BURNSVILLE, Minn. – With three first place votes, the back-to-back defending Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Champion Augustana football team was tabbed to finish second for the 2024 NSIC season, announced by the conference office on Tuesday. In the same release, wide receiver Gunnar Hensley was selected as the South Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and defensive back Logan Leonard was named as a Vikings Player to Watch.
 
"I am excited about the challenge of trying to again compete for a conference championship while replacing thirteen very impactful starters along with many playmakers and coaches from last year's championship team," Augustana head coach Jerry Olszewski said. "I believe we have recruited well and have the talent to challenge the top teams in the NSIC. I love the commitment to the standard our men have embraced and the belief they have in our program and each other. I believe we will be a team that will improve throughout the year and look forward to the challenges ahead of us."
 
Hensley, a junior from Carlsbad, California, threw for 2,515 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 66.8 percent of his passes in 11 appearances, including 10 starts. He added 179 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown and was named NSIC Player of the Week twice on his way to All-NSIC Second Team honors.

"Gunnar became our starting quarterback in game three last season and did a tremendous job directing our offense both by his play and his leadership," Olszewski said. "He has the ability to make every throw and the athleticism to be a threat running the ball as well. He was one of the national leaders in completion percentage last year and with a new offensive coordinator and some scheme additions is primed to have another great campaign in 2025."
 
Leonard, a senior from Minnestrista, Minnesota, returns following an All-NSIC Second Team campaign. He had 48 tackles and five pass breakups while recording a team-high four interceptions. The two-time Academic All-District honoree started all 12 games at defensive back a season ago while creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks. 

"Logan will be a three year starter and multi-year all-conference safety," Olszewski added. "He has played with some of the best safeties in our school's history and is ready to lead our secondary with his play and experience. With the graduation of some key players on our defense and in our secondary Logan will be charged with directing the next generation of players with the same standard we have always had. His athleticism matched with his intelligence make him special and successful."
 
The 103rd season of Augustana football kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 30 as the Vikings host Missouri Western. Season ticket packages begin at just $89 and can be purchased by clicking here or by going to GoAugie.com/Tickets.
 
Augustana will host six home games in 2025 including Viking Days on Sept. 27 against Winona State, the Hall of Fame Game on Oct. 11 against Concordia-St. Paul and senior day Nov. 8 against Minnesota State. 
 
Full NSIC Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (11), 167
2. Augustana (3), 153
3. Minnesota Duluth, 139
4. Bemidji State, 130
5. Sioux Falls, 129
6. Wayne State, 106
7. MSU Moorhead, 96
8. Northern State, 84
9. Winona State, 77
10. Minot State, 67
11. Concordia-St. Paul, 50
12. UMary, 35
13. Southwest Minnesota State, 27
14. Jamestown, 14

NSIC South Division Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (6), 36
2. Augustana (1), 30
3. Sioux Falls, 26
4. Wayne State, 22
5. Winona State, 15
6. Concordia-St. Paul, 12
7. Southwest Minnesota State, 6
 
--GoAugie.com--