Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Football: A Tradition of Competition

The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks football program represents Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. As a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Redhawks compete in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), showcasing their athletic talent and dedication to the sport.

Early Beginnings

The history of Southeast Missouri State football dates back to 1904, marking the beginning of a long and evolving athletic tradition. In 1912, the school became part of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), which later affiliated with the NCAA as a Division II conference. The program's first known head coach, J.F. Corleux, was appointed in 1915, laying the foundation for future leadership and team development.

Houck Stadium: Home Field Advantage

The Redhawks play their home games at Houck Stadium, a venue with a seating capacity of 11,015. This stadium provides a home field advantage and a place for fans to gather and support their team.

Rivalries

Southeast Missouri State has cultivated rivalries with other institutions, fueling competitive spirit and memorable matchups. Within the Ohio Valley Conference, Murray State was a significant rival. Another notable rivalry exists with Southern Illinois. The annual series between Southeast Missouri State and Southern Illinois experienced a hiatus after 2005 but was reinstated in 2010, renewing the competitive spirit between the two schools. In 2018, the rivalry game was called the "War of the Wheel".

College Classic at Busch Stadium

In 2013, Southeast Missouri State and Southern Illinois played a game called the College Classic at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. This event marked the first-ever football game held at Busch Stadium, with Southern Illinois winning 36-19.

Read also: Colleges in the Southeast

Recent Highlights and Achievements

2022 Season

During the 2022 season, running back Geno Hess broke SEMO and OVC single-game rushing records as the #15 Redhawks won the OVC Title.

Recent Games

Southeast Missouri State vs. Eastern Illinois: In a game against Eastern Illinois, Donnie Cheers achieved career highs with 165 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Johnny Weber threw a career-high four touchdown passes, and DJ Delmore had a 95-yard pick-six, contributing to Southeast Missouri State's 42-13 victory.
UT Martin vs. Southeast Missouri State: Jase Bauer led UT Martin to a 34-10 victory over Southeast Missouri State, throwing a 75-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Bailey and adding 107 rushing yards with two scores.
Southern Illinois vs. Southeast Missouri State: DJ Williams of Southern Illinois accounted for six touchdowns and 493 yards of offense in a 59-31 victory over Southeast Missouri State.
North Dakota State vs. Southeast Missouri State: North Dakota State defeated SEMO 41-14, with Cole Payton throwing four touchdowns.
Southeast Missouri State vs. North Alabama: Jax Leatherwood threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns as Southeast Missouri State scored 30 straight points to secure a 30-21 win over North Alabama.
Arkansas State vs. Southeast Missouri State: Jaylen Raynor threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns in Arkansas State's 42-24 victory over Southeast Missouri State.
Tennessee State vs. Southeast Missouri State: Draylen Ellis accounted for three touchdowns as Tennessee State defeated Southeast Missouri State 28-21.
Southeast Missouri State vs. Western Illinois: Southeast Missouri State beat Western Illinois 54-45 in a high-scoring game featuring 1,152 total yards, with Paxton DeLaurent throwing for 367 yards and four touchdowns.
Lindenwood vs. Southeast Missouri State: Lindenwood upset Southeast Missouri State 24-12, ending the Redhawks' seven-game win streak.

2025 Season

As of 2025, the OVC-Big South standings are:

Tennessee Tech (4-0 Conf, 7-0 OVR)
UT Martin (3-1 Conf, 3-5 OVR)
Gardner-Webb (2-1 Conf, 4-3 OVR)
Lindenwood (2-1 Conf, 3-4 OVR)
Southeast Missouri State (2-1 Conf, 3-4 OVR)
Eastern Illinois (2-2 Conf, 3-4 OVR)
Charleston Southern (1-3 Conf, 2-6 OVR)
Tennessee State (0-3 Conf, 2-5 OVR)
Western Illinois (0-4 Conf, 1-7 OVR)

2025 Team Leaders

Passing Yards: Jax Leatherwood (QB #12) - 1,113
Touchdowns: Jax Leatherwood (QB #12) - 7
Rushing Yards: Brandon Epton Jr. (RB #32) - 286
Carries: Brandon Epton Jr. (RB #32) - 78
Touchdowns: Brandon Epton Jr. (RB #32) - 4
Receiving Yards: Cam Pedro (WR #0) - 410
Receptions: Cam Pedro (WR #0) - 33
Touchdowns: Cam Pedro (WR #0) - 3

2025 Team Statistics

Points For: 22.8 (80th)

Awards

2018: Zack Smith won an award.

Read also: Affording IU Southeast

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