FORT WORTH — No. 10 Texas Wesleyan University launches its 2025 football season on Aug. 28, traveling to face Lindsey Wilson College in a rematch of last year's 34-24 season-opening victory.
The Rams, fresh off a 10-1 season and their first outright Sooner Athletic Conference title with an 8-0 league record, led the NAIA with 57.5 points per game in 2024.
The Blue Raiders, hosting at Blue Raider Stadium in Columbia, Kentucky, aim to flip the script and derail Texas Wesleyan's title defense.
Led by second-year head coach Brad Sherrod, Texas Wesleyan brings back a veteran roster to tackle a demanding 2025 schedule.
The Rams' explosive offense and stout defense face a Lindsey Wilson team eager to leverage home-field advantage after falling in last season's opener. The Blue Raiders, a Mid-South Conference contender, rely on a potent passing attack and improved defense to challenge the Rams' NAIA dominance.
**Texas Wesleyan Rams**
The Rams' high-powered offense is quarterbacked by redshirt senior
Carson Rodgers, the program's all-time leading passer, whose pinpoint accuracy and decision-making drove their 2024 success.
Rodgers targets redshirt junior wide receiver
Ronnie Schneider, who steps into a larger role after the departure of key receivers. Schneider's reliable hands and familiarity with Rodgers make him a critical piece in maintaining the passing game's potency.
Transfer running back Jaylen March, a dynamic playmaker, powers the ground attack with his elusive running style, while transfer wide receiver
Josh Nicholson adds speed and versatility to stretch defenses.
Freshmen
Sean Smith and
Cameron Smith, both emerging talents, contribute depth and flashed potential in fall camp to bolster the offensive unit.
Defensively, senior defensive back
Deylon Rodgers anchors a younger secondary tasked with containing Lindsey Wilson's air raid offense. His instincts and coverage skills are vital in limiting big plays.
Redshirt senior linebacker
Sir Hill, a tackling machine, brings leadership and physicality to the front seven, while senior defensive lineman
Daniel Aigbogun disrupts opposing backfields with his strength and quickness.
Together, this veteran trio anchors a defense aiming to replicate its 2024 dominance.
**Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders**
Lindsey Wilson, ranked No. 20 in 2024, opened last season with a loss to Texas Wesleyan but rebounded to compete strongly in the Mid-South Conference.
Their offense, led by a seasoned quarterback and deep receiving corps, excels in the passing game. The Blue Raiders have strengthened their defensive front and focused on red-zone efficiency to counter the Rams' high-scoring attack.
Playing at home, Lindsey Wilson looks to capitalize on crowd support for an upset.
**Key Matchups**
- **Rams' Offensive Line vs. Blue Raiders' Defensive Front**: Texas Wesleyan's line must protect Rodgers and create lanes for March against a revamped Lindsey Wilson front.
- **Blue Raiders' Passing Game vs. Rams' Secondary**:
Deylon Rodgers faces a challenge in containing Lindsey Wilson's aerial attack, with his coverage setting the tone.
- **Rodgers-to-Schneider Connection**:
Carson Rodgers' chemistry with Schneider could produce big plays, testing the Blue Raiders' defensive backfield.
**Last Season's Rematch Context**
On Aug. 29, 2024, at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, Texas Wesleyan jumped to an early lead behind
Carson Rodgers' efficient passing and a relentless defense led by Hill and Aigbogun.
The Rams sealed the 34-24 win with strong fourth-quarter play, fending off a late Lindsey Wilson rally. The Blue Raiders, with home-field energy and offseason tweaks, aim to avoid a repeat.
**Game Details**
- **Date**: Aug. 28, 2025
- **Location**: Blue Raider Stadium, Columbia, Kentucky
- **Kickoff**: 6: 00 p.m. CT
- **Live Stats:**
https://lindseyathletics.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
- **Broadcast**:
https://lindseyathletics.com/watch/
The Rams aim to start 1-0 and reinforce their NAIA contender status, while the Blue Raiders seek an upset to jump start their 2025 campaign.
