Nacogdoches, Texas – December 8, 2025 – The Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) athletic department is buzzing with excitement this December, as the Lumberjacks football team advances to the NCAA FCS quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years, while the men’s basketball squad maintains a strong start to conference play amid a packed holiday schedule.
In a heart-pounding second-round playoff thriller on Saturday night, the seventh-seeded Lumberjacks outlasted the 10th-seeded Abilene Christian University (ACU) Wildcats 41-34 at Homer Bryce Stadium. The victory avenges an early-season loss to ACU and propels SFA (11-2 overall) into uncharted postseason territory since their last quarterfinal appearance in 2009.
Quarterback Sam Vidlak orchestrated the comeback, completing 9-of-10 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Kylon Harris exploded for 183 receiving yards, including a game-sealing score. The Lumberjacks’ defense, led by timely stops in the red zone, forced two turnovers to secure the win in a game that saw five lead changes.
“This is what playoff football is all about—grit, heart, and East Texas toughness,” SFA head coach Jake Flint said postgame. “Our guys believed from the opening whistle, and now we’re headed to Bozeman for a shot at the semis.” The win caps a remarkable turnaround for SFA, who clinched the Southland Conference title with a perfect 10-0 mark after an initial stumble against ACU in Week 2.
Fans are already gearing up for the quarterfinal matchup: SFA travels to face the No. 2 seed Montana State Bobcats on Friday, December 12, at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN. The Bobcats (11-1) earned a first-round bye and boast a high-powered offense averaging over 40 points per game. Kickoff from Bobcat Stadium promises a clash of styles, with SFA’s balanced attack—featuring 1,500+ rushing yards from backs like Jaylen Jenkins—testing Montana State’s stingy defense.
On the hardwood, the SFA men’s basketball team (6-2) is riding a wave of momentum into Southland Conference action. The Jacks kicked off league play with a convincing 73-60 home win over UT Rio Grande Valley on December 3, led by guard Keon Thompson’s 17.5 points per game average, good for fourth in the conference. Notable non-conference victories over Arkansas State, Rice, and Pepperdine have the team eyeing a deep postseason run.
Next up, SFA hosts the University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks (2-6) on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. in William R. Johnson Coliseum. The series favors ULM historically (33-22), but the Jacks hold a 15-11 edge in Nacogdoches. Tipoff marks a critical test for SFA’s defense, which has held opponents under 70 points in four of their last six games.
Looking ahead, the basketball schedule heats up with a New Year’s Eve showdown against Northwestern State on December 31 at 9:30 p.m., broadcast on ESPN+. Early projections have the Jacks as Southland favorites, with Thompson and forward Latrell Hughes anchoring a squad blending veteran leadership and fresh talent.
While football and basketball steal the spotlight, whispers of roster adjustments linger from earlier cuts to women’s bowling, golf, and beach volleyball programs—decisions now under federal scrutiny in a Title IX lawsuit filed by affected athletes. SFA officials maintain the moves were necessary for financial sustainability amid evolving NCAA landscapes, but the focus remains squarely on the court’s competitive triumphs.
As the holiday break approaches, Lumberjack Nation is united in purple and white pride. “December has been magical for our programs,” athletic director Jason Mayo said. “From the gridiron heroics to the court conquests, our student-athletes are making Nacogdoches proud.” Tickets for home games are available at sfajacks.com/tickets, with streaming options on ESPN+ for road contests. Axe ‘Em!