The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse football team suffered a major setback with a 41-7 defeat to UW-River Falls on November 8, 2025, in River Falls, Wisconsin. This loss caused the Eagles to drop five spots in the Division III national rankings, raising questions about their playoff chances as the regular season winds down.
The Crushing Defeat Against UW-River Falls
UW-La Crosse entered the game ranked ninth nationally, facing a tough UW-River Falls squad that was ranked eighth. The Falcons dominated from start to finish, building a big lead early and never looking back.
The Eagles struggled on both sides of the ball. Their offense managed just one touchdown, while the defense could not stop UW-River Falls quarterback Kaleb Blaha, who threw for 307 yards and two scores while adding 90 rushing yards and another touchdown.
This marked UW-La Crosse’s worst loss in a decade, since a 51-7 defeat to St. Thomas in 2015. Fans and analysts point to poor execution and key mistakes as reasons for the blowout.
The game had high stakes, as a win could have kept UW-La Crosse in the hunt for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Instead, UW-River Falls clinched at least a share of the championship, their first since 1998.
Rankings Shakeup in Division III
Following the loss, UW-La Crosse fell to 14th in the latest D3Football.com Top 25 poll released on November 9, 2025. This drop reflects the team’s 6-3 overall record and 4-2 mark in conference play.
UW-River Falls jumped four spots to fourth nationally with their 8-1 record. Other Wisconsin teams also shifted, showing the competitive nature of the conference.
Here are the current rankings for key Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams:
- UW-River Falls: No. 4
- UW-Platteville: No. 10
- UW-Whitewater: No. 12
- UW-La Crosse: No. 14
- UW-Oshkosh: Receiving votes
This season has seen wild swings in the polls. UW-La Crosse started strong but faced upsets, including a 38-21 loss to UW-Platteville on October 18.
Experts say the drop hurts but does not end playoff hopes. The Eagles have made the postseason four straight years and could earn an at-large bid with a strong finish.
Injury Woes and Key Performances
Starting quarterback Kyle Haas missed the game due to a shoulder injury from the previous week. His absence forced backups into action, leading to offensive struggles.
Without Haas, the team relied on less experienced players, which showed in their low scoring output. Blaha’s stellar play for UW-River Falls highlighted the talent gap that day.
Coaches have stressed getting back to basics after recent setbacks. A bounce-back win over No. 18 UW-Oshkosh on October 25 helped, but the latest loss exposed ongoing issues.
Injuries have plagued the team this year, with several players sidelined at critical times. Recovery and depth will be key moving forward.
Team leaders remain optimistic. Players like running backs and defensive linemen have stepped up in past games, showing resilience.
Looking Ahead to the Final Regular-Season Game
UW-La Crosse travels to UW-Stevens Point on November 15, 2025, for their last regular-season matchup. The Pointers stand at 4-5, offering a chance for the Eagles to rebound.
A win could boost their resume for playoff selectors. With a 6-3 record, they need to impress to secure a fifth straight playoff appearance.
Coaches plan to focus on fundamentals and player health. If Haas returns, it could change the offense dramatically.
Fans expect a motivated performance. The team has a history of strong finishes, winning key games late in recent seasons.
Broader Impact on Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference remains one of the toughest in Division III, with multiple ranked teams battling each week.
UW-River Falls now holds the automatic NCAA bid after their victory. This shifts focus to at-large spots for teams like UW-La Crosse.
| Team | Record | Conference Standing | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW-River Falls | 8-1 | 5-1 | 4 |
| UW-Platteville | 7-2 | 5-1 | 10 |
| UW-Whitewater | 6-3 | 4-2 | 12 |
| UW-La Crosse | 6-3 | 4-2 | 14 |
| UW-Oshkosh | 5-4 | 3-3 | Unranked |
This table shows the tight race. UW-La Crosse beat UW-Whitewater 23-20 in double overtime on October 4, which could help in tiebreakers.
The conference has produced national champions before, adding pressure and excitement. Recent years have seen Wisconsin teams dominate Division III playoffs.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
UW-La Crosse has built a strong program, reaching the playoffs consistently since 2021. This season’s ups and downs mirror past challenges, like their 2024 campaign with similar ranking fluctuations.
Analysts compare this loss to earlier setbacks, such as the upset by UW-Platteville. Yet, the team has shown it can recover and compete at a high level.
Looking to 2026, recruiting and coaching adjustments could strengthen the squad. The university’s recent top rankings in academics add to its appeal for athletes.
Fans hope for a deep playoff run if they qualify. The program’s resilience has been a hallmark, turning losses into motivation.
What do you think about UW-La Crosse’s chances? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to fellow fans for more discussion.
