QUINCY, Ill - The countdown to the 2026 Sprint Football season is officially underway, and the Quincy University Hawks are preparing to hit the field with a roster that blends proven veteran leadership, returning playmakers, and a new group of freshman who are eager to make their mark. 

Quincy enters its fifth season as a program with plenty of familiar faces back on the roster and opportunities waiting for a new generation of Hawks. The team will open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, September 12th against Bellarmine University hosted by Quincy. Saturday's match up kicks off a six-game regular season in the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL). 

Leading the way for his third season with the Hawks, is head coach Kirkland Burton. Burton will continue to serve as the team's head coach and offensive coordinator, providing continuity for a team looking to build on the experience gained throughout the 2025 season. Burton will be joined by Tyler Krietemeyer as the defensive coordinator, running backs coach Christian Jackson, Shannon Haerr as the special teams and wide receivers coach, as well as Malik Sylvester as the defensive backs coach. 

Veterans Return to Lead the Way

The Hawks will have no shortage of experience when they take the field this fall as they have several key contributors from the previous season.  

One of the biggest names back on defense is Donnell Packer. After joining last season, Packer immediately established himself as one of the most productive defenders in program history. He led the Hawks with a program record 85 tackles, including 38 solo tackles and another record with 47 assists. Packer also recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, and a blocked kick. 

His performance earned him First Team All-MSFL recognition, and the veteran linebacker will once again give the Hawks a proven leader in the middle of the defense. 

Another returning defensive standout is senior Kaden Buchholz. Buchholz finished last season with 50 tackles and led the Hawks with 11.5 tackles for loss. His ability to create plays behind the line of scrimmage earned him First Team All-MSLF honors, making him one of the players opposing offenses will have to account for throughout the season. 

Senior defensive lineman Logan Cannady will also return to the field after earning First Team All-MSLF honors in 2025. Cannady recorded 28 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. His performance will provide Quincy with another experienced presence along the defensive front. 

Other familiar faces coming back are senior Thomas Murray Jr. who appeared in all seven games last year and finished with 27 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, an interception, a quarterback hurry, and 5 pass breakups. He also recorded a career-high 10 tackles against Midway, showing his ability to make an impact when the Hawks need it most.

Playmakers Ready to Make Noise

On the offensive side, senior quarterback Deuce Allaway returns after playing in all seven games in the 2025 season. Allaway completed 19 of 60 passes for 324 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 58 rushing yards. His experience in the Hawks' offense gives Quincy another veteran option under center as the team begins its preparation for Saturday.

Senior wide receiver Gregory Quince is another player poised for a major role. Quince led the Hawks in the previous season with 18 receptions, 352 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns. His performance earned himself Second Team All-MSLF honors. 

Quince also included one of the most memorable offensive displays in program history against St. Mary-of-the-Woods when he caught five passes for 74 yards and three touchdowns. Quince became the first player in Quincy sprint football history to record 3 receiving touchdowns in a single game. 

The Hawks also look to senior Jensen Laughlin to provide stability on special teams. Laughlin averaged 37.92 yards on 25 punts and earned First Team All-MSFL honors as a special teams player last season. His position on the team can once again be an important role of Quincy's game plan. 

Returning Youth Brings More Potential 

While the upperclassmen provide experience, several young returners have already gotten a taste of college football and enter 2026 with opportunities to take another step forward. 

Sophomore quarterback Kiet Truong could be one of the most intriguing players to watch. As a freshman, Truong appeared in four games and completed 40 of 93 passes for 629 yards and 5 touchdowns. He made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut against St. Mary-of-the-Woods, throwing for 204 yards and four touchdowns. Truong later set the Quincy single game passing record with 354 yards against Midway. 

The upcoming season will provide Truong with another year to develop and showcase his hard work. 

Defensive lineman Kamryn Flachs-Hill enters his sophomore season and could see an expanded role. He appeared in six games as a freshman and recorded 13 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses gives Quincy another young defensive weapon to work into the rotation. 

Offensive lineman Trapper Forrest returns after starting five of the six games he played in last season. His early experience up front could prove valuable as Quincy looks to establish consistency in the trenches. 

Freshman Bring New Energy 

Joining the returning core is a freshman class that will have the opportunity to immediately compete for playing time and establish itself within the program. 

Among the new Hawks are several Quincy Senior High School products. Mason Dent, Riley Dierker, Brayden Ulrich, Elijah Lawrence, and Hunter Schuckman give the team a strong local presence among its incoming class. 

The freshman group also includes quarterback Justin Vega, quarterback Josiah Nothacker, linebackers Uthman Salami and Larry Watson Jr., as well as running back Lawrence Benson who add to the roster. 

The newcomers will have the chance to showcase their abilities during preseason practices and earn opportunities once the regular season begins. 

For a young program like Quincy's, freshman can play an important role in shaping the team's future. The 2026 newcomers will have the chance to learn alongside veterans such as Packer, Buchholz, Cannady, Quince, and Allaway while beginning to establish their own identities within the Hawks program. 

A New Season, A New Opportunity 

While Quincy was selected third in the 2026 MSFL preseason coaches poll, the ranking sets the stage for a competitive season. The Hawks will be able to prove themselves as the first game approaches. The new season kicks off on Saturday, September 12th, at 11:00 AM held at the QU Football Stadium. 

To view the complete 2026 scheduled, click here.