Davenport Panthers football, 2016–present

Last updated

2016–present Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Head coach
Home stadiumFarmers Insurance Athletic Complex
Seasons
←  2019

The Davenport Panthers football program represented Davenport University ("Davenport") in college football during the earliest years of the school's participation in intercollegiate football from 2016 to the present.

Contents

Davenport passed a resolution in November 2013 to plan for the development of an intercollegiate football team. The school hired Lou Esposito as the program's first head coach in May 2014 and built a football stadium on land donated by Farmers Insurance Group. The school fielded its first team in 2016, competing as an independent in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and compiling a 6–5 record. Esposito left Davenport after the 2016 season. In February 2017, Davenport hired Ferris State assistant coach Sparky McEwen as its new head coach. [1] Also for the 2017 season, Davenport moved to NCAA Division II as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). McEwen led the Panthers to their best seasons in 2023 (8–3) and 2024 (8–2), with the 2023 team receiving the program's first (and as of 2025 only) berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. McEwen remains Davenport's head coach as of the 2025 season.

Davenport plays its home games at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex located on the school's campus in Caledonia Township, Michigan.

Overview

YearHead coachOverall recordConf. recordConf. rankPoints scoredPoints allowedDelta [2]
2016 Lou Esposito 6–5nana246175+71
2017 Sparky McEwen 1–100–910128329-201
2018 Sparky McEwen6–53–55 (tie)244230+14
2019 Sparky McEwen5–53–55 (tie)181233-52
2021 Sparky McEwen3–82–55 (tie)104285-181
2022 Sparky McEwen8–34–23336322+14
2023 Sparky McEwen8–24–23276199+77
2024 Sparky McEwen7–44–33 (tie)257233+24
TOTAL44–4220–31

Planning for new program

In November 2013, under the leadership of athletic director Paul Lowden, Davenport passed a resolution to develop a plan for a football program. [3] Preparations for fielding a football team proceeded in 2014 and 2015, including:

2016

2016 Davenport Panthers football
ConferenceIndependent
Record6–5
Head coach
Seasons
← 2015
2017  →

The 2016 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as an independent during the 2016 NAIA football season. In their first year of intercollegiate football, and their first and only under head coach Lou Esposito, the Panthers compiled a 6–5 record and outscored opponents by a total of 278 to 175. [10] [11]

The team did not have a senior and was made up mostly of freshmen or redshirt freshmen. True freshman Hunter Krause of Fairfield, Ohio, was the team's starting quarterback. [12] Eighteen of the 22 starters were freshmen. The only two players with college game experience were receiver Herman Brunis, a transfer from Ohio University, and linebacker Brent Showers, a transfer from Northern MIchigan. [13]

On October 23, a non-student shooter opened fire on football players in a university dormitory. One football player, Braden Schrotenboer, was shot in his hand. [14]

Schedule

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
August 27Taylor
L 28–411,600 [15]
September 3at Kentucky Christian
  • Knights Stadium
  • Grayson, KY
W 59–0950 [16]
September 10at Tiffin
  • Frost Krasnow
  • Tiffin, OH
L 17–203,125 [17]
September 17Kentucky Wesleyan
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 41–71,432
September 24Arizona ChristianDagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 20–71,604 [18]
October 1at Saint XavierChicago, ILW 20–71,500 [19]
October 8University of Faith
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 32–0773 [20]
October 15at St. Francis (IL) Joliet, IL L 21–241,025 [21]
October 22Quincy
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 14–101,311
October 29St. Joseph's (IN)
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 20–241,694
November 5 No. 4 St. Francis (IN)
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 6–351,213

[11]

2017

2017 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record1–10 (0–9 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2016
2018  →
2017 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 10 Ashland $^  9 –0   11 –2  
No. 5 Ferris State ^  8 –1   11 –2  
Grand Valley State  7 –2   8 –3  
Tiffin  5 –4   6 –5  
Northwood  5 –4   7 –4  
Wayne State (MI)  4 –5   5 –6  
Michigan Tech  3 –6   4 –7  
Saginaw Valley State  3 –6   5 –6  
Northern Michigan  1 –8   1 –9  
Davenport *  0 –9   1 –10  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
  • * – Provisional Division II member
Rankings from AFCA poll

The 2017 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division II football season. In their second year of intercollegiate football, and the first year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled a 1–10 record (0–9 in conference games), finished in last place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 329 to 128. [22] [23]

On offense, the Panthers gained 1,684 rushing yards and 1,269 passing yards. On defenese, they allowed opponents 2,259 rushing yards and 1,565 passing yards. [22] The individual leaders were Holden Majewski (667 passing yards), William Gist (373 rushing yards), and Deondre Moore (24 receptions for 316 yards). [22]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
August 317:00 p.m. Concordia (MI) *
L 6–251,637
September 97:00 p.m.at No. 14 Grand Valley State
L 0–4816,734
September 1612:00 p.m. Tiffin
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 14–271,135
September 231:30 p.m.at Northern Michigan
L 14–243,971
September 3012:05 p.m. No. 20 Ashland
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 0–38894
October 73:00 p.m.at Saginaw Valley State
L 0–332,485
October 141:05 p.m.McKendreeDagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 27–24 2OT694
October 211:00 p.m.at Northwood
L 30–33 2OT1,827
October 281:00 p.m.at Michigan Tech
L 10–17788
November 412:05 p.m. No. 12 Ferris State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 0–26802
November 1112:00 p.m. Wayne State (MI)
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 27–34 OT1,044
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[23]

2018

2018 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record6–5 (3–5 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2017
2019  →
2018 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 2 Ferris State $^  8 –0   15 –1  
No. 14 Grand Valley State ^  7 –1   10 –2  
Ashland  6 –2   6 –4  
Saginaw Valley State  5 –3   8 –3  
Davenport *  3 –5   6 –5  
Northwood  3 –5   3 –7  
Michigan Tech  2 –6   4 –6  
Northern Michigan  1 –7   3 –8  
Wayne State (MI)  1 –7   2 –9  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
  • * – Provisional Division II member
Rankings from AFCA poll

The 2018 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2018 NCAA Division II football season. In their second year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled a 6–5 record (3–5 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 244 to 230. [24] [25]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 14:05 p.m.at Robert Morris (IL)*
W 44–7750
September 812:00 p.m. No. 4 D-III Wisconsin-Oshkosh*
W 7–3890
September 151:00 p.m.at Michigan Tech
W 23–211,808
September 221:00 p.m.at Quincy*
W 26–101,000
September 2912:05 p.m. Northern Michigan Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 31–30 OT1,844
October 66:07 p.m.at Wayne State (MI)
W 37–141,524
October 131:00 p.m.at Northwood
L 22–301,815
October 2012:55 p.m. No. 8 Grand Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 14–192,400
October 2712:05 p.m. Ashland
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 6–31592
November 31:00 p.m.at No. 2 Ferris State
L 17–413,014
November 1012:20 p.m. Saginaw Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 17–24 OT651
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[25]

2019

2019 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record5–5 (3–5 GLIAC)
Head coach
Home stadiumFarmers Insurance Athletic Complex
Seasons
←  2018
2020  →
2019 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 3 Ferris State $^  8 –0   12 –1  
Wayne State (MI)  7 –1   8 –3  
Ashland  6 –2   7 –4  
Grand Valley State  5 –3   8 –3  
Davenport  3 –5   5 –5  
Michigan Tech  3 –5   5 –5  
Saginaw Valley State  3 –5   5 –6  
Northwood  1 –7   1 –10  
Northern Michigan  0 –8   1 –9  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
Rankings from AFCA poll

The 2019 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2019 NCAA Division II football season. In their third year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled a 5–5 record (3–5 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 233 to 181. [26] [27]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 142:00 p.m.at Lake Erie *
W 13–9717
September 211:00 p.m.at Northern Michigan
W 21–73,611
September 2812:00 p.m.Lindenwood*Dagger-14-plain.png
W 35–241,562
October 512:05 p.m. No. 2 Ferris State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 7–351,612
October 121:00 p.m.at Ashland
L 27–303,207
October 1912:05 p.m. Michigan Tech
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 17–301,242
October 267:05 p.m.at No. 16 Grand Valley State
L 7–275,262
November 212:05 p.m. Wayne State (MI)
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 0–341,029
November 912:05 p.m. Northwood
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 21–141,344 [28]
November 161:00 p.m.at Saginaw Valley State
W 33–231,750
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[27]

2020

The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

2021 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record3–8 (2–5 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2020
2022  →
2021 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 1 Ferris State $^  7 –0   14 –0  
No. 7 Grand Valley State ^  6 –1   10 –2  
Michigan Tech  5 –2   6 –4  
Saginaw Valley State  4 –3   7 –4  
Northern Michigan  2 –5   4 –7  
Davenport  2 –5   3 –8  
Wayne State (MI)  2 –5   2 –9  
Northwood  0 –7   1 –9  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
Rankings from AFCA Poll

The 2021 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2021 NCAA Division II football season. In their fourth year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled a 3–8 record (2–5 in conference games), finished a three-way tie for fifth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 285 to 104. [29] [30]

The team's statistical leaders included Deondre Ford (577 passing yards), Jaier Harden (348 rushing yards), Amonte Phillips (28 receptions for 334 yards), and Bryan Plegue (30 points scored on 12 extra points and six field goals). [29] The team also featured linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse, a former four-star recruit and Central Africa native who tansferred to Davenport after being dismissed from the Michigan Wolverines football program in late 2017. [31] [32]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 412:05 p.m.Truman State*
L 14–311,266
September 1112:00 p.m.at Walsh*
W 10–6754
September 181:00 p.m.at Northern Michigan
L 14–201,536
September 253:00 p.m.at No. 3 Ferris State
L 0–386,636
October 21:00 p.m.at Michigan Tech
L 7–311,700
October 912:05 p.m.Northern MichiganDagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 18–131,202
October 1612:05 p.m. Wayne State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 3–16688
October 231:00 p.m.at Northwood
W 21–141,115
October 3012:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 3–241,050
November 612:00 p.m. No. 1 Ferris State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 14–501,266
November 131:00 p.m.at No. 5 Grand Valley State
L 0–428,483
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[30]

2022

2022 Davenport Panthers football
NCAA Division II playoffs (first round), L 7-41 vs. Ferris State
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record8–3 (4–2 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2021
2023  →
2022 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 3 Grand Valley State $^  6 –0   12 –1  
No. 1 Ferris State ^  5 –1   14 –1  
No. 20 Davenport ^  4 –2   8 –3  
Saginaw Valley State  3 –3   8 –3  
Michigan Tech  2 –4   4 –7  
Northern Michigan  1 –5   4 –7  
Wayne State (MI)  0 –6   1 –9  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
Rankings from AFCA Poll

The 2022 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2022 NCAA Division II football season. In their fifth year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled an 8–3 record (4–2 in conference games), finished in third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 336 to 322. [33] [34] The team opened the season with eight consecutive victories, the most victories in program history. For the first time in school history, the team participated in the NCAA Division II playoffs, losing to Ferris State in the first round.

The team was led on offense by quarterback Jason Whitaker, a Rockford, Michigan, native who transferred from Northwestern. [32] [35] Whitaker completed 185 of 346 passes for 2,309 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 127.96 passer rating. [33]

The team's other statistical leaders included Sy Barnett (694 receiving yards), Caleef Jenkins (575 rushing yards), and Brandon Gielow (65 points scored on 38 extra points and nine field goals). [33]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 312:00 p.m.at Truman State *
W 20–192,800 [36] [37]
September 1712:00 p.m. Northern Michigan
W 31–211,366
September 242:00 p.m. Northwood *Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 51–171,822
October 11:00 p.m. Michigan Tech
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
 FloSports W 52–381,622
October 81:00 p.m.at Northern Michigan
W 27–24 OT1,143
October 1512:00 p.m. Wayne State (MI)
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 47–431,277
October 2212:00 p.m. Lincoln (CA) *
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 58–141,300
October 291:00 p.m.at No. 23 Saginaw Valley State
W 29–281,920
November 51:00 p.m.at No. 7 Ferris State
L 7–283,600 [38]
November 1212:00 p.m. No. 1 Grand Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSportsL 7–492,888 [39] [40]
November 191:00 p.m.at No. 5 Ferris State*
  • Top Taggart Field
  • Big Rapids, MI (NCAA Division II playoffs, first round)
L 7–411,107 [41] [42]
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

2023

2023 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record8–2 (4–2 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2022
2024  →
2023 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 3 Grand Valley State $^  6 –0   11 –2  
No. 9 Ferris State ^  5 –1   8 –3  
Davenport  4 –2   8 –2  
Saginaw Valley State  3 –3   6 –5  
Wayne State (MI)  2 –4   3 –8  
Michigan Tech  1 –5   5 –5  
Northern Michigan  0 –6   0 –11  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
Rankings from AFCA Poll

The 2023 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2023 NCAA Division II football season. In their sixth year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled an 8–2 record (4–2 in conference games), finished in third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 336 to 322. [43] [44]

The team's statistical leaders included Jason Whitaker (1,812 passing yards, 14 touchchdown passes, 127.94 passer rating), Peyton Brown (34 receptions for 551 yards), Myren Harris (976 rushing yards), and Brandon Gielow (59 points scored on 29 extra points and 10 touchdowns). [43]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 212:00 p.m.Thomas More*
W 31–171,433
September 912:00 p.m.Bowie State*
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 24–191,304
September 2312:00 p.m.William Jewell*No. 21
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 55–271,500
September 301:00 p.m.at Michigan Tech No. 18
 FloSports W 28–02,600
October 72:00 p.m. Northern Michigan Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 16
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 28–121,666
October 146:00 p.m.at Wayne State (MI) No. 16
W 32–31,738
October 2112:00 p.m.at University of Mary*No. 13
W 44–341,773
October 2812:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State No. 11
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 24–211,112
November 412:00 p.m. No. 7 Ferris State No. 9
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSportsL 10–282,150 [45]
November 111:00 p.m.at No. 2–T Grand Valley State No. 16
L 0–3810,259
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[44]

2024

2024 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record7–4 (4–3 GLIAC)
Head coach
Seasons
←  2023
2025  →
2024 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 1 Ferris State $^  7 –0   14 –1  
No. 6 Grand Valley State ^  6 –1   11 –2  
Davenport  4 –3   7 –4  
Michigan Tech  4 –3   7 –4  
Saginaw Valley State  4 –3   7 –4  
Wayne State (MI)  2 –5   2 –9  
Roosevelt*  1 –6   1 –9  
Northern Michigan  0 –7   0 –11  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
  • * – Roosevelt ineligible for postseason play due to transition from NAIA
Rankings from AFCA poll

The 2024 Davenport Panthers football team represented Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2024 NCAA Division II football season. In their seventh year under head coach Sparky McEwen, the Panthers compiled a 7–4 record (4–3 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for third place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 257 to 233. [46] [47]

The team's statistical leaders included Myren Harris (849 rushing yards), Mike O'Hara (1,010 passing yards), Preston Smith (36 receptions for 430 yards), and Brandon Gielow (67 points on 31 extra points and 12 field goals). [46]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 712:00 p.m.at Thomas More *
W 24–171,457
September 1411:00 a.m.at Bowie State *
W 17–141,303
September 2112:00 p.m. No. 11 Central Missouri *
L 31–321,202
September 281:00 p.m.at William Jewell *
W 17–7450
October 512:00 p.m. No. 2 Grand Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
L 7–242,102 [48]
October 1212:00 p.m.at Michigan Tech
W 24–201,231
October 192:00 p.m. Wayne State Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 43–261,445
October 262:00 p.m.at Roosevelt
W 19–14692
November 21:00 p.m.at Saginaw Valley State
L 14–244,339
November 912:00 p.m. Northern Michigan
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
W 52–311,203
November 161:00 p.m.at No. 2 Ferris State
L 9–242,149 [49] [50]
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[47]

2025

2025 Davenport Panthers football
Conference Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Record2–1 (1–0 GLIAC)
Head coach
Home stadiumFarmers Insurance Athletic Complex
Seasons
←  2024
2026 →
2025 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
Davenport  1 –0   2 –1  
No. 1 Ferris State  0 –0   4 –0  
No. 24 Michigan Tech  0 –0   3 –1  
No. 10 Grand Valley State  0 –0   2 –1  
Roosevelt*  0 –0   1 –2  
Saginaw Valley State  0 –0   1 –3  
Wayne State (MI)  0 –0   0 –3  
Northern Michigan  0 –1   0 –4  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
  • * – Roosevelt ineligible for postseason play due to transition from NAIA
Rankings from AFCA poll

The 2025 Davenport Panthers football team represent Davenport University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2025 NCAA Division II football season. Sparky McEwen leads the team in his eighth season as the Panthers' head coach.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
August 3012:00 p.m.at Gannon *
W 21–12823
September 131:00 p.m.at Truman State *
L 27–28 OT1,200
September 201:00 p.m.at Northern Michigan
FloSports W 35–162,680
September 257:30 p.m. Lincoln (CA) *
FloSports
October 44:00 p.m.at Grand Valley State
FloSports
October 112:00 p.m. Michigan Tech Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSports
October 181:00 p.m.at Wayne State (MI)
FloSports
October 2512:00 p.m. Roosevelt
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSports
November 112:00 p.m. Saginaw Valley State
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSports
November 812:00 p.m.Northern Michigan
  • Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI
FloSports
November 1512:00 p.m. Ferris State
  • Farmers Insurance Complex
  • Caledonia Township, MI (Calder City Classic)
FloSports
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • All times are in Eastern time

References

  1. ↑ Wallner, Peter J. (February 15, 2017). "Source: Ferris State's Sparky McEwen to be next Davenport football coach". MLive.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. ↑ Delta = the difference between points scored and points allowed
  3. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (November 17, 2013). "Davenport looks to develop football program". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (April 19, 2015). "Plans coming into focus". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. 1 2 Peter J. Wallner (August 11, 2015). "Davenport stadium ready to go". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ "Davenport has layout, plans for on-campus facility". The Grand Rapids Press. May 25, 2014. p. C1 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (May 25, 2014). "Panthers name Esposito program's first coach". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (August 3, 2014). "Davenport hires Casula as offensive coordinator". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C7 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (August 16, 2015). "ЃDavenport hosts practice to prepare for practice". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C8 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "2016 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  11. 1 2 "2016 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  12. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (August 11, 2016). "Davenport opens camp as reality of first game arrives". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (August 25, 2016). "Davenport releases first depth chart". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ John Agar (October 30, 2016). "Davenport University student shot in dorm wakes to gunfire". The Grand Rapids Press. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (August 30, 2016). "Davenport's long-awaited opener has plenty of highs and lows". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (September 8, 2016). "Davenport wins program's 1st game". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (September 13, 2016). "Davenport nearly upsets Division II Tiffin". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (September 25, 2016). "Panthers win 1st homecoming; on 1st win streak". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B10 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (October 4, 2016). "Davenport tops Saint Xavier for 3rd win in a row". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B4 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (October 11, 2016). "Davenport dominates University of Faith". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ↑ Peter J. Wallner (October 18, 2016). "Panthers' three-game winning streak snapped". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B4 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. 1 2 3 "2017 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  23. 1 2 "2017 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  24. ↑ "2018 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  25. 1 2 "2018 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  26. ↑ "2019 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  27. 1 2 "2019 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Davenport 21, Northwood 14". Detroit Free Press. November 10, 2019. p. D4 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. 1 2 "2021 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  30. 1 2 "2021 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  31. ↑ Dave Birkett (June 25, 2021). "Why this small west Michigan college will attract plenty of NFL attention this fall". Detroit Free Press.
  32. 1 2 Steve Kaminski (September 1, 2022). "Transfers could provide boost for Davenport". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. 1 2 3 "2022 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  34. ↑ "2022 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Whitaker leads first-place Panthers". WZZM 13. October 27, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Davenport squeaks by Truman State 20-19 for first win of the season". WZZM 13. September 4, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Late turnovers prove costly as Truman football team loses opener 20-19". Kirksville Daily Express. September 3, 2022.
  38. ↑ Brandon Wirth (November 9, 2022). "Football tackle Davenport". The Ferris Torch.
  39. ↑ Steve Kaminski (November 12, 2022). "Grand Valley State football caps perfect regular season with win at Davenport". Mlive.com.
  40. ↑ Lenny Padilla (November 12, 2022). "GVSU football tops Davenport for GLIAC title, undefeated season". Holland Sentinel.
  41. ↑ "Division II playoffs: Bulldogs roll in rematch with GLIAC foe Davenport". Detroit Free Press. November 20, 2022. p. 6D – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ↑ "Ferris State rolls past Davenport in opening round of D-II playoffs". Mlive.com . November 21, 2022.
  43. 1 2 "2023 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  44. 1 2 "2023 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  45. ↑ Josh VanDyke (November 5, 2023). "Ferris State football feasts on five turnovers in road win over Davenport". Mlive.com .
  46. 1 2 "2024 Football Cumulative Statistics". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  47. 1 2 "2024 Football Schedule". Davenport University. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  48. ↑ Lenny Padilla (October 5, 2024). "No. 2 GVSU football topples Davenport to remain unbeaten, keeps 'expecting to win'". Holland Sentinel.
  49. ↑ "Ferris State and Davenport University announce the Calder City Classic". GLIAC. September 27, 2024.
  50. ↑ Josh Van Dyke (November 17, 2024). "Ferris State football clinches GLIAC title with Calder Cup Classic win over Davenport". Mlive.com .
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