Briar Cliff’s football program is riding the wave of its most successful stretch in recent memory. After finishing 6‑5 overall and 5‑5 in the GPAC a year ago, the Chargers return nearly their entire roster for the 2026 campaign, positioning themselves to build on that breakthrough.
A New Era Under Coach Koziol
First‑year head coach Nathan Koziol steps into the role after a season that saw the team surge from a 2‑9 start to a winning record. His vision emphasizes continuity, with 18 starters back on both sides of the ball.
Among the key returnees, quarterback Brock Saya shattered the school’s single‑season passing record in 2025, giving the offense a proven playmaker. Wide receiver Kymani Fluerme will again anchor the receiving corps, benefiting from a chemistry that has been forged over multiple seasons.
Senior left tackle Zach Rachow, an All‑American honoree, anchors a defensive line that helped the team turn the tide, while defensive back Dayton Harrell, a Sioux City native, adds experience to a secondary that looks ready to tighten up.
Season Opener in Sioux City
The Chargers open the 2026 schedule with a home matchup against Mayville State on August 29 at 6 p.m. at Memorial Field, where the crowd in Sioux City will get an early glimpse of the team’s revamped attack.
With the preseason GPAC poll placing them eighth, the Chargers are poised to surprise many. The blend of veteran leadership and fresh energy under Koziol sets the stage for a season that could once again rewrite the program’s narrative.