Braden Gleason, one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Hornet history exchanged his cleats for a headset and clipboard and became coach Gleason, Hornet quarterback coach, in 2024.
In 2025, prior to a season ending injury in the seventh game of the season, quarterback Ben Harris was second in the nation in passing yards under Gleason’s guidance. Not missing a step, Gleason got true freshmen Jamo Sarver ready to start the following week on the road at Central Missouri where Sarver completed 25 of 41 passing attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-27 come from behind win over the Mules. For his performance, Sarver was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week in his very first college action.
In 2024, Hornet quarterbacks continued the legacy established by Gleason and his predecessors completing 365 of 565 passing attempts (64.6%) for 3,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. Leading the way was Gunnar Gundy who set three school records on his way to All-MIAA Third-Team honors. Gleason also coached quarterback Chase Ricke to one of the best seasons you will ever see from a backup quarterback as Ricke completed 89 of 137 passing attempts for 1,114 yards and 7 touchdowns in 9 quarters of action backing up an injured Gundy.
Gleason will impart to the Hornet quarterbacks all that he learned in 38 starts spanning the 2019 to 2023 seasons during which he amassed:
· 1,594 Pass Attempts
· 1,091 Completions
· 68.4% Completion %
· 11,530 Passing Yards
· 115 Touchdown Passes
· 265 Rushing Attempts
· 1,024 Rushing Yards
· 14 Rushing Touchdowns
· 12,553 Yards of Total Offense
· 782 Points Responsible For
Upon completion of his playing career, Gleason held 11 Emporia State and 5 MIAA records.
In leading the Hornets to a 26-12 record, Gleason became one of the most decorated Hornet players of all time:
· Three-time All-MIAA selection in 2021 (third team), 2022 (second team) and 2023 (first team)
· 2022 and 2023 honorable mention Don Hansen All-American recognition
· 2023 Harlon Hill finalist
· 2023 D2Football.com Elite 100 Team
· 2023 Steve Henry Award recipient
· 2022 and 2023 team captain
Gleason earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation (HPER) from Emporia State in 2022 and a master’s degree in HPER from Emporia State in May 2024.
Gleason and his wife Brinley reside in Emporia.
