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5 Reasons Briar Cliff University Football’s 2025 Season Was A Historic Turnaround

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The Briar Cliff University Chargers football program has officially signaled a dramatic shift in its competitive trajectory, culminating in a landmark 2025 season. As of December 22, 2025, the Chargers have completed one of the most successful campaigns in recent memory, moving from a challenging 2-9 overall record in 2024 to a winning 6-5 overall record in 2025. This significant improvement, which included a 5-5 finish in the competitive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), has energized the fan base and positioned the team as a rising power in NAIA football.

This article dives deep into the factors behind this monumental turnaround, examining the leadership, the standout players, the program's foundation, and the future outlook for Charger football under Head Coach Shane LaDage, whose vision for the program is clearly taking hold in Sioux City, Iowa.

Briar Cliff Chargers Football Program: Essential Biography & Profile

The Briar Cliff Chargers represent Briar Cliff University, a private Catholic university in Sioux City, Iowa.

  • Program Nickname: Chargers
  • University Location: Sioux City, Iowa
  • Athletic Affiliation: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
  • Conference: Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)
  • First Season: 2003
  • Home Field: Memorial Field (shared with Bishop Heelan Memorial Field)
  • Head Coach: Shane LaDage (Hired December 2020)
  • 2025 Season Record: 6-5 Overall (5-5 GPAC)
  • 2024 Season Record: 2-9 Overall (2-8 GPAC)
  • Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach: Ryan Sayre
  • Recruiting Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach: Ryan Ross

1. The Monumental 2025 Season Turnaround: From 2-9 to 6-5

The most compelling story in Charger football is the massive leap in performance witnessed during the 2025 season. The team's 6-5 overall record marks a four-win improvement from the previous year, demonstrating a significant commitment to development and execution.

A Winning GPAC Record is a Game Changer

Crucially, the Chargers finished the 2025 campaign with a .500 winning percentage in the highly competitive GPAC, posting a 5-5 conference record. This achievement is a testament to the team's ability to compete with established GPAC powerhouses and is a major step toward becoming a perennial contender.

The season included a key victory against St. Ambrose University on August 30, 2025, with the Chargers winning 35-23, setting an early tone for the successful year. The team's overall statistics for the 2025 season also reflected this improvement, averaging 304.9 yards per game and 18.2 points per game.

This success is built on a foundation of strong home performances at Memorial Field, a venue where the Chargers have historically shown they can dominate, including a season where they went undefeated on their home turf for the first time in program history after returning to the field in 2017.

2. Head Coach Shane LaDage’s Vision Finally Takes Root

The success of the 2025 season is inextricably linked to the leadership of Head Coach Shane LaDage, who took the helm of the Charger football program in December 2020.

The LaDage Era of Development

LaDage, who joined Briar Cliff from Minot State University, has been systematically building a culture of development and high expectation. His coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Ryan Sayre and Defensive Coordinator/Associate Head Coach, has focused on recruiting and developing talent that fits the challenging Great Plains Athletic Conference environment.

The dramatic jump from a two-win season to a winning season in 2025 speaks volumes about the team's buy-in and the effectiveness of the coaching strategy. The ability to translate potential into results is the hallmark of a successful coaching tenure, and LaDage is now seeing the fruits of his labor.

3. Key Players and Standout Performances Defining the 2025 Season

A winning season is always powered by individual excellence, and the 2025 Chargers roster featured several players who delivered crucial performances throughout the year.

The Backfield and Defensive Stars

One of the most notable offensive performances came from running back E'mond Pittman, who recorded a staggering 24 rushes in a single game against Waldorf on November 8, 2025, a performance that highlighted the team's reliance on a strong ground game.

On the defensive side, the Chargers were led by veterans like senior linebacker Je Han King, a powerful presence at 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, who transferred from the College of the Canyons. Other key contributors on the 2025 roster included Chase Thomas, Joseph Casarez, Keivon Booker, and Ezra Heiner, all of whom played significant roles in the team's success.

The development of raw talent, such as defensive lineman Jackson Reblitz, who was praised for his high ceiling due to his athleticism and physicality, suggests a bright future for the program's defensive unit.

4. Academic Excellence and Program Legacy

The Briar Cliff football program’s commitment extends beyond the field, emphasizing the core value of the student-athlete.

A Tradition of Scholar Athletes

Charger Athletics has consistently placed multiple teams and athletes on NAIA All-Scholar lists. Briar Cliff has had numerous teams recognized as NAIA Scholar Teams, with dozens of athletes named Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes, highlighting the academic rigor of the university.

Furthermore, the program continues to honor its legacy. A former Charger football standout, Ylagan, was announced as part of the 2026 Briar Cliff Hall of Fame class, cementing the program's place in the university's history. This blend of athletic improvement and academic achievement reinforces the holistic mission of the university.

5. The Future Outlook: Building on the 2025 Momentum

With the 2025 season now complete, the focus immediately shifts to maintaining and building upon the new standard of success.

Recruiting and Conference Competition

The 6-5 record will be a powerful recruiting tool, allowing Coach LaDage and his staff—including Recruiting Coordinator Ryan Ross—to attract higher-caliber talent to Sioux City. The Chargers now have tangible proof that they can compete and win in the tough Great Plains Athletic Conference.

The 2025 team statistics, which showed a solid offensive output, will be the baseline for the 2026 campaign. The team will look to improve its defensive metrics to climb higher in the GPAC standings, where the competition remains fierce. The foundation is set: a winning culture, proven coaching, and a core of talented players like Je Han King and E'mond Pittman are ready to lead the Chargers into what promises to be an exciting new era of Briar Cliff University football.

5 Reasons Briar Cliff University Football’s 2025 Season Was a Historic Turnaround
briar cliff university football
briar cliff university football

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