WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University football team will gear up for another ranked opponent when they travel to #14 Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The NSIC matchup will feature The Mavericks who defeated Concordia-St. Paul 47-19 last week. The Warriors were also victorious last week when they moved to 3-0 at home in a 21-14 win over Wayne State.

Winona State lost to the Mavericks two years ago, 49-42, at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.

 Winona State Notes: 

• The Warriors (3-3, 3-2 NSIC) enter the 2025 season voted to finish ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 
• Brian Curtin is in his first year as head coach of the Warriors.
• WSU finished 2-3 on the road last season and 2-4 in 2023. The Warriors are looking for their first win away from home this season.
• Winona State is 19-39-4 all-time against Wayne State.
• Quarterback Jackson Flottmeyer will look to continue his recent success after throwing ten touchdowns in his last four games. Flottmeyer and the Winona State offense, has recorded zero turnovers in the last two games.
• Anthony Powell will look to get the ground game back to speed. Powell has 82 attempts for 331 yards and five rushing touchdowns on the 2025 campaign.
• Freshman wide receiver Nolan Ginskey is set to lead a talented group of receivers. Ginskey has amassed 24 catches for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
• The defense will turn to Blake Schraufnagel to stop the Wildcats offense that comes in averaging 34.5 points. Schraufnagel comes in leading the Warriors with 44 tackles on the year.
• Conner Haggerty is also a key contributor, with 5.5 TFLS and 4.5 sacks this season.
• The Warriors defensive unit has recorded 39 TFLs and 16 sacks on the season. The 16 sacks are good for 3rd in the NSIC.
• Jahmani Muhammad looks to lead the Warriors special team's unit. Muhammad is fifth in the NSIC with an average kick return of 23.8 yards.
• Evan Swanstrom is a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals this season.
• Following this week's game, the Warriors will have a bye week. On October 25th, the Warriors will return home to play host to Concordia-St. Paul. Gametime is set for 2:00pm.

 Minnesota State Notes:

• The Mavericks (5-1, 4-1 NSIC) enter the 2025 season and voted to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 
• Minnesota State enters the weekend after a 47-19 rout of Concordia-St. Paul in last week's contest.
• The Mavericks are third in NSIC in offense, averaging 34.5 points per game and first in defense, allowing only 14.2 points per game.
• MSU is led by quarterback Maximus Sims who is 66-of-106 for 876 yards and four TD passes. Sims has also amassed 290 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
• The Mavericks ground game runs through Sam Backer. He leads the team with 91 attempts for 457 yards and ten scores.
• TreShawn Watson is the receiver to watch this Saturday. Watson has a staggering 40 receptions for 732 yards and five touchdowns.
• Defensively, MSU has given up the fewest points per game in the NSIC at a clip of 14.2 points a game.
• Jefferson Mobry is a key player on the Maverick defense. Mobry has recorded 25 tackles and three interceptions.
• Following next week's bye, the Mavericks travel to Wayne State on October 25th for a gametime of 1:00pm.