Like many of the University’s fall athletic teams, the football team had a successful season, securing its best record since 2018 and the second best in school history.
First-year head coach and alumnus Brian Cushing led the Cougars to a 7-4 record and a spot in the Centennial Bowl, and the future looks mighty bright for the program.
Cushing, a former Cougar safety and 2018 graduate, returned to Dallas Township after serving as part of the national championship winning defensive staff at SUNY Cortland. His arrival brought immediate energy and a renewed focus on physicality, preparation and urgency, all of which were evident on the field.
The Cougars opened the season with a defining win, a 42–21 victory over Albright that featured 42 unanswered points. Quarterback Jacob Hunter led the way with four passing touchdowns and more than 100 rushing yards, signaling the start of a balanced offensive attack that would become a theme throughout the year.
The offense ranked among the most productive in the MAC. Misericordia averaged 365.6 yards per game and 28.0 points per contest, placing it near the top of the conference in both categories. The offensive line, led by Jeff Kozerski and Daniel Robledo, helped the Cougars finish first in the MAC in time of possession (32:45 per game) and third in fourth-down conversions (69%). Receivers Jordan Alston and Jacob Hoy, along with tight end Bill McCleery, gave the team reliable production at the skill positions.
Defensively, Misericordia showed significant improvement from the previous season. The Cougars were more disciplined, efficient and physical, reflecting Cushing’s background as a championship-level defensive coordinator. The standout was senior linebacker Gavin Morris, who ended the year with 96 tackles and became Misericordia’s all-time leader in total tackles. His season included multiple double-digit performances and a career-best 17-tackle game, anchoring the defense throughout the fall.
The program’s growth was further highlighted by postseason honors. Nine Cougars earned All-MAC recognition, which is one of the highest single season totals in school history. The list included Morris, McCleery, Hunter, Hoy, Kozerski, Robledo, safety Nate Malarkey, wideout and returner Jassan Whittaker, and defensive back Amir Thomas. The wide distribution of positions represented a major step in balanced roster development.
Misericordia’s bowl berth capped off the year, as the team advanced to the MAC–Centennial Bowl to face Carnegie Mellon. The Cougars led 17–14 in the third quarter before the Tartans rallied to win 24–17. Despite the loss, the matchup underscored how competitive Misericordia had become; the Cougars held their own against one of the region’s strongest programs and remained in contention until the final minutes.
Beyond the numbers and standings, the long-term outlook for the team appears promising. A significant factor is geography. Pennsylvania remains one of the top high school football states in the nation, consistently ranked in the top 10 by national evaluators such as MaxPreps and 247Sports. The state produces a high volume of college-ready athletes across skill positions, especially quarterback, linebacker and the defensive secondary. With Misericordia located squarely in this talent-rich region, the program has a natural recruiting advantage.
Cushing’s background enhances that potential. As a young coach with a championship résumé, regional connections and a track record of player development, he brings the type of profile that resonates with recruits and high school coaches. The combination of his defensive pedigree and Pennsylvania’s deep talent pool gives Misericordia a strong foundation for future roster building.
Another key step forward in 2025 was the team’s overall consistency. The Cougars avoided long losing streaks, responded well to adversity and maintained competitive intensity throughout the schedule. Several of their wins came in close or comeback fashion, demonstrating maturity and resilience not always present in past seasons.
The 2025 campaign serves as a marker of how far the program has come in a relatively short time. Founded in 2012, Misericordia football has experienced growing pains, flashes of success and stretches of rebuilding. The 2018 playoff run was an early high point, but sustaining that level of success has proved difficult.
With a veteran coaching staff, a core of returning contributors and access to some of the strongest prep talent in the Northeast, Misericordia enters 2026 and beyond positioned for continued growth. The 7–4 record, bowl appearance and nine All-MAC selections reflect not just a strong season, but the establishment of a higher standard, and one the Cougars appear ready to maintain.
The 2025 season may ultimately be remembered as the beginning of a new dominant era for Misericordia football.