total yards |
| Total Points | 255 (25.5 per game) |
| Field Goals | 7-of-8 (led the NE10 in percentage) |
The kicking game was actually a hidden strength. Being able to rely on a kicker to nail 87.5% of their attempts is a luxury most D2 teams don't have. It kept them in games where the offense stalled in the red zone.
What's Next for the Owls?
So, where does the Southern Connecticut State University football roster go from here? The foundation is clearly the run game and a solid group of receivers. The big question heading into the 2026 cycle is going to be depth.
Loth has shown he can recruit the state of Connecticut well—just look at guys like Quinton Haughton and Zach Hrubiec who are local products. To take that next step and challenge teams like New Haven or Bentley for the top of the NE10, they need to bolster the defensive secondary and find a long-term answer at quarterback that can match the production of the skill players.
If you’re a fan or a prospective student-athlete, keep an eye on the transfer portal and the upcoming signing day. Loth is likely going to look for "plug and play" defenders to complement the high-powered offense they've started to build.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits:
- Follow the Stats: Keep an eye on the official SCSU Owls Athletics site for updated spring ball rosters.
- Watch the Film: If you're a recruit, look at the schemes Joe Loth ran at WestConn versus his first year at Southern; he favors a balanced attack but will lean on a workhorse back if he has one.
- Attend Spring Games: The best way to see the "new" roster before the 2026 season kicks off is the annual spring scrimmage at Jess Dow Field, usually held in late April.