SEMO RedHawks Football aims for Historic Back-to-back Top 25 FCS season
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — After a record-breaking season and their highest FCS ranking in program history at 6, the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks are setting their sights on another milestone, looking for back-to-back Top 25 finishes.
Head coach Tom Matukewicz, entering his 12th season as the HC, has led a transformation of SEMO football program. When he arrived in 2013, the program had recorded just three winning seasons in 30 years. Now, winning seasons have become the standard.
“Really, the expectation is to be in the Top 25, make the playoffs, and win games,” Matukewicz said. “There’s been a lot of tremendous growth.”
The Redhawks have been a consistent force in the Big South-OVC, finishing among the top two in at least one of these stats every season, red zone defense, sacks, turnover margin, third-down defense, or interceptions every season under Matukewicz.
The program’s rise has been fueled by standout players such as Kristian Wilkerson, who caught 10 touchdown passes in 2018, Geno Hess, who rushed for 21 touchdowns in 2022, and Paxton DeLaurent, the school’s all-time passing leader, and touchdown passing leader. Paxto played his final snap last season.
When asked what he credits for the success along the way, Matukewicz credits the team’s success to recruiting and retaining players who believe in the program. SEMO has established a collective to support recruitment efforts.
“We’ve started a collective outside the university that helps recruit and retain great players,” Matukewicz said. “And great players make great coaches.”
The Redhawks have also gained national attention for producing NFL-caliber talent. Last year, Ryan Flournoy was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, and Tristan Smith transferred to Clemson. Matukewicz also highlighted Michael Ford, who remains in the league with the Cleveland Browns.
As SEMO turns the page on losing key All-Americans like DeLaurent and Bryce Norman, Matukewicz acknowledges the challenge this season could hold.
“On paper, it’s probably a rebuilding year, but that’s certainly not what we’re trying to do or think we’re going to do,” he said. “It’s just about figuring out what life looks like post-those guys.”
One key returner is kicker D.C. Pippen, but SEMO will need contributions across the board as they face a tough, but competitive early schedule. The Redhawks open their 2025 campaign on August 30 at Arkansas State, followed by matchups against North Dakota State, North Alabama, SIU, and UT Martin.
“It’s an exciting year,” Matukewicz said. “That Arkansas State game is one everyone can make—it’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive. And it’s a winnable game. We’ve got to play well early.”
The SEMO Redhawks are determined to make history once again in the 2025 campaign.
