From Underdogs to Contenders: Misericordia’s Breakout Season Sets Stage for Future
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | November 23, 2025 | Photo courtesy Tony Greunloh
The Misericordia University football team just wrapped up the kind of season that can change the direction of a program. Under first-year head coach Steve Cushing, the Cougars finished 7–4 overall and 7–2 in the MAC, earning a spot in the MAC–Centennial Bowl Series before falling 24–17 at Carnegie Mellon. It was a tight, physical game decided in the fourth quarter, but it capped a fall where Misericordia surged into second place in the MAC and spent November in the thick of the conference title race.
The turnaround was unmistakable. After a struggling 2024 campaign, the Cougars delivered one of their most complete seasons in years, powered by a drastically improved offense and a steady, physical defense. Along the way, MU picked up standout wins, including victories at Widener, Lebanon Valley, and a dominant 41–10 Homecoming win over Alvernia. They closed the regular season with a gritty 27–21 rivalry victory over King’s, securing their second-place MAC finish and punching their ticket to bowl play.
Offensively, Misericordia found its identity behind dual-threat quarterback Jacob Hunter and versatile running back Angelo Fluri, who consistently produced on the ground and through the air. The Cougars averaged over 365 yards per game, showing balance with both an evolving passing attack and a reliable run game. Weapons like tight end Billy McCleery and wideout Jacob Hoy gave Hunter dependable targets all season long, helping the offense control tempo and win key field-position battles.
Defensively, the Cougars became one of the MAC’s tougher units. Linebacker Gavin Morris anchored the group with a conference-leading tackle total, while defensive back Malcolm Roy and the MU front generated takeaways and pressure throughout the year. That physical identity showed up again in the bowl game, where Misericordia actually out-gained Carnegie Mellon in total yards before ultimately falling short.
Even with the sting of a bowl loss, the foundation for the future is undeniable. The Cougars produced nine All-MAC selections, signaling both talent and depth across the roster. With a strong first season under Coach Cushing and a returning core on both sides of the ball, Misericordia heads into 2026 with real momentum — and a standard that suggests the program is ready to stay near the top of the MAC.
