Quarterback Levi Moore evades a Millikin defender. (Sydney Strominger | Staff Photographer)

The WashU football team has something to prove this season. Last season, the Bears went 8-2, barely missing a tournament bid after losing a key game down the stretch. Entering 2025, many key pieces of the Bears offense have graduated. They’ll have to win this year with a drastically different roster, making this season an important transition year for the Bears. 

The WashU offense will suffer the greatest change and will be underclassman-heavy. Under center, the Bears will be led by junior quarterback Levi Moore. Moore stepped into the starter’s role at the end of last season and was successful on the rush while improving his passing game. 

“[Moore] has done a nice job stepping in some tough situations,” head coach Aaron Keen said after Moore led the Bears to their highest total yardage in a single game on Nov. 2, 2024. “I think he can be a difference-maker for us.” 

WashU’s options for running back and receiver will look very different this year, having lost key players like Ken Hamilton and Collin Goldberg. Keen will turn to senior Fred Ware in the run game, who had nine total rushing touchdowns last year. In the air, juniors Makael Carter and Colin Donahue and sophomore Lucas Blumenthal should play an increased role. On defense, seniors Ryan Schmadtke and Brady Willmer will lead the charge. 

The 2025 campaign will be the Bears’ last in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), having been expelled from the conference in September 2024. They’ll likely play their final games against multiple CCIW rivals this year, including hosting reigning national champions North Central College on Sept. 27 and a tilt with familiar foe Wheaton College on Oct. 25. Football opens its season on Sept. 6 at Francis Field against Rhodes College.