EMPORIA, Kansas (WIBW) – A new era begins for the Hornets with Gunnar Gundy, who transferred from Oklahoma State and starts at quarterback.

Head coach Garin Higgins announced on Hornet Talk on Monday that Gundy will face Washburn in Week 0 at Welch Stadium.

Gundy spent the last three seasons at OSU, playing under his father, Mike. Gundy appeared in four games last season, completing 21 of 34 passes for 202 passing yards, a touchdown on 49 yards on the ground and another score.

At ESU’s media day, Garin Higgins told 13 Sports that for continuity reasons, the time to name a starter is getting closer.

“We’re just trying to get a little more consistency,” coach Higgins said. “I think the biggest thing for us is getting our guys together that are going to be there for the first game. We’ve got so many different units mixed and matched, different guys in there when we’re doing live drills or when we’re doing slugfests. We need to start getting some consistency.”

When Gundy spoke to the media during training camp, he said the following about the healthy competition among quarterbacks with Higgins: He said he hasn’t seen this much talent since his days at Emporia State.

“I believe in what Coach Higgins does. He’s a blue-collar guy and everyone here works hard and everyone knows what the Hornets are about. To come here and be surrounded by guys that work hard and just care about football and want to play here and win is very exciting to me,” Gundy said.

KVOE first reported the news

Kick-off is at 19:00

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