Lincoln University’s football program is entering a pivotal year under the steady guidance of Coach Moses Harper, who is beginning his third season at the helm of the Blue Tigers. Harper says the team is focused on growth, added depth and a tighter sense of togetherness as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
A Quiet Revolution in the GLVC
The coaching staff has adopted an open‑door policy, inviting players to discuss not only tactics but also personal development, a move that reflects Harper’s belief that leadership extends beyond the field.
Senior wide receiver Marcus Harris returns as the team’s top target, having posted 37 catches for 791 yards and five touchdowns last season. His 21.4 yards per catch placed him among the nation’s elite in Division II, and he now spends much of his time mentoring younger teammates.
Transfer defensive end Mark Gorbatenko, a graduate student joining from another program, brings a veteran presence and a commitment to sharing lessons learned with the next generation of Tigers.
The season will open on August 29 at 6 p.m. when the Blue Tigers travel to face Central Methodist University at Dwight T. Reed Stadium, a venue that has become synonymous with the program’s home‑field advantage.
Looking Ahead
Despite being predicted to finish last in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason poll — earning a mere eight points — the team remains undeterred. The poll saw Indianapolis, the four‑time defending champion, atop the list with 63 points and seven first‑place votes, while Truman State and Upper Iowa followed.
Harper emphasizes that the squad’s ultimate goal is to leave the program in better shape than they found it, a sentiment echoed by both Harris and Gorbatenko as they look to translate individual effort into collective success.
With a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent, Lincoln’s Blue Tigers hope to rewrite their narrative, turning a modest preseason forecast into a story of steady improvement and future contention.