5 Reasons Why Michigan Tech Huskies Football's 2024 Season Was A Historic Turning Point
The Michigan Tech Huskies football program has officially entered a new era of competitive excellence. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, the narrative around the Huskies is one of undeniable resurgence, highlighted by a commanding 7-4 overall record—the program’s first seven-win campaign since 2015. This success is not merely a number; it is a testament to a shift in culture, driven by a record-breaking quarterback, multiple All-American honorees, and a coaching staff that has cemented its place among the elite of NCAA Division II football. The foundation for future success at Sherman Field has been laid, making Michigan Tech a team to watch in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
The 2024 campaign, under the leadership of Head Coach Dan Mettlach, was a landmark season that saw the Huskies finish with a 4-3 GLIAC record, tying for third place in a highly competitive league. This performance was a direct result of exceptional player development and a strategic, aggressive style of play that earned the program its highest honors in years. The combination of offensive firepower and defensive grit proved to be the winning formula, signaling a true turning point for the Michigan Tech Huskies.
The Mettlach Era: GLIAC Coach of the Year & Program Resurgence
The defining story of the 2024 Michigan Tech football season is the meteoric rise of Head Coach Dan Mettlach. Mettlach, a former Huskies quarterback and long-time assistant, was named the 2024 GLIAC Coach of the Year. This prestigious award marks the first time a Michigan Tech coach has earned the honor since 2010, underscoring the significance of the 7-4 season and the program's dramatic turnaround.
Mettlach’s leadership has instilled a new level of belief and execution in the Houghton, Michigan, program. The team's record is a clear indicator of this success, achieving the first seven-win season since 2015. The coaching staff also saw strategic additions, including the hiring of Jace Daniels as the Tight Ends Coach, further reinforcing the commitment to offensive evolution. The Mettlach era is characterized by a commitment to the fundamentals, a high-octane offense, and a physical, disciplined defense, which has made the Huskies a formidable opponent for every team in the GLIAC.
The team's performance was marked by thrilling victories and a consistent ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The season showcased a resilient team that could win in dramatic fashion, setting the stage for even higher expectations in the 2025 season.
Record-Breaking Stars: The 2024 All-American & All-GLIAC Honorees
The 2024 season was not just about team success; it was a showcase for individual brilliance, with several key players earning major national and conference recognition. The Huskies’ talent was highlighted by two players earning Don Hansen Division II All-America Honors, a rare achievement for the program.
Hunter Buechel: The Defensive MVP
Linebacker Hunter Buechel emerged as the undisputed leader of the Michigan Tech defense. His exceptional performance earned him the 2024 Alan Bovard Award, recognizing him as the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Buechel’s accolades extended beyond the campus, as he was named to the All-GLIAC team and, most impressively, earned Don Hansen Division II All-America Honors. His presence on the field was the backbone of a defense that kept the Huskies competitive in every contest.
Alex Fries: The Record-Setting Quarterback
On the offensive side, Quarterback Alex Fries cemented his legacy in the Michigan Tech record book. Fries was the engine of the Huskies' offense, setting a new school record for passing attempts in a season (352 attempts). His most memorable performance was a single-game school record of 471 passing yards, which included a remarkable five touchdown passes during the longest game in Michigan Tech history. Fries’ ability to stretch the field and command the offense was critical to the team’s success, often connecting with key targets like Darius Willis.
All-America and All-GLIAC Standouts
Further solidifying the team's depth of talent, senior punter Brenden Lach joined Buechel in earning Don Hansen Division II All-America Honors, highlighting the strength of the special teams unit. Overall, the Michigan Tech football team celebrated a total of 13 All-GLIAC honorees, a massive haul that reflects the widespread talent across the offensive, defensive, and special teams units. This level of recognition is crucial for recruiting and elevating the program's national profile.
Offensive Firepower and Defensive Grit: 2024 Season Breakdown
The 2024 Michigan Tech Huskies season was defined by a handful of unforgettable games and a statistical profile that demonstrated balance and efficiency. The team’s overall record of 7-4, with a .636 winning percentage, was built on a foundation of outscoring opponents by an average of 25.09 points per game to 20.73 points per game. This positive scoring margin is a clear indicator of a program that has learned how to finish games.
The Thriller in Houghton
One of the most exciting games of the season, and a clear highlight of the Mettlach era, was the Huskies’ thrilling 52-50 victory over South Dakota Mines. This epic contest went to four overtimes, showcasing the team's mental toughness and offensive clutch performance. Alex Fries’ record-breaking passing day was a huge factor in this high-scoring affair, proving the Huskies could win shootouts when necessary.
Statistical Dominance
The offense, fueled by Fries’ passing game, was complemented by a solid ground attack. While the full statistical leaders for rushing are not explicitly named in the public snippets, the team’s overall offensive performance was consistent. The defense, anchored by All-American linebacker Hunter Buechel, was characterized by its ability to generate turnovers and create pressure, ensuring that opponents rarely found their rhythm. The defensive unit's strength was key in close victories, demonstrating the "grit" that Coach Mettlach emphasizes.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season and The Future of Huskies Football
With the historic 2024 season now complete, the focus for the Michigan Tech Huskies football program immediately shifts to the 2025 campaign. The momentum generated by the seven-win season and the GLIAC Coach of the Year award provides a powerful foundation for the future. The program is committed to continuity and development, with key staff like Tight Ends Coach Jace Daniels already working to integrate new talent.
The 2025 roster is expected to feature a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers. Players mentioned in the early 2025 roster, such as Pierce Miller, Nic Nora, Dakota Blackwell, John Hagelstein, Dante Basanese, Dionte Good, and Jaiden Bolden, represent the next wave of talent being developed in the program. The continued presence of a strong coaching staff and the experience gained from a successful 2024 season positions the Huskies to be a perennial contender in the GLIAC. Fans and alumni are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of the Mettlach era, confident that the 2024 season was merely the beginning of a sustained run of success for Michigan Tech Huskies football.
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