Written by Bill Huddleston
Photo by Randy Edwards, NSU Athletics
Winning nine games a year ago, the most since NSU started NCAA D-II play including the First Americans Bowl championship, the turnaround for the Northeastern State University RiverHawks football program accomplished many of its goals in 2025. The offense broke school records by scoring the most touchdowns (65) since 2011 while averaging 40-plus points per contest and the defense limited opponents to 18.5 points per game including 22 takeaways allowing the RiverHawks to create a championship culture. Head coach Darrin Chiaverini is proud of the results but notes the job is far from over.
“Our vision remains focused on our three principals for success…recruitment, retention and development,” said Chiaverini, who enters his third season as head coach. “Recruit good players, develop a relationship that encompasses the entire group and design a game plan that will create opportunities to be successful. We have 80 percent of our roster back and I’m excited to see these guys take the next step and make a run at the NCAA playoffs.”
The NSU coach was name Division-II National Coach of the Year by the College Football Network. “I owe it all to the great coaching staff around me.”
Senior cornerback Marvelous Owens (5-11, 195) was a first-team All-American and returns after leading the nation in interceptions (7). Sophomore Kale Charboneau (6-0,215) and senior Khaden Walker (6-2, 225), who tied for the team lead in tackles will join forces with Jordan Tolbert (6-1, 180), Braxton Street (5-11, 165), Matson Swanson (5-11, 155), Jordan Richburg (5-10,180) and Sim Kilpatrick (5-11, 165) to combine skill players at linebacker and in the secondary. Upfront, a pair of Division-I bounce back players- Solomon Wright (6-0, 295) and Iverson Report (6-0, 285)- will join forces with Jesse Alincy (6-0, 285) and Don’Terrius Williams (6-1, 200) in what is expected to be a breakout season on the line of scrimmage.
“Defensively it’s a good mix of veterans and some good players that are eager to take the next step and be even better than we were last year,” said Chiaverini. “Altogether we can mix coverages and do more when you have a veteran group of talented and dedicated players.”
The RiverHawks offense looks to repeat its high scoring achievements with the combination of veterans, transfers as well as incoming freshmen.
“We’ve reloaded with returning players as well as through recruiting and development,” Chiaverini said with confidence. “Highly talented skill position players and most of our offensive front returning are the foundation of the offensive unit.”
Senior quarterback Donnie Smith (6-3, 225), who broke multiple school records by passing for 3045 yards and 23 touchdowns returns to engineer this year’s offense. He’ll be looking to connect again with wide receivers Deuce Roberson (5-9, 190), the bowl game MVP, and Cam Jackson (5-7, 160) who led the team in touchdown receptions as well as a supporting cast including tight ends Malachi Butler (6-8, 225), Mikey Henderson (6-3, 215) and Reese Carter (6-5, 250). The ground game has highlight reel talents such as Ethan Washington (5-11, 195) who scored six touchdowns. Chiaverini also has high expectations for McNeese State transfer Jaylen Thompson (5-11, 200) and incoming Texas freshmen Jaylen Moore (5-10, 170), Mikail Trotter (5-10, 180) and Ben Ebeke (5-11, 190).
The offensive line will again be anchored by Justus Gilliam (6-2, 265) who started every game last year at center as a freshman and will line up next to returning starters at tackle Jayden Flores (6-7, 370) and Deven Jones (6-5, 305) joined by Rashaud Brown (6-5, 305) at guard. After earning playing time a year ago, C’Mariyun Hayes (6-1, 275) will add experience to the big and strong efforts on the offensive front.
NSU will have another scoring advantage with the return of Troy Nguyen (6-0, 200) who was perfect on 60 PAT conversions plus connected on 9 of 30 field goal attempts while All-American punter Mo Foketi (6-1, 200) returns field position skills averaging 45.2 yards per kick.
The RiverHawks recruiting efforts inked 39 players from high schools in Oklahoma as well as Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. Defensively, the NSU coach likes the initial efforts of Kyron Cope (Muskogee) and Ace Gilliam (Jenks) as well as the ability and confidence of quarterbacks Carson Kirby (Bixby) and Tre Thompson (Bentonville West AR) along with receiver Brady Richards (Farmington, AR), Cortez Reagor (Desoto, TX), Jordan Berry (Olathe, KS) and Kam Williams (Mesquite, TX) to name just a few.
“We’ve done a good job of signing top level local kids which was a point of emphasis with our staff,” said Chiaverini. “We’re going to recruit the best talent while keeping the local kids at home to play for us.”
The RiverHawks will have a chance to impress pollsters and enrich their recruiting footprint with the 2026 schedule that includes contests against NCAA Division-I opponents Northern Colorado, Stephen F. Austin and West Florida.
“It’s all about being the toughest team on the field. We have to forge our own legacy again this season,” said Chiaverini. “We have a tougher schedule in 2026 including three “money games” which will give us a test to become the championship level team we expect to be. From the first play of the season opener, it’s a playoff push start to finish. Every day is fourth and one.”
NSU opens the season in front of the home crowd against Delta State, a tradition rich Division-II program at Doc Wadley Stadium on August 29.
8-29 – vs. Delta State
9-5 – at Missouri S&T
9-12 – at Truman State
9-19 – at Northern Colorado
9-26 – at Stephen F. Austin
10-3 – vs. Texas Permian-Basin
10-10 – at West Florida
10-17 – vs. William Jewell
10-31 – at Langston
11-7 – at McKendree
11-14 – vs. West Alabama
