ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings football team will officially kick off its 2025 campaign on Saturday, September 6, against the Simpson Storm on the road. 

Augustana is coming off a 4-6 record in 2024 and a 3-6 conference record. The Vikings opened the season with a 30-13 win over Simpson at Charles D. Lindberg Stadium. Following a one-possession road loss to No. 18 Wheaton, Augie collected a 24-20 road victory over Millikin. The Vikings battled in a double overtime effort with North Park, but dropped the matchup. The following weekend, the team rolled over Elmhurst in a 35-21 win, but followed with three consecutive losses. For the home finale, the Vikings secured their final win over Carthage and ended the season on the road with a tough loss to Washington-St. Louis.  

Following the conclusion of the regular season, a total of five Vikings were named on the CCIW's All-Conference list. Mike DiGioia, Cain Johnson, Joren Clem, and Breyden Smith were named first team, while Smith, Johnny Breeden secured Second Team recognition. A month later, DiGioa, Clem, and Smith were named to the D3football. com All-Region team. In January, Smith was selected to the CSC Academic All-District Team and was named the 184th Academic All-American in Augustana history. 

Entering 2025, the Vikings boast key returners on both sides of the ball, including senior Smith, who led last season with 660 receiving yards and five touchdowns. In the rushing game, Ben Ludlum and Josh Lim lead a group of key contributors on the offensive side. Smith also led the team in special team returns with 217 punt return yards and 440 kickoff return yards. On defense, the Vikings boast linebacker Dylan Burton, who ranked second on the team a season ago with 46 tackles, while Ryan Gustaffson and TJ Klein anchor the defensive line. 

Simpson enters the new year following a 5-5 mark in 2024. All five victories for the Storm came on home territory, averaging 25.7 points per game. Simpson returns, leading running back Demarico Young, who led the team with 682 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Another returner for the Storm is wide receiver Noah Cracraft, who finished the season with 1048 receiving yards. On the defensive side, Payton Betts comes back after ranking second on the team in tackles with 61.

Saturday will mark the third meeting between Augsutana and Simpson. The Vikings conquered both matchups, with Augie collecting a 30-13 victory a season ago. The Vikings scored 23 points in the first half, with the defense setting the tone straight off the game. Sean Schlanser hauled in seven catches for 90 yards, while Lim led the ground attack with 121 yards. Defensively, Burton led the charge with eight tackles.

Start time is scheduled for 6 p.m.