WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State University Marauders are gearing up for the 2025 football season with fresh energy, a star-studded coaching staff, and high expectations under first-year head coach Tony Carter. Despite being picked 13th in the SIAC Preseason Poll, the Marauders are determined to prove doubters wrong as they prepare for a challenging and exciting slate of games.
A New Era Under Tony Carter
Coach Carter, in his first season at the helm, has assembled one of the most impressive coaching staffs in Division II football. Leading the way are Pat Clark, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach; James Lee, general manager and running backs coach; and Mike McCray, linebackers coach. On the offensive side, NFL All-Pro Leon Washington takes charge as offensive coordinator, while Dayton-area great and NFL veteran Brandon McKinney directs the defensive line.
The staff also features Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes, who will mentor the wide receivers, and NFL veteran and former Judson University head coach Quintin Demps, now serving as a defensive assistant. Rounding out the group are experienced collegiate coaches Carson Hailey (offensive line), Dave Brumagen (assistant defensive line), and Chris Murphy (special teams coordinator), adding depth and balance to an already dynamic coaching roster.
Defensive Leaders and Newcomers
The Marauders' defense is bolstered by the return of Domonique Davis, a 2024 Preseason Top 100 Player whose season was cut short by injury. His presence adds toughness and leadership to the unit.
Central State also welcomes a strong recruiting class, highlighted by three-star prospect Shiren Mabry, Navarro CC standout, and Former Navarro CC and Texas Longhorns transfer Marcus Tillman. They join a core of key returners including Dylan Purry, Trevion Searcy, and Kenyon Smith, giving the Marauders both depth and playmaking ability.
Anchoring the defense is linebacker Mike White, an All-SIAC Preseason selection, who will set the tone up front.
Offensive Growth and Key Weapons
 
On offense, the Marauders enter 2025 looking bigger up front and more athletic at the skill positions. Veteran wideout Jaden Bossie returns as a reliable target, while new playmakers are expected to step in immediately.
The offensive newcomers include Kentrell Rinehart, a former NC State commit, quarterback Qeanu Campbell-Caldwell from Long Beach CC, wide receivers Nicholas Smith, an FIU Transfer and Quinten Johnson, a transfer from Illinois State. With a stronger line and dynamic skill players, the Marauders' offense is primed for a major step forward.
A Challenging and Exciting Schedule
Central State opens the season on August 30 at Ford Field in Detroit, taking on rival Kentucky State in the Detroit Football Classic. The Marauders then face a series of SIAC powerhouses and HBCU opponents throughout the fall:

• Aug. 30 – vs. Kentucky State (Detroit, MI – Detroit Football Classic)
• Sep. 6 – at Tuskegee (Tuskegee, AL)
• Sep. 13 – vs. Benedict (Wilberforce, OH – McPherson Stadium)
• Sep. 20 – at Morgan State (Baltimore, MD)
• Sep. 27 – vs. Lane (Rochester, NY – Frederick Douglass Football Classic)
• Oct. 4 – at Fort Valley State (Fort Valley, GA)
• Oct. 11 – vs. Morehouse (Wilberforce, OH – Homecoming)
• Oct. 18 – vs. Kentucky Christian (Wilberforce, OH)
• Oct. 25 – vs. Miles (Wilberforce, OH – Senior Day)
• Nov. 1 – at Edward Waters (Jacksonville, FL)

The Marauders will celebrate Homecoming on October 11 against Morehouse College and close their home slate on October 25 with Senior Day versus Miles College.
Building for the Future
While the preseason polls place Central State near the bottom of the conference, the Marauders are confident this season represents the beginning of something special. With a coaching staff stacked with NFL pedigree, the return of key veterans like Domonique Davis and Mike White, and a recruiting class rich with talent, the Marauders are ready to take the field and launch a new era of football in Wilberforce.

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