Valparaiso University’s football program will embark on its first road test of the 2026 season on September 12, traveling to face Murray State at Roy Stewart Stadium. The Beacons, fresh off a commanding 59-13 victory over Lawrence Tech, are eager to translate their home‑field success into a win on the road, a feat they have not achieved since the spring of 2021.
Season Opener Highlights
The season opener showcased a spectacular special‑teams display, with three punt returns for touchdowns and two blocked punts, underscoring the unit’s explosiveness. Chris Gundy, the standout return specialist, recorded two punt return scores, highlighted by a 59‑yard dash that earned him Pioneer Football League Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Quarterback Rowan Keefe also impressed, completing 10 of 16 passes for two touchdowns, and his efficiency will be crucial as the Beacons navigate the challenges of playing away from home.
Valparaiso’s quest for a road win stretches back to a 2021 victory at Butler, making the upcoming showdown against an MVFC opponent especially significant. This matchup marks the Beacons’ 14th encounter with a conference rival since 2010, and a victory would represent their first triumph over an MVFC team in program history.
Head coach Andy Waddle, now in his second year at Valparaiso after a successful rebuild at Marietta College, brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of turning programs around. His leadership is seen as a key factor in the Beacons’ pursuit of sustained success.
Adding a human‑interest dimension, defensive back Mark Johnson recently donated bone marrow to save a child and was nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, highlighting the character within the Valparaiso roster.