MINOT, ND -- The 2025 season marked a pivotal step forward for Minot State Football, a year defined by identity, culture, and historic production in the run game. Under head coach Ian Shields, the Beavers forged one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the entire nation, broke multiple program and conference records, and continued their growth inside a system that is beginning to take firm shape.
 
Minot State finished the season 3-8 overall (3-7 NSIC), but the story of 2025 stretches far beyond the win–loss column. With an offense built around physicality, discipline, and relentless ground production, the Beavers shattered long-standing marks and set a standard that future MSU teams will aim to match.
 
The Beavers' offense made national noise all season long, finishing #6 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 286.8 yards per game. Minot State also destroyed the all-time single-season rushing record with 3,157 yards, breaking the previous mark by a wide margin.
 
Their 617 rushing attempts were an NSIC single-season record, reflecting a clear offensive identity that Coach Shields believes is now firmly established.
 
"We're just growing within the system," Shields said. "We found an identity, and now we're playing to that identity. We have good players who are totally bought in and execute at a high level."
 
The offensive line, which featured four freshmen starting throughout the season, was at the heart of that success. Trial by fire became a developmental accelerator.
 
"We played four freshmen this year," Shields explained. "They grew up fast, and they grew within the system. We're not where we want to be yet, but we're on the right track."
 
The Beavers' backfield produced one of the most productive one-two punches in the nation.
 
Evan Lovett:

• 1st Team All-NSIC (second straight year)
• #2 all-time in single-season NCAA Division II rushing yards (958 in 2024)
• #3 all-time in single-season NCAA Division II rushing yards (939 in 2025)
• #2 in career NCAA Division II rushing yards (2,440)
• Tied for NCAA Division II career rushing touchdowns record (24)

Lovett was once again one of NCAA Division II's most reliable and explosive backs.
 
"His durability is unparalleled," Shields said. "He carried a heavy load, never missed time, and set the standard for what our b-back position looks like."
 
Carson Chrisman:

• Tied for NCAA Division II career rushing touchdowns record (24)
• One of the most productive multi-year backs in MSU history

Shields admitted replacing Chrisman and Lovett is no small task.
 
"Those are the guys you lose sleep over," he said. "They set the bar incredibly high. Their dependability and durability are tough to replace."
 
Together, Lovett and Chrisman tied for the NCAA career rushing touchdown lead, finishing with 24 each, a historic milestone that will stand in the MSU record book for years.
 
Minot State earned four All-NSIC selections this season:
 
1st Team All-NSIC:

• B-Back Evan Lovett (second straight year)

2nd Team All-NSIC:

• Offensive Lineman Aidan Shumate
• Offensive Lineman Ace Perez
• Defensive End Cody Grossinger

Shields praised the recognized athletes while acknowledging others were deserving as well.
 
"It's great to get recognition, it reflects their hard work," he said. "We had several others I thought were deserving too. But when we win more games, the awards will take care of themselves."
 
Shumate and Perez, both returning, give the Beavers two All-Conference anchors up front moving into 2026.
 
Despite the youth across the roster, Minot State was competitive almost every week. The Beavers were in multiple one-possession games, falling short by narrow margins.
 
"We were in just about every game," Shields said. "It came down to finishing and finding a way to get over the hump."
 
The Northern State game, a 49–28 road victory in Aberdeen, was the program's signature win of the year, a dominant performance that validated the team's identity and showcased its potential.
 
Shields emphasized that progress was not limited to statistics.
 
"This is a high-character, unselfish group," he said. "They show up, work hard, and represent Minot State the right way."
 
He also pointed to improved facilities, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and academic support as crucial components of the program's forward trajectory.
 
"We're giving our kids what they need to succeed. The administration, the staff, the support, it's all in place. We're building this the right way."
 
With most of the roster returning, including the entire offensive line, the Beavers will enter next season with experience, depth, and a clearly defined offensive identity.
 
"We have good players coming back, and these reps were invaluable," Shields said. "We need to keep building, keep developing, keep recruiting, and keep maturing as a football team."
 
The mission moving forward is clear: continue to grow within the system, finish one-score games, and climb the NSIC standings.
 
"There's every reason to be optimistic," Shields said. "We're well-supported, we're on the right track, and the arrow is pointing up."