A New Chapter for the Black Bears
Jordan Stevens is entering his fifth year at the helm of the University of Maine football program, a tenure marked by a dramatic turnaround that saw the team jump from a 2‑9 record in 2023 to a 6‑6 finish in 2024. The coach says the progress is a testament to the players’ resilience and the staff’s ability to manage a roster that now features five candidates for the starting quarterback spot.
The Black Bears will open the season on August 27 against Towson, then travel to Boone, North Carolina, to face Appalachian State on September 5, before hosting Boston College on September 19. Those early road games set a challenging tone, with four of the first five regular‑season contests taking place away from Orono.
Quarterback Competition Heats Up
Carter Peevy, who previously threw for 4,660 yards and 35 touchdowns over two seasons, returns as a veteran presence, but he will be joined by redshirt junior Caden Drezek, who brings experience from limited snaps, as well as Eddie Buehler and Michael McMaugh, all vying for the first‑string role. Coach Stevens emphasizes that leadership and decision‑making will be key factors in determining the starter.
Beyond the Maine campus, Husson University is also shaping its schedule, opening with games against Framingham State and Springfield College before confronting conference champions later in the year. Meanwhile, the University of New England, which posted its best eight‑win season in eight years, will field a 122‑player roster under Coach Mike Lichten, who hopes to build depth and continuity.
Looking Ahead
The National Football Foundation’s kickoff breakfast provided a platform for Stevens to discuss the broader implications of roster management and team culture. As the season unfolds, the coach says the focus will remain on developing leadership within the squad and navigating a demanding travel schedule that tests both endurance and adaptability.