LAKELAND, Fla.--Southeastern University has released the 2024 football schedule, which kicks off on August 31st at Victory Field.
In 2023, the Fire started strong, going 4-2 in the first six games including a comeback upset over #10 Reinhardt University in the second game of the season. The team finished with a 5-5 record and a third-place finish in The Sun Conference.
"From top to bottom, The Sun has gotten better every year, and we have to be ready to play week in and week out because there are no easy wins," said head coach, Adam Waugh. "The schedule includes three 2023 NAIA playoff teams, including the defending national champions. We will be challenged against some of the best competition in the country and we are looking forward to it."
This time around, the Fire do not have to travel much, hosting six of their 10 contests this season and only leave Florida once.
The season opens with a four-game homestand, starting with Faulkner University on August 31st, as the Fire look to rebound from last year's overtime loss in Alabama.
The following weekend is a bye and then another familiar face comes to town in Reinhardt, on September 14th. The Fire tied the all-time series at one a-piece in a thriller in Waleska last year and will seek to take the series lead.
Another bye week follows, then the University of Fort Lauderdale visits on September 28th. This will be the Eagles fourth year with a program but the first meeting between the two programs.
The Fire open Sun Conference play with Webber International University on October 5th, their last game of a four-game homestand. The Fire won last season in a 17-9 defensive showdown in Babson Park to improve their record to 8-2 against the Warriors.
Florida Memorial welcomes Southeastern to Miami Gardens on October 12th. This will be the first road game of the season for SEU, as the Fire seek to avenge a 35-24 loss to the Lions in last year's contest at Homecoming.
On October 19th, Southeastern will host a defending NAIA national champion for the first time when it takes on Keiser. The Fire look to break a two-game losing streak to the Seahawks.
Southeastern will travel to Warner the following week and then host St. Thomas on November 2nd for Homecoming 2024 and the final home game of the season. The Bobcats earned a spot in the NAIA Football Championship last season and advanced to the Round of 16.
Southeastern travels to Ave Maria on November 9th for the sixth Sun Conference contest of the season, then will close out the regular season with Thomas University in Georgia on November 16th. Thomas enters their second year as a program and dropped a 34-20 contest in Lakeland last season.
Season ticket renewals go on sale July 1st, with ticket sales opening to the public on July 29th. Stay tuned for information on updated ticket prices and plans, new general admission seating, special faculty and staff ticket policy, and an exciting new in-game VIP experience.
