Dutkovich Turns Uncertainty into Opportunity at Linebacker
8/13/2026 7:46:00 AM | Football
By Jeff Honza
Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – After helping lead the College of DuPage to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Championship, Cole Dutkovich was in flux and unsure where football would take him next.
Dutkovich never visited Southeast Missouri or even heard of Cape Girardeau.
A native of Naperville, Illinois, which is less than an hour from Chicago and nearly a six-hour drive from the City of Roses, Dutkovich wasn't getting much interest during the Fall of 2024.
In April 2025 he attended SEMO's Spring Game, and something clicked.
"Coach [Bobby] McMillen contacted me," said Dutkovich. "The energy was different; players were upbeat and the atmosphere was alive. I knew right then that this is where I want to be."
SEMO later offered Dutkovich and he committed on the spot.
"The culture built by Coach [Tom] Matukewicz is exactly what I needed. Everyone is self-motivated, wants to play at a high level and has a part in leadership," said Dutkovich.
Dutkovich, who is projected to start at inside linebacker again this season, moved into that role with his first career Division I start at UT Martin in 2025. He started seven of the final eight games of the season and finished third on the team in tackles (50) and sacks (3.0). Dutkovich is among the Ohio Valley Conference Players to Watch this preseason.
"Personally, last year was a big turning point for me," he said. "I learned a lot and worked hard in the offseason getting in better shape and cleaning up my footwork. I feel like that has helped me play a lot smoother."
Dutkovich's college career started at Missouri Valley Football Conference member Northern Iowa, where he redshirted in 2023.
With SEMO being his third different school, Dutkovich appreciates what he has gained from transition along the way.
"It has taught me to be open-minded and that openness can lead to real progress," Dutkovich said. "Transition isn't easy, but it has helped me grow and adapt as a student-athlete."
Off the field, Dutkovich has found a new sense of community.
Last spring, he moved in with tight ends Andrew Civey and Nolan Reed and running back Cole Ruble after living by himself the previous year.
"I like hanging out with my teammates/roommates and enjoy simple things like being outside and playing games. I guess you could say I'm pretty boring," added Dutkovich with a smile.
That mild-mannered demeanor is what makes Dutkovich a good match for a position with such a long-standing tradition of excellence.
"The standard has been set, and I am well aware of the great linebackers that have gone through this program," he said. "I am proud to have an opportunity to carry that forward. There's nothing flashy about me. I want to play disciplined and steady, technically sound and be in the right spots to make plays."
Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – After helping lead the College of DuPage to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Championship, Cole Dutkovich was in flux and unsure where football would take him next.
Dutkovich never visited Southeast Missouri or even heard of Cape Girardeau.
A native of Naperville, Illinois, which is less than an hour from Chicago and nearly a six-hour drive from the City of Roses, Dutkovich wasn't getting much interest during the Fall of 2024.
In April 2025 he attended SEMO's Spring Game, and something clicked.
"Coach [Bobby] McMillen contacted me," said Dutkovich. "The energy was different; players were upbeat and the atmosphere was alive. I knew right then that this is where I want to be."
SEMO later offered Dutkovich and he committed on the spot.
"The culture built by Coach [Tom] Matukewicz is exactly what I needed. Everyone is self-motivated, wants to play at a high level and has a part in leadership," said Dutkovich.
Dutkovich, who is projected to start at inside linebacker again this season, moved into that role with his first career Division I start at UT Martin in 2025. He started seven of the final eight games of the season and finished third on the team in tackles (50) and sacks (3.0). Dutkovich is among the Ohio Valley Conference Players to Watch this preseason.
"Personally, last year was a big turning point for me," he said. "I learned a lot and worked hard in the offseason getting in better shape and cleaning up my footwork. I feel like that has helped me play a lot smoother."
Dutkovich's college career started at Missouri Valley Football Conference member Northern Iowa, where he redshirted in 2023.
With SEMO being his third different school, Dutkovich appreciates what he has gained from transition along the way.
"It has taught me to be open-minded and that openness can lead to real progress," Dutkovich said. "Transition isn't easy, but it has helped me grow and adapt as a student-athlete."
Off the field, Dutkovich has found a new sense of community.
Last spring, he moved in with tight ends Andrew Civey and Nolan Reed and running back Cole Ruble after living by himself the previous year.
"I like hanging out with my teammates/roommates and enjoy simple things like being outside and playing games. I guess you could say I'm pretty boring," added Dutkovich with a smile.
That mild-mannered demeanor is what makes Dutkovich a good match for a position with such a long-standing tradition of excellence.
"The standard has been set, and I am well aware of the great linebackers that have gone through this program," he said. "I am proud to have an opportunity to carry that forward. There's nothing flashy about me. I want to play disciplined and steady, technically sound and be in the right spots to make plays."
Players Mentioned
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