The Spirit enter the new year coming off an 8-1 season that saw them capture a share of the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship, the fifth conference title in program history. Along the way, OUAZ established itself as one of the most balanced teams in the NAIA, pairing a high-powered offense with a dominant defense that consistently controlled games throughout the fall.

By season's end, the Spirit ranked 11th nationally in scoring offense at 41.2 points per game and fifth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 14.6 points per contest. The combination produced one of the best winning percentages in school history (.889) and tied for the second-most victories in a single season.

The 2025 season was also one of the most accomplished from a statistical standpoint in program history. OUAZ set school records for sacks in a season (44), sacks in a game (nine against Nelson), fewest points allowed in a full season (131), and fewest points allowed per game (14.6). The Spirit also recorded two defensive shutouts and tied the program record with five road victories while setting a new benchmark for road winning percentage.

One of the defining moments of the championship season came in a road victory at Arizona Christian. OUAZ rushed for 370 yards, the second-highest single-game rushing total in school history, showcasing the physical style that became a hallmark of the team's success throughout the season.

The season's accomplishments were recognized across the conference and nationally, as the Spirit earned multiple All-SAC selections, produced two AFCA Third Team All-Americans, and saw quarterback Luke Giron named the Sooner Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Now, as Head Coach Reilly Murphy enters his second season leading the program, the focus shifts from celebrating last year's achievements to building upon them.

OUAZ added several new members to the coaching staff during the offseason, including offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach, defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator Garrett Casteel, and running backs coach Shawn Yohn. The additions bring fresh perspectives to a program looking to remain among the SAC's top contenders while continuing to establish itself on the national stage.

The challenge begins immediately.

The Spirit open the 2026 season on Thursday night with one of the most difficult non-conference matchups in the NAIA, traveling to Butte, Montana, to face No. 5-ranked Montana Tech.

The Orediggers enter the year after an outstanding 2025 campaign in which they posted an 11-0 regular-season record, captured the Frontier Conference East Division Championship, and advanced all the way to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Football Championship Series. Montana Tech has become one of the NAIA's premier programs in recent years and enters the season as a national championship contender.

For OUAZ, the matchup offers an immediate opportunity to measure itself against one of the nation's best teams while gaining valuable early-season momentum. A road victory over a top-five opponent would instantly become one of the signature wins in program history and provide a significant boost to the Spirit's national profile.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Arizona time) on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Game Information
OUAZ at No. 5 Montana Tech
Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
Time: 5 p.m. (Arizona)
Location: Butte, Montana

Livestream:
https://www.youtube.com/user/montanatechathletics

Fans can also tune in earlier in the day to the Division 1 Rejects Small School Saturday preview show beginning at 2 p.m. Arizona time. The program will feature coverage and discussion leading into the season-opening showdown, with Head Coach Reilly Murphy scheduled to appear at approximately 2:50 p.m.

Small School Saturday Show:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=guk4F8sZSpc&ra=m

The wait is over. A new season begins Thursday night, and OUAZ will have an opportunity to make an immediate statement as the Spirit travel north to take on one of the NAIA's top-ranked programs in a Week Zero showdown.