The Game: Towson (0-0, 0-0 CAA) @ Norfolk State (0-0, 0-0 MEAC)
When: Thurs., Aug. 28 – 7 p.m.
Where: William "Dick" Price Stadium – Norfolk, Va.
Broadcast: ESPNU (online on WatchESPN)
----Broadcasters: Tiffany Greene (PxP), Jay Walker (Analyst)
Audio Broadcast: Towsontigers.com
----Broadcasters: Spiro Morekas (PxP), Gordy Combs (Analyst)
Series: Towson leads 2-1
 
NORFOLK, Va. – The Towson University football team begins the 2025 season with the first of four non-conference contests, beginning with a rematch against Norfolk State in Virginia on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
 
The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU; check your local listings for station information.  The ESPNU broadcast will also be online on WatchESPN, with Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker on the call.  In addition, Spiro Morekas and Gordy Combs will have the radio call on Towsontigers.com for William "Dick" Price Stadium in Norfolk.
 
Towson is coming off its first seven-win season since 2019, ending 2024 on a three-game winning streak at 7-5 overall and 5-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association.  Norfolk State, now under the leadership of first-year head coach Michael Vick, finished 2024 going 4-8 overall and 2-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
 
This is the second-straight year where the Tigers and Spartans will meet in Norfolk and the third straight year playing.  Towson won in Norfolk 28-23 on Oct. 12, 2024, with Norfolk State winning the previous season in Towson 21-14 on Sept. 23, 2023.  With a 31-21 win on Nov. 24, 1984, Towson leads the all-time series 2-1.
 
Towson is playing its first Thursday game under Pete Shinnick's leadership.  It is Towson's first Thursday game since the Tigers defeated UConn 33-18 on Aug. 29, 2013.
 
The Tigers begin the year with four non-conference games, including the first three away from home. 
 
THIRD YEAR IN PETE SHINNICK ERA
Towson enters its third season under head coach Pete Shinnick in 2024.  Under coach Shinnick, Towson has a 12-11 record, including three victories over then-top-15 teams, including a 34-27 win vs. then-#12/10 William & Mary on Oct. 5, 2024.
 
Towson has had five head coaches in program history: Carl Runk (1969-71), Phil Albert (1972-91), Gordy Combs (1992-2008), Rob Ambrose (2009-22) and Pete Shinnick (2023-pres.).
 
BRODIE, TERRY EARN PRESEASON ALL-CAA
Towson defensive backs Myles Brodie and Xavier Terry have been placed on the 2025 CAA Preseason All-Conference Team.  In addition, two more Tigers, John Dunmore and Rodney Roane Jr., were chosen as CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Honorable Mention.
 
Brodie was a 2024 All-CAA Third Team defensive back for Towson, having the team lead with two interceptions and nine pass break-ups.  The redshirt senior cornerback added 44 tackles and had a four-game streak with at least one pass break-up.
 
Terry has been in the top-two for Towson in tackles in each of the past two seasons, including last year tallying up 82 tackles, five pass break-ups, an interception and two forced fumbles.  The redshirt senior safety had at least four tackles in all 12 games last season.
 
In his first full year with the team in 2024, Dunmore was Towson's leader in receiving yards with 619 and receiving touchdowns with five.  Also serving as a special teams returner, the redshirt senior wide receiver had at least 35 receiving yards in 10 games last year.
 
Roane played all 12 games at linebacker in 2024, finishing second on the team with four sacks, adding 58 tackles and five tackles for loss.  The senior had at least three tackles in all 12 games last season.
 
IT'S TIME TO START RUNNING!
Towson will have new players carrying the ball with all running backs recording yards last year having departed, including Devin Matthews and Tyrell Greene Jr., who each averaged 6+ yards a carry in 2024.
 
Five running backs will compete for playing time, including two transfers: Al Wooten II from Duke and Trey Engram from Kansas State, and three true/redshirt freshmen, Kemarrion Battles, JaVon Ford II and Kahseim "Caddy" Phillips.
 
MOVING UP THE SACKS LIST
During the Shinnick era, Towson has caused more pressure on the quarterback with 33 sacks in 2024.  With 29 sacks in 2023, Towson has had its top two sack totals in a season since 2013.  Towson's six sacks vs. N.C. A&T on Nov. 16, 2024 ties the most amount in a game for the Tigers since having seven at Villanova on Oct. 27, 2012.
 
Season Sacks - Towson
2013 - 41                     2019 - 22 (no 2020 season, COVID)
2014 - 28                     2021 - 22
2015 - 22                     2022 - 21
2016 - 20                     2023 - 29
2017 - 26                     2024 - 33
2018 - 23                     2025 - 0          
 
17 GRADUATES SUITING UP FOR TOWSON
17 Tigers are suiting up as college graduates, including 10 who earned a Towson degree.
 
Towson graduates (10) -
Myles Brodie                           CJ McClendon
Sean Brown                            Sam Reynolds
John Dunmore                        Mike Swain
Jean Germain                         Xavier Terry
Nathan Kent                            Kaden White
 
Graduates of other schools (7) -
Bryce Butler (Ohio)                             Shamar Graham (Virginia Union)
Carnell Davis (Duquesne)                  Myles Turner (UMass)
Wyatt Draeger (San Diego St.)          Al Wooten (Duke, Mercer)
Ja'Mez Drummer (Old Dominion)
 
RECEIVER DEPTH
Towson has a lot of depth in those catching the football, returning three players who have at least 600 career receiving yards.

Player	2024 Stats	Career Stats
#19 Zay Perkins	14 rec., 143 yds	70 rec., 810 yds, 9 TD
#0 John Dunmore	42 rec., 619 yds, 5 TD	52 rec., 718 yds, 5 TD
#14 Lukkas Londono	12 rec., 148 yds	52 rec., 678 yds, 1 TD
#11 Jaceon Doss	29 rec., 450 yds, 3 TD	29 rec., 450 yds, 3 TD
#12 Sam Reynolds	16 rec., 222 yds, 1 TD	27 rec., 273 yds, 1 TD

 
TOWSON PICKED SIXTH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
The Tigers were predicted to finish sixth in the league in the preseason coaches poll.  Towson received 108 points in the poll.  Defending CAA co-champion Rhode Island is predicted to finish first followed by Monmouth and Villanova.
 
2025 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish (first-place votes)
1. Rhode Island (8 first-place votes) 163
2. Monmouth (4 first-place votes) 142
3. Villanova (2 first-place votes) 139
4. Stony Brook 125
5. UNH 119
6. Towson 108
7. William & Mary 104
8. Elon 98
9. Maine 71
10. Campbell 53
11. Hampton 50
12. UAlbany 47
13. Bryant 32
14. North Carolina A&T 23
 
TIGERS IN THE PROS
Several Tigers have been competing in the professional ranks after their time with the Black & Gold.
 
Carter Runyon was competing for a spot on the Las Vegas Raiders after being signed as an undrafted free agent, being waived on the last day of the 53-man roster deadline.  It is the second straight year where Towson has had an undrafted free agent signing, with Robert Javier signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
 
Another Towson alum, Grant Udinski '19, will be the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.  A 2018 CSC Academic All-America® First Team, he spent the last three years as assistant OC for the Minnesota Vikings.
 
In the CFL, Tibo Debaillie '21 is playing his fifth year as a professional, including season four with the BC Lions.  The Belgium native has played 58 career games in the CFL.
 
Tigers in the Pros – 2025
National Football League
--Carter Runyon, Las Vegas Raiders (preseason camp)
--Nchabanu Fortaboh, Baltimore Ravens/New England Patriots (rookie invite)
 
Canadian Football League
--Tibo Debaillie, DL: BC Lions
--Robert Javier, DB: Saskatchewan Roughriders (signee)
 
Indoor Football League
--Shane Simpson, RB: Fishers Freight
--Tye Smith, DB: Massachusetts Pirates
 
NEW COACHES
Towson brings in two new coaches to assist the team this year.
 
Adam Neugebauer is the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after serving in the same role at McNeese State from 2023-24.  The team improved by five victories between seasons and led the Southland in rushing yards per game in 2024.  He also was an offensive coordinator at Slippery Rock, combining to go 22-4 in his time there in 2019 and 2021, and Tiffin.
 
Tyler Phelps takes over as tight ends coach after two years at West Florida as a quarterbacks coach and video coordinator.  He helped the Argos win 15 games in 2023, mentoring Peewee Jarrett to earn over 5,000 passing yards.
 
TWO STARTING QUARTERBACKS BACK
Going into 2025, Towson has two players who were at one point the starting quarterback for the Tigers.
Sean Brown (Gr. QB - Apex, N.C.)
--Started nine of 12 games for Towson in 2024
--Threw 63% for 1,974 yards, 12 TD and 8 INT
 
Nathan Kent (Gr. QB - Eldersburg, Md.)
--Started all 11 games in 2023
--Threw 58% for 2,123 yards, 14 TD and 6 INT
 
Also in the mix will be redshirt sophomore Jack Pellicciotti, redshirt freshman Winston Watkins and freshman Andrew Indorf.
 
REPLACING THE FRONT SEVEN
Towson had a tall task on defense in the offseason, needing to replace nine defensive starters, including the entire starting lineup on defensive line and at linebacker from 2024.
 
The team's lone returners on defense are each in the secondary: cornerback Myles Brodie and safety Xavier Terry.
 
REINFORCEMENTS INCOMING
Towson has brought in 47 new players for 2025, including 31 true freshmen and 16 transfers.  They add to the 58 returners for a 105-man roster.
 
Newcomers:
--Offense: 12 freshmen, six transfers (31 returners)
--Defense: 15 freshmen, 10 transfers (24 returners)
--Special Teams: Four freshmen (three returners)
 
Of Towson's 105 players, 70 have played just at Towson and 35 are transfers.
 
LAST GAME (TOWSON 45, CAMPBELL 23)
(11/23/2024 - BUIES CREEK, N.C.):
Scoring three touchdowns in the opening 3:15 of the fourth quarter, Towson powered past Campbell 45-23 for its third straight win to conclude the regular season.
Important Stat:
Towson - Outscored Campbell 24-7 in the fourth quarter
Campbell - Seven tackles for loss on defense
Top Passer:
Towson - Sean Brown: 10-15, 156 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Campbell - Mike Chandler II: 13-27, 135 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top Rusher:
Towson - Devin Matthews: 15 rush, 134 yards, 1 TD
Campbell - Mark Biggins: 15 rush, 60 yards, 1 TD
Top Receiver:
Towson - Carter Runyon: 2 receptions, 55 yards
Campbell - Sincere Brown: 4 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - Rodney Roane Jr. (LB): 7 tackles, 1 sack
Campbell - Logan Livermon (LB): 10 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 INT
 
REPPING THE HOME STATE......
The Towson roster represents the Old Line State well, sporting 43 players from the home state of Maryland.  This includes 10 players from Baltimore City/County: Xzavion Crumb (Baltimore), Chase Dorsey (Parkton), Julius Dorsey (Baltimore), Alijah Hamond (Baltimore), Asaiah Hamond (Baltimore), Cordell Jefferson (Baltimore), Bennett Miller (Timonium), Amari N'nandi Hall (Pikesville), Owen Scheihing (Towson) and Isaiah Yates (Baltimore).
 
...AND THE SUNSHINE STATE
Towson has 14 players from the state of Florida on the roster.  Towson head coach Pete Shinnick was at the University of West Florida (UWF) from 2016-22.  Among the 14 include Fort Lauderdale native John Dunmore, Towson's leading receiver in 2024 with 619 yards.
 
Though a Texas native, Caden Williams, Towson's kickoff specialist, is a UWF transfer who played for Shinnick in 2022.
 
LANDETA PLACED ON 2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOT
Towson alum Sean Landeta is on the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Landeta has been a nominee on the ballot each year since 2019.
 
Playing at Towson from 1979-82, Landeta currently holds the Towson records with 225 career punts and a career average of 42 yards per punt, leading the nation in punting and placekicking in 1980.  He also converted 26 career field goals and was 94.6% on extra point attempts.  In 1982, he was the first-ever punter to earn AP College Division All-America recognition, also being selected as an AFCA NCAA Division II Kodak All-American.
 
SCOUTING NORFOLK STATE:
Under first-year head coach Michael Vick, Norfolk State also has Brian Sheppard as offensive coordinator, serving that same role at Towson from 2023-24.
 
Norfolk State will be looking for a new starting quarterback with the departure of Jalen Daniels.  The team's primary running back from 2024, Kevon King, returns after averaging 5.9 yards a carry for 944 yards and 10 touchdowns.  On defense, the Spartans bring back linebacker Terique Miles, who finished 2024 with 83 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
 
LAST TIME VS. NORFOLK ST. (TOWSON 28, NORFOLK ST. 23)
(10/12/2024 - NORFOLK, VA.):
Down two going into the final quarter, Towson scored two TDs in a span of five minutes to defeat Norfolk State 28-23.
Important Stat:
Towson - Went 12-for-18 on third down conversions
Norfolk St. - Finished with a +3 turnover margin
Top Passer:
Towson - Sean Brown: 25-43, 306 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Norfolk St. - Vinson Berry: 16-31, 221 yards, 1 TD
Top Rusher:
Towson - Tyrell Greene Jr.: 17 rush, 63 yards
Norfolk St. - Kevon King: 15 rush, 96 yards, 2 TD
Top Receiver:
Towson - John Dunmore: 6 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD
Norfolk St. - Elyjah Mitchell: 6 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - Will Middleton (LB): 6 tackles, 2 BrUp
Norfolk St. - AJ Richardson (LB): 18 tackles, 2 sacks, 5.5 TFL, 1 INT      
 
IMPORTANT DATES: TOWSON VS. NORFOLK STATE
--Nov. 24, 1984 - Towson 31, Norfolk St. 21 (Norfolk, Va.):
In the first round of the NCAA playoffs, Towson built up a 31-7 lead en route to a 31-21 victory at Norfolk State for the program's first-ever Division II playoff win.  Towson rushed for 295 yards, against a Spartan team which had allowed 53.8 rushing yards a game up to that point, led by Dan Ricker with 128 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
 
--Sept. 23, 2023 - Norfolk St. 21, Towson 14 (Towson, Md.):
In a rain-soaked Unitas Stadium, Towson got into the red zone for a final chance to tie the game but had a pass broken up in the end zone to fall to Norfolk State 21-14.  The Spartans ran for 350 yards on 54 carries compared to 15 passes, countering Nathan Kent's 201-yard passing day.
 
--Oct. 12, 2024 - Towson 28, Norfolk St. 23 (Norfolk, Va.):
Towson scored two touchdowns in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter to surge past Norfolk State 28-23.  Sean Brown earned Towson's first 300-yard passing day since 2019, throwing 25-for-43 for 306 yards and three scores, having three different receivers with at least five catches.
 
CAA FOOTBALL SHAKEUP
CAA Football will undergo changes following the 2025 season.  Villanova, whom Towson will play on Nov. 8, and William & Mary will depart for the Patriot League in football following this season.  The league will add Sacred Heart, currently an FCS independent, starting in the 2026 season.
 
BATTLE FOR GREATER BALTIMORE - SEPT. 6, 2025
The next chapter of The Battle for Greater Baltimore will be written on Sept. 6 as Towson and Morgan State, the two closest teams in FCS football be seperated by 4.6 miles, will meet at Hughes Stadium in Baltimore.
 
Last season, Towson won 14-9 on Sept. 7 at home to win its seventh straight in the series and improve to 23-6 all-time against the Bears.  Morgan State's last win in the series came on Sept. 26, 2009, a 12-9 victory in Baltimore.
 
CARL RUNK (1936-2024)
The first-ever head coach of Towson football Carl Runk passed away on Nov. 24, 2024 at the age of 88.
 
He served as head coach for three years from 1969-71, including a 6-2 season in 1970.  He also was head coach of Towson men's lacrosse from 1968-98, leading that team to 262 victories and the 1974 DII national championship.  Runk was inducted into the Towson Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.
(information by Pete Schlehr, Towson SID Emeritus)