Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney football team begins preparations for the 2021 season on Monday, March 15, with the start of spring practice.

The Lopers will work out the NCAA-allotted 15 times between March 15 and April 16. Weather permitting UNK will practice three days per week between 3:40-6 p.m. (estimated end time) at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field. TPractices are open to the public; see the scheduled dates below.

Head coach Josh Lynn and his staff must replace 10 All-MIAA players off a team that went 7-5 in 2019 and won the Mineral Water Bowl. Among the departures are All-American left guard Josh Stoltenberg, All-Central Region linebacker Sal Silvio, running backs David Goodwin and Darrius Webb and defensive linemen Hinwa Allieu and Jordan Ingraham.

Returning to the fold is 2019 MIAA Freshman of the Year and quarterback TJ Davis (Colorado Springs), all-league offensive tackles Corey Hoelck (Giltner) and Kooper Reece (Valentine) and all-league back Dayton Sealey (Hastings St. Cecilia). These players helped UNK go 2-0 in the fall of 2020 with wins at Pittsburg State, 31-26, and at home vs. Chadron State, 45-35. Games against South Dakota Mines and Missouri Western State were called off due to COVID protocols.

The 2021 season begins at home on Thursday, September 2, vs. Missouri Southern State, with fall camp beginning in early August.

Practice Dates (Times are approximate & can change due to weather)
Practice #1 – Monday, March 15 … helmets
Practice #2 – Tuesday, March 16 … helmets (moved up a day due to weather on the 17th)
Practice #3 – Friday, March 19 … shells

Practice #4 – Monday, March 22 … full pads starts
Practice #5 – Wednesday, March 24
Practice #6 – Friday, March 26

Practice #7 – Monday, March 29
Practice #8 – Wednesday, March 31
Practice #9 – Friday, April 2

Practice #10 – Monday, April 5
Practice #11 – Wednesday, April 7
Practice #12 – Friday, April 9

Practice #13 – Monday, April 12
Practice #14 – Wednesday, April 14
Practice #15 – Friday, April 16