QUINCY, Ill. — The Bellarmine University sprint football team opens its 2026 season Saturday, traveling to Quincy University for an 11 a.m. CT matchup at QU Stadium.
The contest marks the beginning of Bellarmine's fifth season of Sprint Football and the Knights' six-game regular-season schedule. Bellarmine enters Saturday's matchup with a 3-2 all-time record against the Hawks.
ABOUT THE KNIGHTS
Bellarmine enters the 2026 campaign looking to build on a 3-3 regular-season record from a year ago.
The Knights return several key contributors from last season, including senior wide receiver Tyler Smith, senior tight end/punter Ethan Barnett, senior tight end/defensive end Cameron Spalding and junior defensive back Riley McGrath.
Smith recorded 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season, while McGrath ranked among Bellarmine's defensive leaders with 39 total tackles. Barnett and Spalding also return after contributing on both sides of the ball last season.
Bellarmine also welcomes back quarterback Kyle Horvath, who returns to the Knights after previously competing for Bellarmine during the 2024 season.
Brady Niemeyer, Gavin Brazzell and Max Gibbs provide additional experience for the Knights after contributing to last year's team.
Bellarmine's 2026 roster features a mix of returning players, newcomers and returning former Knights as the program begins its fifth season of competition.
LAST TIME OUT AGAINST QUINCY
Bellarmine and Quincy met last season in a defensive battle at QU Stadium, with the Knights earning a 9-7 victory on Oct. 5.
Bellarmine took a 6-0 lead into halftime before adding to its advantage in the fourth quarter on a 30-yard field goal from Luke Vallandingham. The Knights' defense then held off a late Quincy rally to preserve the two-point victory.
Brenden Reid led the Bellarmine offense with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, while the Knights finished with 257 total yards.
Quincy scored its lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter and moved inside the Bellarmine 15-yard line on its final possession. The Knights' defense, however, forced a turnover on downs at the 14-yard line to secure the victory.
The win gave Bellarmine a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday marks the sixth all-time meeting between Bellarmine and Quincy, with the Knights holding a 3-2 edge in the series.
Bellarmine has won each of the last two meetings, including last year's 9-7 decision at QU Stadium.
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's season opener, Bellarmine continues its road swing Sept. 19 at Midway University before returning to Louisville for its home opener Sept. 26 against Calumet College of St. Joseph at Holy Cross High School.
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