The return of college football is upon us.

Not only does this season follow a run into the postseason, but there are multiple big ticket games on the board. The Ichabods went 7-5 in the regular season, 7-4 in conference and won a record-breaking triple overtime game against University of Nebraska at Kearney per wusports.com.

The Ichabods kicked off their season with their first game Aug. 31 in Talequah, Oklahoma, where they won against Northeastern State University. There they also have a huge game ahead against defending national champion Northwest Missouri State University.

Craig Schurig, head coach for Washburn football, had a few thoughts on what to expect come Washburn’s first home game Sept. 7 against defending national champion Northwest Missouri State University.

“Last year was a building process,” Schurig said. “We felt like we got back to where we want to be and this year’s group has really taken off from there through spring and summer practice.”

One of the best components of the football team this year are its returning seniors. Jalen Durham, Trey Parker and Kastin Spencer are examples of the new leaders on the defensive side, along with Austin Tillman, Derrick McGreevy and Cedric Gonzalez leading the linebacking core.

In the secondary, D.J. Olmsted senior and Corey Ballentine, junior, will lead the way for the Ichabods.

In terms of newer additions to the team, Shurig is excited for freshmen Landen Urban and Brad Breckenridge to take the team’s defense up a notch.

For the offensive side, the Ichabods have a few impressive quarterbacks ready to share time on the field.

“Logan Twehous and Blake Peterson have done a really good job as quarterbacks,” Schurig said. “They will play.”

The offensive leaders this season will be Bob Marco, senior, on the offensive line, Semaj Johnson, junior, at tight end, Mickeel Stewart, junior, at running back, Carey Woods, senior, at wide receiver and Jace Williams, sophomore, at tight end.

“We are going take them down,” said Kamani Addison freshman receiver and running back. “They are going to have a rude awakening. As long as we play as a team, we’ll pull it off.”

Schurig said this was a common sentiment among the football team.

“The guys seem hungry to get back to the postseason again,” Schurig said.

The team’s next game will be 6 p.m. Sept. 7 against defending national champions Northwest Missouri State, which will also be the first home game of the season. The annual Alumni Tailgate will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the northeast side of Yager Stadium to kick off the festivities.