The Lamar football team has officially wrapped up pre-season and is set to kick-off the 2024 season against Texas State University, Aug 31, at the UFCU Stadium in San Marcos.
Lamar had its first winning record since 2018, winning six games and losing five. LU also landed third in the Southland Conference standings with five wins and two loses.
Last season seven Cardinals were named to All-Southland Teams. Damashja Harris earned first team at kick returner. Ramond Stevens (defensive back), Khalan Griffin (running back), Jevale Roberson (offensive line), Elias Ripley (offensive line), Caleb Williams (defensive line), and Joshua Ofili (defensive back) all received second team selections.
This season LU had 12 players named to the 2024 preseason All-Southland Conference squads, including a preseason All-American selection in Caleb Williams.
The 12 selections are the most Lamar has received since the 2018 season. LU was also predicted to finish fourth in the SLC standings, the highest since the 2016 season.
LU began the 2023 season losing three games in a row, a disappointing start after adding head coach Pete Rossomando. Despite the slow start, Lamar proceeded to win the next four games before losing to No. 8 FCS nationally-ranked University of the Incarnate Word.
The addition of Coach Rossomando established a new era for the Cardinals, a winning era, something the program has long sought after.
The Cardinals also look forward to recording their first back-to-back winnings season for the first time in more than 50 years.
Lamar ended the year ranked third in the SLC in total defense, (371.0 ypg), sixth in rushing (190.9 ypg), second in passing (180.1 ypg), and second in scoring (23.5 ppg).
LU finished fifth in offense in conference play last season, averaging 148 yards rushing and seventh in passing averaging 186.9 yards through the air. The Cards return four of five starters from last season, which includes two all-conference selections.
Lamar sees around 20 seniors return compared to last season’s five. This is the largest number of returning players since the 2021 season. LU also added 12 players over the off-season.
Now, Lamar kicks off the season against former Southland opponent Texas State University in San Marcos. The Cardinals are 6-15-1 all-time against the Bobcats, with TXST winning seven out of the last 10.
LU are set to play TXST Aug. 23, at the UFCU Stadium at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.