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The Jimmies' New Era: 5 Key Takeaways From University Of Jamestown Football's Historic Jump To NCAA Division II

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The University of Jamestown Jimmies football program is currently navigating the most significant transition in its modern history, having completed its inaugural season as a full member of the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in the 2025-26 school year. This move represents a monumental shift from the NAIA, placing the Jimmies in one of the most competitive Division II conferences in the nation, and the results of the 2025 season have set the stage for a challenging yet exciting future for the program.

As of December 22, 2025, the focus for Head Coach Brian Mistro and his staff has immediately shifted to recruiting and development, aiming to build a roster capable of competing consistently at the NCAA DII level. The 2025 campaign, which saw the team conclude with a challenging 1-9 overall record and a 1-9 mark in NSIC play, was a crucial first step in understanding the demands of their new home, providing invaluable experience that will shape the team's strategy for the 2026 season and beyond. The following deep dive explores the key aspects of this transition, the standout performers, and the outlook for the Jimmies.

Head Coach Brian Mistro and the Roster Transition

The University of Jamestown football program is led by Head Coach Brian Mistro, who is now entering his seventh season at the helm of the Jimmies. Mistro has been the guiding force through the program's transition from the NAIA's Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) to the NCAA Division II and the NSIC, a process that requires a complete overhaul of recruiting, training, and scheduling. His tenure has been defined by the commitment to elevate the program's profile to meet the higher standards of Division II athletics.

The 2025-2026 NSIC Debut: A Steep Learning Curve

The 2025 season marked the Jimmies’ official entry into the NSIC, a conference renowned for its depth and national contenders, including powerhouses like Augustana University (SD) and other tough regional rivals. The team's final 1-9 record, while difficult, was a predictable outcome for a program making such a significant jump in competition level. The season was characterized by moments of offensive brilliance, often against high-caliber opponents, mixed with the growing pains of a transitioning defense.

One notable performance involved a high-scoring affair against a regional opponent, demonstrating the team's offensive potential. Furthermore, the Jimmies ended the season with a furious fourth-quarter rally in their final game against Northern State University, showcasing the team's resilience and competitive spirit despite the final score. This grit, even in losses, is a critical foundation for Head Coach Mistro to build upon as they solidify their place in the NSIC.

Key Biographical Profile: Head Coach Brian Mistro

  • Full Name: Brian Mistro
  • Current Position: Head Football Coach, University of Jamestown
  • Tenure at UJ: Entering his seventh season (2026)
  • Background: Mistro has been instrumental in leading the Jimmies through their transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
  • Notable Achievements: Guided the team to 13 all-conference selections in the 2024 season (prior to DII transition).

2025 Standouts: The First NSIC All-Conference Jimmies

Despite the team's overall record, the 2025 season produced several individual performances that proved the Jimmies have the talent to compete at the NCAA Division II level. Two players, in particular, earned the distinction of being named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Conference teams, a monumental achievement in the program's first year in the league.

The Offensive Cornerstones

The Jimmies' offense was spearheaded by a dynamic duo: wide receiver Nate Burke and quarterback Cole Hentges. Burke, a standout receiver, consistently provided a reliable downfield target, showcasing the speed and route-running ability necessary to excel against NSIC defenses. His All-Conference nod highlights his importance as a primary weapon in the Jimmies’ passing attack.

Quarterback Cole Hentges also earned NSIC All-Conference honors, which is a testament to his dual-threat ability and leadership under pressure. Hentges demonstrated his athleticism with a standout rushing performance against Minot State University during the 2025 campaign, recording the highest number of carries by a Jimmie player in a single game that season. The combination of Burke’s receiving threat and Hentges’ playmaking ability gives the Jimmies a solid foundation for the 2026 offense.

Defensive and Roster Entities

While the offense garnered the headlines, several other players are crucial entities for the team's success and future development. Defensive players such as Tristan Huse, Kyle Williams, Xander Jarosh, and Joseph Malfavon were all mentioned in defensive statistics from the 2025 season, indicating their importance in the defensive rotation. Additionally, senior wide receiver Cody Pellaton, listed on the 2025-26 roster, provides veteran leadership and depth to the receiving corps.

Key 2025 Season Entities:

  • Nate Burke: Wide Receiver, NSIC All-Conference Selection
  • Cole Hentges: Quarterback, NSIC All-Conference Selection, Rushing Leader
  • Cody Pellaton: Senior Wide Receiver
  • Tristan Huse: Defensive Player
  • Kyle Williams: Defensive Player
  • Xander Jarosh: Defensive Player

The Road Ahead: 2026 Outlook and Recruiting Strategy

With the first NSIC season complete, the University of Jamestown football program is now fully focused on the 2026 season and solidifying its position within NCAA Division II. The transition requires a sustained effort in recruiting and player development to match the size, speed, and depth of the conference.

The 2026 Preseason Projection

The NSIC is a notoriously competitive conference, and the initial expectations for the Jimmies reflect their status as a newcomer. In the 2026 preseason polls, the University of Jamestown football team was projected to finish 14th overall in the conference. More specifically, they were slated for a seventh-place finish in the NSIC North Division. This projection serves as a clear benchmark for the team and a motivating factor for the coaching staff and players.

Recruiting for the DII Jump

Head Coach Brian Mistro and his staff understand that success in Division II hinges on recruiting players who can immediately contribute at a higher level. The program made significant strides in this area, signing 23 players on National Signing Day for the 2025 class. This influx of new talent, particularly from key recruiting grounds like "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" (Minnesota), is vital for increasing the roster's depth and overall athletic caliber. The goal is to recruit players who are not only talented but who also fit the demanding academic and athletic culture of the NSIC.

Topical Authority and Conference Entities

The Jimmies’ new home, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), is a key entity in the NCAA Division II landscape. The NSIC is a regional powerhouse, and Jamestown’s membership means they now compete against established DII football programs like Augustana University, Northern State University, Minot State University, and University of Minnesota Duluth. The move fully severs their long-standing ties with the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA), marking a definitive new chapter in Jimmie football history. This sustained competition will inevitably raise the program's profile and the quality of football played at the Charlotte & Gordon Hansen Stadium in Jamestown, North Dakota.

The challenge for the University of Jamestown football program is significant. The 2025 season was the first step—a foundation of experience and a clear view of the required competitive standard. The 2026 outlook is cautiously optimistic, relying heavily on the continued development of players like Cole Hentges and Nate Burke, and the impact of the new recruiting classes. The Jimmies are fully committed to the NCAA Division II journey, and the coming seasons will be a true test of their ability to climb the ranks of the NSIC and become a consistent contender.

The Jimmies' New Era: 5 Key Takeaways from University of Jamestown Football's Historic Jump to NCAA Division II
university of jamestown football
university of jamestown football

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