CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds return home to Cedar City on Saturday, September 13, 2025, when they take on Northern Arizona at Eccles Coliseum. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+. It is also the Southern Utah Hall of Fame game, which will feature a special presentation of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.

The Game

The Thunderbirds enter the week with a 1-1 record, coming off a hard-fought overtime loss on the road at San Diego. The Lumberjacks began their season 1-1, losing at Arizona State before taking down Utah Tech last Saturday in their home opener. 

This week's matchup brings back one of the old Big Sky rivalries in the Battle for the Grand Canyon. The history between the two programs began long before either team was part of Division I FCS. This will be the 28th time the two teams have squared off, with NAU holding a 16-11 edge. The coaching staffs of both programs have turned over since the last time these teams met on the gridiron. 

Check out this Week's Coaches Show

On this episode of the Thunderbird Coaches Show, Coach Fitzgerald and host Jon Smith are joined by wide receiver Gabe Nunez as they break down the tough loss to San Diego and preview this weekend's game against NAU.

Key T-Birds to Watch:

Through the first two games of the season, the Thunderbirds' offense has been powered by a balanced rushing attack and efficient play under center. On the ground, Joshua Dye has been the workhorse, racking up 212 net yards on 36 carries, averaging 106 yards per game with two touchdowns. His consistency has helped set the tone for SUU's offense, while backup quarterback Will Burns has added explosive support in the run game, breaking off a 72-yard touchdown and averaging an impressive 14.6 yards per carry. Braedon Wissler has also contributed valuable depth with 52 yards across two contests, giving the Thunderbirds a strong trio of options in the backfield.

In the passing game, quarterback Bronson Barron has been a steady leader, completing 66 percent of his passes for 568 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. His reliability has spread across the receiving corps, with Gabe Nunez emerging as the top target, hauling in 11 catches for 168 yards and two scores. Shane Carr has been equally effective, also pulling down 11 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. The depth of SUU's receiving options has been evident, with contributions from Anson Kraut, Mark Bails, and others, giving Barron multiple reliable outlets. The Thunderbirds' offense has showcased its ability to strike in a variety of ways early in the season.

The Thunderbird defense has been anchored by linebacker Sebastian Adamski, who leads the team with 22 total tackles through two games, including three tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry. Adamski has been all over the field, setting the tone as the unit's top playmaker. Fellow linebacker Josh Dunn has also been a steady force, tallying 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. In the secondary, Jakobi Spence has made his presence felt with eight tackles and a team-high three pass breakups, helping to lock down opposing receivers. Up front, Parker Andrus, Joe Tongamoa, and Salofi Leasiolagi have each contributed key stops behind the line, combining for three tackles for loss and keeping pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Look to see the defense bounce back from a tough loss on the road last week.  

A Look at the Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks' offense has been led by quarterback Ty Pennington, who has been efficient and productive through the first two games. Pennington has completed 68 percent of his passes for 433 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise in the pocket and consistency in moving the ball downfield. His favorite target has been Kolbe Katsis, who leads the receiving corps with 158 yards, one touchdown, and a long grab of 49 yards. Alongside Katsis, Jayson Raines, and Joey Stout have provided reliable options to spread the field and keep defenses honest. On the ground, Seth Cromwell has carried the load with 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Darvon Hubbard and Kenveon Stone have added valuable depth and scoring ability to round out a balanced rushing attack.

On defense, the Lumberjacks have leaned on a collective effort, with several players stepping up to make key contributions. Travis Arena has been the anchor, pacing the unit with 15 total tackles and one sack, while Ramere Davis has been disruptive at the line of scrimmage, racking up 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. Quinlan Popham and Michael Hurst have also been strong presences, combining for 23 tackles and solid coverage support. The secondary has made its mark as well, with Jaylan Wesley recording two interceptions and two pass breakups, giving the Lumberjacks an opportunistic edge. Together, this defensive group has shown the ability to pressure opposing offenses and create turnovers, setting the tone for the team on that side of the ball.

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