You’re sitting in the stands at William Rolland Stadium. The air is starting to get that specific Ventura County chill as the sun dips. If you’ve followed the cal lutheran university football schedule lately, you know things just got a whole lot more interesting than they’ve been in years.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster that didn’t follow the script anyone expected after the rough 2-8 stretch in 2024. People kept saying the Kingsmen were in a "rebuilding phase," but then Anthony Lugo’s squad went out and started the season with a massive five-game win streak.
It's kinda wild how quickly momentum shifts in Division III ball.
The 2025 Cal Lutheran University Football Schedule Breakdown
If you missed the live action, the schedule was basically split into two halves: the "We're Back" era and the "November Heartbreak" era. The season kicked off on September 6th at home. They hosted Pacific Lutheran, and it was a gritty 18-15 win that set the tone.
Then came the road trip to Tacoma on September 20th. They absolutely dismantled Puget Sound 55-28. It wasn't even close.
- Sept 6: vs Pacific Lutheran (W, 18-15)
- Sept 20: at Puget Sound (W, 55-28)
- Sept 27: at Redlands - Smudge Pot Trophy (W, 27-10)
- Oct 4: vs Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (W, 22-17)
- Oct 11: at La Verne (W, 23-19)
By mid-October, the Kingsmen were 5-0. People were actually starting to talk about a deep playoff run. The Smudge Pot game on September 27th against Redlands was particularly sweet—a 27-10 statement win on the road. You could feel the energy changing around the program.
When the Weather and the Schedule Turned
The second half of the cal lutheran university football schedule was where the wheels sort of wobbled. On October 18th, Chapman came to Thousand Oaks for Homecoming. The atmosphere was electric, but the Panthers walked away with a 35-25 win, handing Cal Lu their first loss.
Then things got weird.
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The rematch with Redlands on October 25th—Senior Night—went into double overtime. Imagine the tension. The Kingsmen ended up losing 30-24 in a heartbreaker that lasted way longer than anyone's nerves could handle.
Why the SCIAC Championship Format Matters
A lot of casual fans get confused by how the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) handles the end of the year. They use a "pod" system.
Basically, the conference is split into two groups (Sun and Surf). Cal Lutheran was in the Sun pod with Chapman and CMS. Because of the way the rankings shook out, the final game on November 15th was the SCIAC Championship game.
It was a rematch against Chapman in Orange, CA.
The weather was absolute trash. Heavy rainfall turned the field into a slip-and-slide. The Kingsmen fought hard, but the 27-17 loss meant they finished the year 6-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play. Still, a massive improvement from the previous three years where they went 8-22 combined.
Key Players Who Owned the 2025 Schedule
You can't talk about the schedule without mentioning Joe Farley. As the starting QB, he threw for over 1,700 yards. He wasn't just a pocket passer either; the guy had to scramble for his life more than a few times.
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- JD Sumlin: The workhorse. 149 carries for 538 yards and 10 touchdowns.
- Kyle Howie: Earned the John Zinda Award and led a group of 16 All-Conference selections.
- Mehki Delouth: Averaged 4.5 yards per carry and was a reliable secondary option in the backfield.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
Since we are currently in early 2026, the buzz is already starting for the next cycle. Usually, the official cal lutheran university football schedule for the upcoming fall doesn't drop in its entirety until late spring or early summer, but we know the staples.
Expect another early September non-conference matchup to test the water. The SCIAC schedule will likely keep the pod system, meaning high-stakes games against Chapman and Redlands are guaranteed.
If you're planning to attend, keep an eye on the "Smudge Pot" date. That's the one that matters most to the alumni. It’s a rivalry that dates back decades, and after the split results in 2025 (one win each), the 2026 meeting is going to be personal.
How to Watch and Follow
Most games are streamed via FloCollege or the SCIAC’s own portal. If you’re a local, there’s nothing like being at William Rolland Stadium. The view of the hills, the community vibe—it’s peak D3 football.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Bookmark the official CLU Sports site: They usually post the 2026 dates by May.
- Check your FloSports subscription: If you’re out of state, this is the only way to catch the SCIAC Championship week games.
- Sync the calendar: Once the 2026 schedule is live, add the "Smudge Pot" and Homecoming dates immediately, as those are the two games that actually fill the stands.
- Follow the recruiting trail: Coach Lugo is likely hitting the portal and high schools hard right now to fill the gaps left by the 16 All-Conference seniors who just graduated.