As a longtime observer of college football, particularly within the unique ecosystem of the FCS and non-scholarship Pioneer Football League, I’ve always found the story of Butler Football to be a compelling one. It’s a program that operates without the glitz of full athletic scholarships, yet consistently fields competitive, well-coached teams that embody the true spirit of student-athletes. Writing this guide, I aim to pull back the curtain not just on the upcoming season, but on the rich tapestry that makes this program special. My perspective is shaped by years of following PFL action, and I’ll share some insights you might not find in a standard press release. Let’s dive into the history, the current roster, and what we can realistically expect from the Bulldogs this fall.
The history of Butler Football is a story of resilience and evolution. The program dates back to 1887, which is a fact that always impresses me, placing it among the older college football traditions in the Midwest. They’ve bounced between conferences and competitive levels, but finding a true home in the Pioneer Football League, which formed in 1993, provided a stable identity. The pinnacle, without a doubt, came in 2013. That season was magic. Under coach Jeff Voris, the Bulldogs stormed to a perfect 11-0 regular season, outright winning the PFL title and securing an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. It was a testament to what a disciplined, smart team could achieve. I remember that playoff game against Tennessee State vividly. It was a classic case of a slow start digging a hole too deep to climb out of. The Bulldogs fought valiantly, but as the reference knowledge perfectly illustrates, “by then, though, time was not on its side, as the Blue Eagles' 33-point advantage proved to be much too much.” That 31-10 final score doesn’t diminish the historic achievement of that season; it just shows how fine the margins are at that level. That 2013 team set a standard, and every Bulldogs squad since has been measured against it.
Turning to the present, the 2024 roster is a fascinating mix. Having followed the team's recruiting and spring practices, I’m particularly intrigued by the quarterback situation. With the departure of a multi-year starter, this is the biggest question mark. I have a gut feeling we might see a battle between the experienced junior who’s been waiting in the wings and a promising redshirt freshman with a stronger arm. The offensive line returns three starters, which is a huge plus, averaging about 295 pounds across the front—a solid size for the PFL. The skill positions have speed, especially in the receiving corps where I’m high on #15, a sophomore who showed flashes of brilliance with 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed last year. Defensively, the strength is in the secondary. They led the PFL in pass breakups last season with 42, and the entire starting unit is back. The defensive line needs to find a new pass rusher, however, and that’s my chief concern. The linebacker group is young but athletic. Overall, this isn’t the most experienced Butler team I’ve seen, but the talent ceiling might be higher than in recent years. A lot will hinge on player development over the summer.
So, what about the upcoming season? The schedule, as usual, is a gauntlet early. They open with a near-impossible FBS money game against a Power Five opponent—let’s say Iowa—which is less about winning and more about survival and a paycheck that funds the program. The real season starts with the PFL slate. I’ve looked at the rotations, and I believe Butler can be a top-four team in the league if things break right. A key early conference game will be against San Diego, always a powerhouse. My prediction is a 7-4 overall record, with a 5-3 mark in the PFL. That would be a successful step forward. The offense needs to find an identity early, preferably a balanced attack that leverages that experienced line. Defensively, creating more than the 18 turnovers they managed last season will be crucial. I’m optimistic, but it’s a cautious optimism. This team has the pieces; it’s about chemistry and avoiding the injury bug that plagued them last fall, where they lost three starting offensive players for the season by Week 4.
In conclusion, Butler Football represents the heart of college athletics. It’s not about future NFL stars; it’s about engineering majors making tackles and biology students throwing touchdown passes. The 2013 playoff run remains the north star, a reminder of what’s possible. The 2024 roster has the athleticism to make some noise, though questions at quarterback and pass rush are real. From my vantage point, the culture built by the coaching staff is the program's constant strength. They develop players over four and five years, and that continuity is their weapon. I’m looking forward to seeing this new group write its own chapter. Whether they contend for a title or are simply a tough out every Saturday, one thing is certain: they’ll play hard, play smart, and represent Butler University with a grit that any fan can be proud of. The journey is always worth watching.
