DAYTON - The University of Dayton football team will kickoff the 2026 season at Welcome Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 12 p.m. against Fairmont State. As a giveaway, the first 200 fans will receive a free tote bag. 

Dayton is coming off a successful 2025 campaign in which the Flyers were 7-4 overall, 5-3 in Pioneer Football League play, and highlighted the season with a five-game winning streak from Sept. 6-Oct. 11. Head coach Trevor Andrews is in his fourth year at his alma mater and is looking to take the program to the next level. 

As a team, the Flyers return a veteran group on offense, including its top passer, receiver, and rusher. Defensively, the line brings back an experience group while adding both depth and versatility in the secondary. 

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Fairmont State will look to start off its 2026 on a positive note after going 6-5 last year, but 3-5 in Mountain East Conference play. The Fighting Falcons were picked third in this year's MEC preseason poll behind Charleston and league favorites Frostburg State.

Head coach Luke Barker is in his third year with the Falcons, coming over from his alma mater Charleston where he served as Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.

As a team last season, Fairmont State had the ninth-best rushing offense in Division II, leading the MEC, but will have to replace that production this year. FSU also boasted a top 40 red zone offense and 32nd most first downs.

The Falcons return their starting quarterback Nino Marzullo, who had an efficiency rating of 132.6 in 2025. On special teams, Fairmont State has a duo of All-Conference kickers in Emmanuel Richardson and Ethan Vargo-Thomas.

SERIES HISTORY
Dayton and Fairmont State are meeting for the first time in program history.

NEXT UP
After a bye week on Sept. 5, Dayton will return to action at home vs Thomas More on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m. for Youth Football Day at Welcome.

LAST OUTING
• Dayton wrapped-up the 2025 season on Nov. 22 with a dominant 42-14 victory on the road at Davidson.
• Fairmont State finished its 2025 campaign with a tough 35-18 loss at home against Frostburg State on Senior Day. 

STATS PERFORM PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA
• Senior Gavin Lochow was named to the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Third Team as an all-purpose player.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT
• Lochow joined fellow senior Mirko Jaksic on preseason awards watch lists as well. Lochow was selected for the Walter Payton Award watch list while Jaksic was chosen for the Buck Buchanan Award watch list. 

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COACH ANDREWS TALKS PRESEASON