Southwestern College enters the 2026 football season with a proven quarterback, several experienced playmakers and key pieces returning to a defense that helped the Moundbuilders finish 8-3 a year ago.

Head coach Brad Griffin's team averaged 51.9 points and 541.5 yards per game in 2025, finishing with 5,957 yards of total offense. Southwestern also went 6-0 on the road and closed the season with consecutive victories.

Quarterback Jamie Odom returns after accounting for 52 touchdowns last season. Odom completed 204 of 322 passes for 3,204 yards, 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 63.4% of his attempts. He also rushed for 470 yards and 11 touchdowns on 104 carries.

His return gives offensive coordinator Ryan Nelson an experienced leader for an offense that averaged 329 passing yards and 212.5 rushing yards per game.

Bryce Chambers also returns after catching 22 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. He added 71 rushing yards and a touchdown while contributing in the return game.

Christian Steward appeared in two games and rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. He also caught four passes for 36 yards and returned five kickoffs for 150 yards.

Austin Tener is among the returning players on the offensive line after appearing in seven games in 2025. Caleb Phillips also returns to solidify the Builders' offensive line. 

Defensively, coordinator Austin Jackson returns several productive players.

Isaiah Yehudah recorded 56 tackles in 11 games, including 32 solo stops. Britt Wittschen finished with 51 tackles, a sack, 3½ tackles for loss, an interception and five pass breakups.

Elijah Moroney added 38 tackles, four sacks and nine tackles for loss in 11 games, while Carl Malvo recorded 34 tackles, two sacks and 5½ tackles for loss in 10 games.

As a unit, Southwestern allowed 301 yards and 23.5 points per game in 2025. The Moundbuilders gave up just 141.2 passing yards per game, intercepted 15 passes and recovered six fumbles.

Southwestern was particularly effective in its victories, holding opponents to 16.1 points and 262.9 yards per game while forcing 20 turnovers in its eight wins.

With Odom back at quarterback and Chambers, Steward, Tener and Phillips returning on offense, Southwestern brings experience into 2026. Moroney, Malvo, Yehudah and Wittschen give the defense returning production at multiple level.

After an 8-3 finish and an unbeaten road record last season, the Moundbuilders will look to build on the offensive firepower and defensive experience that defined their 2025 campaign. The Builders' kick off the 2026 season at Bethel College in North Newton, kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside of Thresher Stadium.