2025 (Redshirt Freshman)
Played in seven games for the Cougars at quarterback. Completed 94-of-152 passes for 1,478 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 211.1 passing yards per game with a long completion of 85 yards. Added 30 rushing attempts for 43 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, accounting for 17 total touchdowns during the season.
2024 (Redshirt)
Redshirted his first season with the Cougars.
High School
Tate was a standout three-sport athlete at Lincoln High School, competing in football, track, and baseball. A two-time All-State selection, he was also named to the Elite 45 Team and earned All-American honors. He was recognized as the Joe Robbie MVP of the South Dakota State AAA Championship Game. Schafer owns multiple school and class 11AAA records, including 3,108 passing yards in a single season, 8,102 career passing yards, 618 career completions (a state record), 42 single-season touchdown passes, and 97 career touchdown passes.
Personal
Tate is the son of Val and Travis Schafer and has two siblings, Ty and Brody.
