DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College football team welcomes the No. 20-ranked Hope College Flying Dutchmen to the Rock Bowl to open up its season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.

The Purple and Gold look to grab their first win of the series against Hope after coming up short in their previous two meetings.

The Duhawks were picked seventh in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll and are looking to finish higher in the standings than expected.

"We are extremely excited about the 2025 season," said head coach Steve Helminiak.  "We want to show that last season was very much unlike what we are capable of doing as a squad and would like to prove a lot of people wrong. We feel very strongly that we have experience and talent to be a winning team and to make noise in the league."

The Loras offense will see some familiar faces return to the field including wide receivers Brock Couch and Ian Broshous, running back Carter Cahill, and tight end Avery Tuttle. The Duhawks will also lean on Beau Baker, Justin Hayes, and Ayden Farley who are a few key returners to the offensive line. Quarterbacks Joey Helminiak and Will Phillips are both ready to step up and lead the Purple and Gold this season as well.

On the defensive side of the ball, Loras returns the national reigning pass breakup leader, cornerback Cormaic Flynn, as well as defensive back Brandon Glover Jr. who was a key contributor during his freshman season last year. Henry Ivers, Niko Jemilo, Jonah Irving, and Drew Diers bring experience and talent to the linebacker position, while Brian Rodriguez, Max Terlap and Dominic Pettenon are expected to be major factors on the defensive line.

The Duhawks also welcome a few transfers to the gridiron this season. Safety Braxten Johnson, wide receiver Sai McWilliams, and running back Charlie Simpson have already showcased their impact and proved to be effective athletes.

Following their season opener, the Duhawks travel to Lisle, Ill. to take on the Benedictine University Eagles on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.