The 2025 University of Mary football season added another meaningful chapter to the Marauder story. While the final record finished at 4-7 overall and 3-7 in Northern Sun competition, the season was about far more than wins and losses. It was a year marked by growth, resilience, individual excellence, and a continued commitment to the values that define Marauder football.
From the opening game to the season finale, the Marauders showed the ability to compete, respond to adversity, and build toward the future with purpose.
The Marauders began the year with a 28-22 home victory over Midland, providing an early sign of the team’s competitiveness and determination. As the season progressed, UMary faced one of the most demanding schedules in the conference and continued to battle in every phase of the game.
Several contests showed just how close the Marauders were to changing the shape of the season. A narrow 21-20 loss to nationally ranked Augustana demonstrated that UMary could stand toe-to-toe with one of the league’s top programs. Later, the Marauders pushed MSU Moorhead in a 38-35 homecoming game and carried a strong lead into the fourth quarter on Senior Day before falling 36-29 to Winona State.
Even in difficult moments, the season consistently reflected the heart and determination of the program.
The 2025 season also included impressive victories that highlighted what the Marauders were capable of when all phases came together.
A commanding 40-9 road win at Southwest Minnesota State showed the team’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. UMary followed that with a 44-22 victory at Jamestown, one of the most complete offensive performances of the year. The Marauders also earned a 36-21 win over Minot State in the Battle of the Big Lake, giving the program another important rivalry result and one more reason for supporters to celebrate.
These wins reflected not only talent, but also preparation, execution, and belief.
One of the clearest strengths of the 2025 Marauders was the passing game. UMary averaged 298.1 passing yards per game and 402.9 total yards per game, finishing the season with 3,279 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes. That production placed the Marauders among the stronger passing teams in NCAA Division II and gave the offense the ability to compete in every game.
Under first-year offensive coordinator Taylor Kolste, the Marauders developed a dynamic attack that created big plays, sustained drives, and gave opposing defenses constant pressure. The offense showed balance at times, but its identity was clearly shaped by its ability to move the ball through the air.
That offensive growth is one of the strongest indicators of where the program can go next.
The 2025 season featured several performances that will be remembered well beyond this year.
Luke Bodine delivered one of the finest seasons ever by a Marauder tight end. He finished with 70 receptions for 796 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the team in catches and receiving scores. His season redefined what the tight end position can mean in the UMary offense and placed him among the most productive pass-catchers in the conference.
In his first season at UMary, Damani Wilks made an immediate impact. He totaled 48 catches for 855 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 17.8 yards per reception. His ability to stretch the field gave the Marauders a true vertical threat and helped shape one of the most dangerous passing attacks the program has had in recent years.
Karsyn Jablonski added another major dimension to the offense with 50 catches for 706 yards and seven touchdowns. His most memorable moment came against Winona State, when he caught a 97-yard touchdown pass that set the NCAA-era school record for the longest touchdown reception in program history. It was the kind of play that captures attention immediately and remains part of program history.
The Marauders benefited from several important quarterback contributions throughout the season.
Ryan Blair made an immediate impact in the opener with four touchdown passes against Midland and later earned NSIC Offensive Player of the Week honors after a 341-yard, three-touchdown performance in the win over Jamestown.
Jordan Polo Solomon finished with 1,682 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes, and his play late in the season was especially important. His 385-yard, four-touchdown performance against Winona State stood out as one of the best individual passing performances of the year.
Hudsen Sheldon also provided a valuable spark with his versatility, contributing as both a passer and runner and giving the program another encouraging sign for the future.
The defense continued to produce impact players who helped keep the Marauders competitive throughout the year.
Christopher Federico led the team with 73 total tackles and delivered one of the season’s top defensive performances in the road win over Southwest Minnesota State. Tuakoi Mahe added 67 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and an interception, while Abram Jopp finished with 53 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.
Mason Phillips once again showed why he remains one of the program’s most disruptive defenders. He recorded 4.5 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. His influence extended well beyond statistics, setting a standard for physicality and leadership on the defensive side.
The Marauders’ individual talent and performance were recognized at the conference level after the season concluded.
Mason Phillips and Damani Wilks earned First Team All-NSIC North honors. Luke Bodine and Abram Jopp were named to the Second Team. These recognitions confirmed what Marauder supporters saw throughout the season: UMary featured players capable of competing among the best in the conference.
Those honors also represent the culture behind the program — discipline, preparation, and the pursuit of excellence.
The 2025 season also carried special significance for the senior class. On Senior Day, 21 Marauder football scholar-athletes were honored in their final home appearance in the Blue and Orange. Their contributions helped shape the identity of this team and strengthened the foundation that future Marauders will build upon.
Every program is measured not only by its results, but by the people who invest in it. This senior class did exactly that, giving its time, effort, leadership, and belief to Marauder football.
A season is never defined only by its final record. It is also defined by how a team grows, how it responds, and what it leaves behind.
The 2025 Marauders showed offensive development, produced major individual accomplishments, earned conference recognition, and competed with persistence through a demanding schedule. There were close games that could have changed the season’s final shape, signature victories that showed the team’s ability, and performances that added new milestones to the history of the program.
For alumni, supporters, families, and friends of Marauder football, this season offered plenty to respect and remember.
The 2025 season is now part of Marauder football history, but its impact will continue. It highlighted a passing attack capable of changing games, recognized leaders on both sides of the ball, and reinforced the pride that continues to define the program.
Most importantly, it showed that Marauder football continues to move forward with purpose.
Go Marauders.