The Northeastern State RiverHawks football program represents Northeastern State University, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in NCAA Division II college football. Under prior university names and nicknames, the team was previously known as the Northeastern State Redmen.

In 2012, Northeastern State became an all-sports member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), but its football program became an independent in August 2024. NSU's home games are played at Doc Wadley Stadium in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Northeastern's football program dates back to 1909. The RiverHawks claim twenty-one conference championships, and appeared in four NAIA football championships in 1958, 1980, 1994, and 1995. The RiverHawks has also appeared twice in the NCAA Division II playoffs, being in 1999 (when it reached the national semifinals) and 2000.

The team is currently coached by Darrin Chiaverini, who began his tenure in 2024.

Conference affiliations 1914–1928: Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference I 1929–1973: Oklahoma Collegiate Conference 1974–1996: Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference II 1997–2010: Lone Star Conference 2011: NCAA Division II independent 2012–2023: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association 2024–present: NCAA Division II independent

Championships National championship seasons 1958 Harold Stratton NAIA Playoffs 11–0 Won NAIA Championship 1994 Tom Eckert 11–2 Won NAIA Championship National Championships 2

Conference championships (21)

Postseason appearances NCAA Division II The RiverHawks have made two appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs, with a combined record of 2–2.

1999 First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinals Western WashingtonUC DavisCarson–Newman W, 27–24 OTW, 19–14L, 7–42 2000 First Round Mesa State L, 21–40

NAIA The RiverHawks have made nine appearances in the NAIA playoffs, with a combined record of 9–7 and two national championships.

1958 SemifinalsNational Championship St. Benedict's (KS)Arizona State–Flagstaff W, 19–14W, 19–13 1980 QuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Angelo StateKearney StateElon W, 10–3W, 14–0L, 10–17 1982 QuarterfinalsSemifinals Ouachita BaptistCentral State (OK) W, 38–23L, 17–28 1983 Quarterfinals Central Arkansas L, 7–18 1987 First Round Pittsburg State L, 0–57 1990 Quarterfinals Central Arkansas L, 14–26 1991 Quarterfinals Central Arkansas L, 14–30 1994 QuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Moorhead StateLangstonArkansas–Pine Bluff W, 14–7W, 3–0W, 13–12 1995 SemifinalsNational Championship Arkansas–Pine BluffCentral State (OH) W, 17–14L, 7–37

Former players The program has had 14 NFL Draft selections, most recently Michael Bowie, an offensive lineman selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round in 2013. The program's highest draft pick was Rosie Manning, chosen 42nd overall in the second round of the 1972 NFL draft.

Former NSU defensive back JoJo Polk played professionally following his graduation in 2000. In his rookie season of arena football, he tripped over a fallen receiver and slammed headfirst into the padded wall at the edge of the field. The impact broke his C-6 vertebra, leaving him unable to move his legs and temporarily without feeling in his hands. He was told that he would not be able to walk again but was nevertheless able to recover and play football again.Polk Playing Football After Medical Miracle Polk went on to play eight seasons in the Arena Football League and was named the 2001 Most Inspirational Player of the Year.

Stadium

The Riverhawks have played their home games at Doc Wadley Stadium since 1964. The current capacity of the stadium is at 8,300.

See also

References

External links