CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton football team is back on campus and primed for the 2024 season in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

VTSU Interim President David Bergh notes, "athletics are a critical component of our student life at all VTSU campuses. We are looking forward to the excitement and camaraderie the Spartan football season brings to campus in the fall. As we approach our second year as VTSU, I can't wait to see what our student athletes are able to accomplish, both in the classroom and out on the field."

The Spartans welcome a roster of 106 student-athletes, comprised of 61 returning players and 45 new faces. Tyler Higley is entering his first year as head coach and is excited to make a splash in the new league.

"We are excited to have the players back on campus and prepare for our transition into the MASCAC this year," says Higley. "Playing quality opponents on a weekly basis is an exciting challenge that we are looking forward to. We bring back a large number of contributors from last year's team, which provides a solid foundation for us as we take on this new challenge." 

The Spartans return players that saw significant snaps on offense at seven positions heading into 2024, with four starting offensive linemen returning in addition to impact playmakers Christian Keeling, Caezar Williams and Wyatt Jackson. The Spartans will have a new quarterback this year following the graduation of 2023 signal callers Evan Smith and James Galarneau.

On defense, VTSU Castleton brings back six starters from a season ago, with the depth from 2023 remaining a strong suit in the new campaign. The front seven is anchored by ECFC First Team All-Conference defenders Kevin McDonough, Tyler Buxton and Mark Howland, while Max Fair—a Second Team All-ECFC selection in 2023—returns in the secondary. Isaiah Oufiero will have an increased role in 2024 as a linebacker, while defensive backs Ian DeTulleo and Josh Peters will continue to patrol the secondary for the Spartans.

For the first 15 years of the team's history, the Spartans competed in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference. The team made the move to the MASCAC for the 2024 season; however, that conference later announced that it will be shrinking its membership in 2025. Vermont State University leadership is working hard to pursue membership options for 2025 and beyond. 

Assistant Vice President of Athletics and Fitness, Deanna Tyson, notes, "this team is incredibly important to Vermont State University and to many people throughout the state. It's a huge draw for prospective students across the country and strengthens relationships across Castleton and the Rutland County community. Vermont State University leadership and the athletic leadership team are pursuing every opportunity within the shifting landscape of higher education and collegiate athletics to find a permanent home for the football team in the near future. We will keep the community informed as we make progress."

The Spartans open the season with a pair of road games on September 7 and September 14. The home opener kicks off September 21 at noon against Massachusetts Maritime on Homecoming and Family Weekend.