2018 Valparaiso Crusaders football team


The 2018 Valparaiso Crusaders football team represented Valparaiso University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by fifth-year head coach Dave Cecchini and played their home games at Brown Field. They competed in the Pioneer Football League. They finished the season 2–9, 2–6 in PFL play to finish in a three-way tie for seventh place.

Previous season

The Crusaders finished the 2017 season 6–5, 5–3 in PFL play to finish in a three-way tie for third place. The Crusaders had a winning season for the first time since 2003 and had five league wins for the first time since 1961.

Preseason

Preseason All-PFL team

The PFL released their preseason all-PFL team on July 30, 2018, with the Crusaders having three players selected.
Offense
Tom Schofield – OL
Defense
Nick Turner – LB
Special teams
Bailey Gessinger – RET

Preseason coaches poll

The PFL released their preseason coaches poll on July 31, 2018, with the Crusaders predicted to finish in a tie for fourth place.

Schedule

at Duquesne

at Youngstown State

Truman State

Davidson

at Dayton

Butler

at Morehead State

Drake

at Marist

Jacksonville

at Stetson