PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University football team will open preseason camp Monday (Aug. 3). The Gorillas will conduct their first practice at 9:15 a.m. Monday at Carnie Smith Stadium. Pitt State also will conduct practices Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 9:15 a.m. next week.

Pitt State enters the 2026 season with high aspirations once again following a 10-3 campaign a year ago. The Gorillas made their fourth straight trip to the NCAA Division II national playoffs after claiming their third conference crown in four seasons (2022, 2023, 2025).
Third-year head coach Tom Anthony welcomes back another talented squad that includes eight returning starters (five offense, three defense) and five players who garnered All-MIAA honors a year ago.
 
Senior placekicker Austin Schmitt was selected the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2025, while redshirt senior wide receiver Kuron Parchmon joined him on the first-team All-MIAA squad. Redshirt senior wide receiver Greyson Holbert and redshirt junior tight end Luke Niggemann were third-team All-MIAA picks a year ago, while redshirt senior defensive end Ely Wilcox garnered honorable mention All-MIA recognition. Schmitt also received honorable mention All-America accolades from the Don Hansen Football Committee.
 
Overall, 39 letterwinners seek to provide veteran leadership to blend with a talented group of newcomers who are set to join the program for the 2026 campaign.

The Gorillas were selected the preseason favorite in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and Pitt State was tabbed No. 2 in the MIAA Preseason Media Poll released Monday (July 27).

Pitt State opens the 2026 campaign by hosting defending national champion Ferris State on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. (CDT) at Carnie Smith Stadium.