The Lindenwood football program will host its annual spring game at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.

"I'm incredibly proud of our kids and the work they've put in this semester," said head coach Jed Stugart.  "It started with a great winter with Coach JC Hull in the weight room, and they finished with a tough, competitive, and physical spring.  We've got a good nucleus of returners with experience leading well, some guys that have been here and are now ready to step into starting roles, and a great crop of incoming freshmen that will get here over the summer.  We're excited about the challenge coming into year two and looking to build off last year's success."
 
The Lions will close out the spring semester with one final evaluation of the current roster.  Lindenwood will look to replace its long-time standout at quarterback in Cade Brister, but with some experience, Cole Dugger will get his shot to lead the program.  After an injury cut his season short, Robert Giaimo will hope to return for a strong season at running back.  With more than half of its receiving production gone from last season, the Lions will rely on Chas Lanckriet, Jalen Bethany, and Jeff Caldwell.  Additionally, Abe Haerr and Darrin Fugitt will provide quality depth at the tight end position.
 
Defensively, Mann McGruder returns as the leading tackler from a season ago.  Darion Bolden will bring his team-best two interceptions and 13 pass breakups for one more season in the black and gold.  Tyrone Griffin and Devon Edwards each registered 50 tackles last year, as the two linebackers garner quality athleticism to the core of the defense.  The 2022 Freshman All-American, Kobe McClendon will look to build off his first season on the defensive line.  Sterlin Williams lines up opposite of McClendon on the defensive front, as he led the squad with 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last year.
 
Lindenwood is coming off a 7-3 record in the first season at the NCAA Division I level.  The Lions won the first game of the season, before holding a record of 2-2 just four weeks into the year.  Lindenwood earned a 52-49 shootout victory on the road, which sparked a 5-1 run to close out the season.
 
With a national signing day in December, and another in February, Lindenwood brought in 31 total commits this offseason.  Lindenwood brought in a healthy balance of players on both sides of the ball, as more than 20 will enter as true freshman.
 
The 2023 season will begin on Thursday, August 31 when the Lions host Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 6:00 p.m. from Hunter Stadium.  Lindenwood will then head to Cape Girardeau, Mo. to take on Southeast Missouri State in the 2nd Annual "Game Ball Brawl", and the first Big South-OVC matchup of the season.  The Lion swill remain on the road for two more weeks, with games at Western Illinois and Illinois State, respectively.  Lindenwood will close out its non-conference schedule with a home game against Austin Peay on September 30.
 
The Lions will host Tennessee Tech, before going back on the road for a pair of games, one at Charleston Southern, and another at Tennessee State.  Lindenwood ends the year by hosting Eastern Illinois and Bryant University.