HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- The 2025 college football season marks the 131st-year of gridiron competition for Hampden-Sydney College. Second-year head coach Vince Luvara and his coaching staff begin the campaign with a roster of 136 team members, including 73 returners and 63 newcomers, and the Tigers are primed to compete for their first Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Football Championship since claiming back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. H-SC has won nine ODAC championships overall and the Tigers enter this season with number 10 as the ultimate goal.
 
"With a talented and experienced returning roster, complemented by an impressive freshman class, we're eager to see how this team comes together," said Luvara.
 
OFFENSE
Quarterback
H-SC will be led offensively by senior team captain Carter Sido (Dallas, TX), a Third Team All-ODAC selection a year ago. He started the first nine games before a season-ending injury, completing 142-237 passes (59.9%) for 1,842 yards and 22 touchdowns with four 250-yard passing games. Carter added 200 rushing yards on 89 attempts and two rushing touchdowns for 2,042 yards of total offense. He led the ODAC in passing touchdowns and passing efficiency (152.5), was third in passing yards, passing yards per game (204.7) and total offense per game (227.1) and fourth in completion percentage (59.9), while 39th in Division III in points responsible for per game (16.7) and 50th in passing touchdowns.

Depth at the position includes sophomores Tanner Ballou (Oak Ridge, NC), Connor Creech (Winston-Salem, NC) and Wendell Thompson (Charlotte, NC). Thompson played and started one game last season, completing 13-24 passes (54.2%) for 133 passing yards and one passing touchdown against Randolph-Macon on November 16, leading the team to a touchdown on the first possession of the game, driving 75 yards on 12 plays, culminating with a nine-yard scoring pass to Sutton Lasso '25.

Freshmen newcomers at the position include John Bishop (Jacksonville, FL) and Teagan Logan (Richmond).

"We are thrilled with our quarterback situation," said Luvara. "All six quarterbacks are capable of playing and giving us a strong chance to win. Carter, in particular, had an outstanding camp, showing significant growth both as a player on the field and as a leader off it. The other guys pushed him very hard and made it a very competitive fall camp. We anticipate a great year from the quarterback group."

Running Back
The Tigers will open with junior Terry Hicks (Clayton, NC), also a Third Team All-ODAC selection a year ago. He started all nine games he played and had 855 rushing yards on 164 rushing attempts and nine rushing touchdowns, including a career-high 207 rushing yards at Bridgewater on November 2 among four 100-yard rushing games. Terry added 18 receptions for 162 receiving yards for 1,017 all-purpose yards, and was second in the ODAC in rushing yards per game (95.0) and all-purpose yards per game (113.0), fourth in rushing yards, tied for sixth in rushing touchdowns and seventh in rushing yards per carry (5.2), while 43rd in Division III rushing yards per game. Hicks was also a Hansen Ratings All-Region 3 selection.

Depth will come from senior Joseph Gonzalez (Spotsylvania) and sophomore Brice Pool (Danville). Gonzalez played in all 10 games, primarily as a return specialist, and averaged 21.7 yards on 27 kick returns with a season long return of 61 yards. He was ninth in the ODAC in kick return average, and 16th in all-purpose yards (591) and all-purpose yards per game (59.1), while 40th in Division III in combined kick return yardage (585).

Freshmen newcomers at the position include Will Foley (Virginia Beach) and Walker Warshall (Atlanta, GA).

"We expect Terry and Jojo to form one of the nation's top running back duos this year," said Luvara. "Both are complete players who complement each other exceptionally well. The younger running backs also had an impressive camp, demonstrating their capability to contribute significantly this season."

Wide/Slot Receiver
Sophomore Manning Lasso (Raleigh, NC) will lead a talented group at the position after earning Second Team All-ODAC honors last season. He started all 10 games and had 40 receptions for 517 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, including two 100-yard receiving games. Manning tied for second in the ODAC in receiving touchdowns, was fifth in receptions, receptions per game (4.0) and receiving yards per game (51.7), sixth in receiving yards and 19th in all-purpose yards per game (51.7). Senior team captain Mason Cunningham (Arlington) returns after missing 2024 with an injury, and earned D3football.com Third Team All-Region 3 and First Team All-ODAC in 2023 when he started all 10 games with 79 receptions for 794 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, including three 100-yard receiving games. Mason led the ODAC in receptions, receptions per game (7.9), receiving yards and receiving yards per game (79.4) that season, tied for third in receiving touchdowns, ranked seventh in all-purpose yards per game (85.8) and ninth in all-purpose yards (858).

Also expected to compete for starting spots are junior James Bishop (Jacksonville) and senior Jordan Jackson (Fredericksburg). James Bishop played in eight games, primarily on special teams, while Jackson started one of 10 games and had four receptions for 68 yards. Initial depth will come from junior Drew Bonner (Nashville, TN), sophomore Phillip Dube (Glen Allen), sophomore transfers Tyler Hendley (Charlotte, NC) and McCallum Wright (Raleigh, NC), as well as freshmen Dario Benaglia (Frisco, TX) and RJ Sloan (Chesapeake). Hendley was a two-year member of the team at Furman (SC) University of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and McCallum was a two-year member of the team at East Carolina (NC) University of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

"We believe we have one of the most talented and deepest receiver groups in the country," said Luvara. "Mason's return will be a major boost for our offense. We expect Manning to build on his strong freshman year and continue developing. With our depth, we feel confident we are 15-deep at the receiver position."

Tight End
Redshirt-sophomore Kam Mahoney (Bristow) is expected to start after playing in eight games last fall. Depth to start includes sophomores Zander Cornell (Chatham) and Connor Shelton (Charlotte, NC), along with freshman Joe Crowley (Winston-Salem, NC).

"We're thrilled with the progress of our tight end group during camp," said Luvara. "We expect significant contributions from Kam and Connor in both the run and passing games, as their development throughout the offseason was clear throughout August. We're also excited about the potential shown by the other players in this group so far."

Offensive Line
Senior team captain William Stimmel (Atlanta, GA) returns on the offensive line and has started 12 of 13 career games, and while injuries have limited him throughout his career, he is expected to be available again to start the season. Joining him in the lineup are sophomore team captain Cash Topinka (Charlotte, NC) and classmate Thomas Wilson (Charlotte, NC), who each started all 10 games a year ago and both were named to the Hansen Ratings Freshman All-American Team. Sophomore Jacob Pressinger (Spotsylvania) and freshman Braden McIntire (Louisa) are also expected to start this fall.

Depth will come from seniors Robert Caskey (King George) and Elijah Griffin (Beuna Vista), along with sophomores Bill Ball (Yorktown), Edy Cruz (Richmond), Andrew Lampe (Herndon) and Jonas Taylor (Spotsylvania). Freshmen depth includes Owen Bellson (Dallas, TX), Frank Cahoon IV (Summerville, SC), Johnny Jackson (Atlanta, GA), Graham Marsh (Raleigh, NC), Robby Peckham (Virginia Beach) and Carter Trobaugh (Jacksonville, FL).

"We're thrilled about our offensive line group, which is both deep and highly talented," said Luvara. "Will's return will significantly boost our run and pass games. Cash and Thomas have made tremendous strides since their freshman year, and we expect them to pick up where they left off. The rest of the group consistently demonstrates their talent and depth. We anticipate great things from this unit this season."

DEFENSE
Linebackers
H-SC will be led defensively by senior team captain Robert Clarke (Atlanta, GA), a Second Team All-ODAC selection a year ago. He started the first eight games as a junior before a season-ending injury and was second on the team with 64 total tackles, including 28 solo and 36 assists, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and two fumbles recovered. Robert had three games with at least 10 tackles, including a career-high 14 tackles at Ferrum on October 19, and tied for fourth in the ODAC in fumbles recovered, was fifth in tackles per game (8.0) and tied for 10th in total tackles, while tied for 35th in Division III in fumbles recovered.

Clark could be joined in the lineup by seniors Eddie Allen (Richmond) and Max Pickren (Mount Pleasant, SC), along with sophomore Frank Brewer (Charlotte, NC). Allen started two of 10 games and had 27 total tackles, including nine solo and 18 assists, 3.0 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. Pickren started the first five games as a junior before a season-ending injury and had 15 total tackles, including eight solo and seven assists, 2.0 tackles for loss and one interception returned 23 yards at Guilford (NC) on October 5 – he has started 15 of 21 career games. Brewer started the last five of 10 games played and was third on the team with 53 total tackles, including 22 solo and 31 assists, 2.0 tackles for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry, two pass breakups and one fumble recovered, and tied for 10th in the ODAC in fumbles recovered.

Depth is expected from junior Xavier Lang (Greenville, NC) and sophomore Max Bidou (Mechanicsville).

Freshmen newcomers at the position include Gavin Gallavan (Richmond), Ashton Lawler (Mechanicsville), Jefferson Meade (Ashland), Christian Shaw (Raleigh, NC) and Charlie Sutton (Greenville, NC).

"Defensively, Robert is an exceptional leader both on and off the field," said Luvara. "His absence last year noticeably impacted our defense. Having him back, along with Max Pickren, who we lost early last season, will greatly strengthen our unit. Frank, Eddie, and Max Bidou had outstanding camps, and we expect them to be highly productive. We also anticipate significant contributions from our younger players this season."

Secondary
A veteran secondary features senior team captain Markevus Graves-Franklin (Lynchburg) and classmate James Townsend (Hardeeville, SC), along with sophomores Parks Cromwell (Charlotte, NC) and Mitch Ladamus (Fort Mill, SC). Graves-Franklin started the final five games as a junior after a preseason injury and was fourth on the team with 52 total tackles, including 28 solo and 24 assists, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one pass breakup. He had two games with at least 10 tackles, including a career-high 16 tackles at Shenandoah on November 9. Townsend started all 10 games and was eighth on the team with 39 total tackles, including 29 solo and 10 assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups. He tied for eighth in the ODAC in passes defended (8) and pass breakups, and tied for ninth in interceptions. James had one game with at least 10 tackles, including a career-high 10 tackles vs. Centre (KY) on September 21. Cromwell started nine of 10 games and was fifth on the team with 48 total tackles, including 35 solo and 13 assists, 1.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He tied for second in the ODAC in passes defended (10), tied for third in pass breakups, tied for fourth in forced fumbles and tied for ninth in interceptions. Ladamus started five of nine games and was 10th on the team with 34 total tackles, including 16 solo and 18 assists, 0.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He had one game with at least 10 tackles, including a career-high 12 tackles at Washington and Lee on October 12.

Depth in the secondary to begin the season will come from senior Xavier Mears (Chesterfield), juniors Jeremiah Daniels (Arlington), Cam Jackson (Alexandria) and Wade Warren (Raleigh, NC), and sophomore Clay Black (Greer, SC).  Jackson started one of six games and had 11 total tackles, including seven solo and four assists, 0.5 tackles for loss and three pass breakups. 

Freshmen newcomers include Tyshaun Baldwin (Riverdale, GA), Aaron Diggs Berry (Glen Allen), Will Bostwick (Bluffton, SC), Andrew Clifford (Jacksonville, FL), Bristan DeRocher (Marietta, GA), Garrett Holloway (Jacksonville, FL) and Xzavior Wiggins (Elizabeth City, NC).

"We're thrilled with the progress of our secondary," said Luvara. "We return many experienced players who have already seen significant game time. We expect standout performances from James, Parks, Kev, Cam, and Mitch, with a notable improvement in the position group overall. The group has competed fiercely and pushed each other during camp, and we feel we have much greater depth this season compared to last."

Defensive Line
The defensive line should include seniors Wyatt Croson (Warrenton) and Jacob McKinney (Springfield), along with sophomore Kenen Barlowe (North Chesterfield). Croson started five of eight games as a junior and had 23 total tackles, including four solo and 19 assists, and 0.5 sacks. McKinney missed last season with an injury and has played in 17 career games with 43 career total tackles, including 23 solo and 20 assists, 8.0 career tackles for loss, 7.0 career sacks, one career pass breakup and five career quarterback hurries.

Initial depth on the line begins with seniors Andrew Arthur-Humphrey (Woodbridge) and Bryson Stokes (Martinsville), along with sophomore Jordan Pence (Charlotte, NC). Arthur-Humphrey started nine of 10 games and was ninth on the team with 38 total tackles, including 11 solo and 27 assists, 2.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. Stokes started three of nine games and had eight total tackles, including two solo and six assists, and 1.0 tackle for loss.

Freshmen newcomers on the defensive line include Nadir Abdussalaam (Appomattox), Braden Lyons (Virginia Beach), Eythan Serrano (Dallas, TX) and Hurley Wiker (Keller, TX).

"We're extremely pleased with the development and growth of this unit during fall camp," said Luvara. "They've shown the most improvement of any group since we reported in August. They consistently push each other to be their best, continuing to develop and challenge one another daily.  Like wide receiver we have the ability to play 10 guys a game at this position."

Kicking/Specialists
Junior punter Camden Richardson (Midlothian) returns after playing in nine games as a sophomore and averaged 37.2 yards on 26 punts with three punts over 50 yards, three punts downed inside the 20 and a career long punt of 56 yards. Depth comes from sophomore placekicker Jack Slokker (Richmond), along with freshmen placekickers Davis Dudley (Charlotte, NC) and Hank Webb (Salisbury, NC), and freshman punter Alex Jurch (Charlotte, NC).

Senior Quinton Waddy (Bristow) returns to handle snapping on extra points and field goals for his fourth season, while junior Jake Allen (Holly Springs, NC) returns to snap on punts for his third season.

"Cam has excelled in taking over the placekicking and resuming punting duties, while the three freshmen and Jack consistently challenge him daily," said Luvara. "With the talent we have at the skill positions, we expect significant contributions from our special teams units this season."

Return Specialists
Joseph Gonzalez is expected to feature on kick returns, while Mason Cunningham should return punts as he did two years ago. Depth could come from Manning Lasso, junior Aaron Chaney (Belmont, NC) and sophomore Chris Montecino (Arlington).

"With Mason's return and Jojo's presence, our return game should be highly explosive," said Luvara. "Both have a proven track record as two of the best returners in the country."

Coaching Staff
Coach Luvara is assisted on his staff this fall by Zach Zullinger '07 (Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator), David Clark, Jr. (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties/Equipment), Max Beal (Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line/Director of Football Operations), Teddy Spooner (Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator/Director of Community Service), Jadin Davis (Cornerbacks/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Recruiting Coordinator [Defense]/Assistant Equipment), William Edgar (Defensive Line/Video Coordinator/Assistant Recruiting Coordinator [Defense]), Tayshaun Porter (Wide Receivers/Assistant Recruiting Coordinator (Offense)/Assistant Director of Community Service), Tyler Peterson (Tight Ends/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Director of Football Operations/Assistant Video Coordinator), Kyle Lafayette '25 (Nickels), Thomas Robinson (Running Backs), Deke Summers '67 (Senior Offensive Consultant/Assistant Quarterbacks), Joe Freeland (Outside Linebackers) and Richard Ramirez (Director of Sports Performance for Football).

H-SC will open the season on the road at non-conference opponent Delaware Valley University on Saturday, September 6, at 12 p.m. in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The Tigers' first home game is against visiting Washington & Jefferson (PA) College on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. on Fulton Field at Lewis C. Everett Stadium. All games can be heard locally on WVHL Radio, Kickin' Country 92.9 FM, and will also be available worldwide on the Internet at wvhl.net or via the TuneIn Radio App.