BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State football team will be opening its 2025 campaign on the road against non-conference opponent Shippensburg University on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Seth Grove Stadium in Shippensburg, Pa. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and will air live on the PSAC Sports Digital Network.
When: Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. (ET)
Where: Seth Grove Stadium - Shippensburg, Pa.
Watch: PSAC Sports Digital Network
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CIAA Preseason Poll
The Bowie State Bulldogs were picked to finish sixth in the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Preseason Poll, as determined by the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association during the CIAA Football Media Day.
Bowie State's sophomore running back Micah Robinson and redshirt senior defensive back Jordan Williams were selected to the 2025 All-CIAA Preseason Team. Robinson, a Baltimore, Md., native, was named the 2024 CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Bulldogs in rushing with 763 yards on 118 carries and five touchdowns. He also ranked second in the conference with an average of 6.0 yards per carry.
Williams, a native of Brandywine, Md., totaled 49 tackles (35 solo, 14 assisted) during the Bulldogs' 2024 season, adding two pass breakups, one interception, and a forced fumble.
Trusting the Process
Head coach Kyle Jackson is entering his third full season as the head coach of his alma mater. Last season, the Bulldogs finished with a record of 4-6, with 10 All-CIAA honors highlighted by CIAA Rookie of the Year Robinson. Rising sophomore Joseph Towler was also selected to the All-CIAA second team and All-Rookie team. Additionally, Jackson had two Bulldogs participate in the Black College Football HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans. After snapping a streak of eight consecutive winning seasons, Jackson is looking to lead Bowie State back to their winning ways.
In an interview with student intern Deitric Willis about what excites him about the upcoming season, Jackson stated, "We finally got those guys who have been through the process, who have been in the program for the time frame we have been here. So, watching them grow and develop and watching their hardwork come to life…I'm excited about it."
Looking at the Offense
After a season where Bowie State ranked third in the CIAA in points per game (29.4), the Bulldogs have brought in reinforcements. Transfer Malakai Anthony from Merrimack College will be under center for the Bulldogs to start the season. The sophomore pair of Robinson and Maximus Jones will be receiving the ball out of the backfield, building off their strong freshman year, combining for 11 rushing touchdowns. The revamped wide receiver room is led by rising junior Antwain Banks, Jr., who is coming off a four-touchdown season in 2024. Last season, BSU ranked fifth in the CIAA for total offense, averaging 344.4 yards per game (3,444 total yards of offense). On the ground, Bowie State ranked second in the conference with 1,763 rushing yards.
Looking at the Defense
The Bulldogs' defense has brought back key returns at all three levels of the defense, with All-CIAA Preseason selection Williams leading the way. Senior Jamal Jones anchors BSU's defensive line, accumulating a team-high four sacks and a team-high nine tackles for loss. Bowie State ranked third in the CIAA for yards allowed in 2024, only allowing 3,096 yards (309.6 yards per game). The defense was also very disruptive, forcing eight fumbles and racking up seven interceptions.
Scouting Shippensburg
The Shippensburg Raiders are coming off a 2-9 overall record and a 1-6 record in the PSAC in 2024. The Radiers were selected to finish seventh in the Eastern Division of the PSAC as voted on by the conference's head coaches. SU is led by head coach Mark Maciejewski, who is entering his 15th season at the helm of his alma mater. The Raiders offense will have a new play caller as second-year coach Drew Gallardy will take over the offensive coordinator role, as well as overseeing SU's offensive line.
Up Next
Bowie State continues its road skid with a trip north to "The First State" for an HBCU showdown against Division I opponent Delaware State University on Sept. 13, at 3 p.m. from Alumni Stadium in Dover, Del.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 14 varsity sports teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com
