FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University heads to Oklahoma on Saturday for a Sooner Athletic Conference match-up against Langston University, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. at W.E. Anderson Stadium.
The Rams enter the contest at 3-4 overall and 3-1 in SAC play, looking to get back on track after consecutive losses to No. 16 Louisiana Christian University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Langston is 2-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play following a 41-7 loss to Wayland Baptist University on Oct. 17.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, Saturday's match-up presents an important opportunity for Texas Wesleyan to regain momentum, improve its conference standing and strengthen its position heading into November.
RAMS LOOK TO REBOUND
Texas Wesleyan opened its SAC schedule with three consecutive victories before falling to Louisiana Christian, 42-27, on Oct. 10. The Rams returned home the following week but were unable to overcome Mary Hardin-Baylor, falling 38-22 at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Rams have demonstrated their ability to produce offensively throughout the season. Texas Wesleyan opened conference play with a 56-20 victory over Texas College on Sept. 12 before defeating Nelson University, 41-16, on Sept. 26. The Rams then earned a 34-27 road victory over Arkansas Baptist College on Oct. 3.
Texas Wesleyan has scored at least 27 points in each of its four conference games, including a season-high 56 points against Texas College. The Rams will look to carry that offensive production into Saturday's road contest while improving their execution in key situations.
Under first-year head coach Fran Johnson, Texas Wesleyan is continuing a program tradition that includes four consecutive Sooner Athletic Conference championships. Johnson entered the season familiar with the Rams' offensive system and will look to guide the program through a challenging second half of the schedule.
OFFENSIVE KEYS
Quarterback Cole Francis provides experience under center for the Rams as they prepare to face the Langston defense. Francis completed 183 of 329 passes for 2,488 yards and 14 touchdowns during the 2025 season, giving Texas Wesleyan an experienced signal-caller to lead its offense.
The Rams will look to establish a balanced attack, using the passing game to create opportunities downfield while maintaining a productive ground game. Sustaining drives, limiting negative plays and converting third downs will be important against a Langston team looking to take advantage of its home field.
Texas Wesleyan also must protect possession of the football and finish drives with points. Against Louisiana Christian and Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Rams were unable to secure victories despite producing multiple scoring drives. A strong start and consistent execution across four quarters could help Texas Wesleyan regain its winning form.
DEFENSE LOOKS TO SET THE TONE
The defensive side of the ball will be equally important as Texas Wesleyan attempts to slow down the Lions and prevent the home team from building momentum.
The Rams will need to limit explosive plays, win battles at the line of scrimmage and create pressure in passing situations. Forcing Langston into third-and-long situations could provide opportunities to get off the field and return possession to the Texas Wesleyan offense.
Turnovers and field position also could play a significant role. With both teams seeking a conference victory, the ability to capitalize on mistakes and prevent short fields will be critical.
Texas Wesleyan will aim to improve its defensive consistency after allowing 42 points to Louisiana Christian and 38 points to Mary Hardin-Baylor in its last two outings.
SCOUTING LANGSTON
Langston enters Saturday's contest looking to halt a three-game losing streak. The Lions opened the season with a 70-14 loss at Louisiana Christian before responding with a 19-14 road victory over Lincoln University.
The Lions followed that win with a 53-34 victory over Texas College on Sept. 19, demonstrating their ability to generate points against conference competition. However, Langston has since suffered losses to Arkansas Baptist, OUAZ and Wayland Baptist.
Langston fell 24-9 at Arkansas Baptist on Sept. 26 and was shut out 27-0 by OUAZ on Oct. 3. The Lions returned home Oct. 17 but dropped a 41-7 decision to Wayland Baptist.
The Lions' results illustrate the importance of consistency on both sides of the ball. Langston has shown it can produce offensively, particularly in its win over Texas College, but will need a stronger overall performance to challenge Texas Wesleyan.
Playing at W.E. Anderson Stadium provides Langston with home-field familiarity, and the Lions will look to use that advantage to get back into the conference win column.
MATCH-UP TO WATCH
The contest could come down to which team establishes control early and sustains it throughout the afternoon. Texas Wesleyan will look to leverage its offensive production and experience to dictate the pace, while Langston will attempt to take advantage of its home field and generate momentum.
For the Rams, a fast start, improved defensive execution and sound ball security will be essential. Texas Wesleyan also will need to take advantage of scoring opportunities and avoid allowing Langston to remain within striking distance late in the game.
A conference road victory would provide the Rams with a valuable opportunity to respond to their recent losses and build momentum for the final three games of the regular season.
SERIES HISTORY
Texas Wesleyan holds a perfect 4-0 record against Langston University since the teams first met on Oct. 15, 2022. The Rams have won all four meetings, including a 42-19 road victory in Langston, Oklahoma, on Nov. 4, 2023. Texas Wesleyan has outscored the Lions 188-90 across the four games.
The Rams opened the series with a 53-28 victory in Fort Worth in 2022 before earning their road win the following season. Texas Wesleyan followed with its largest victory in the series, a 49-7 decision on Nov. 9, 2024, at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. The win helped the Rams clinch a spot in the postseason.
In the most recent meeting, on Oct. 25, 2025, Texas Wesleyan overcame an early deficit to defeat Langston, 44-36, in Fort Worth. The Lions held a 16-7 lead after the first quarter and maintained a 23-13 advantage at halftime before the Rams scored 17 points in the third quarter to take control. Texas Wesleyan added 14 points in the fourth quarter to secure the eight-point victory.
The 2025 match-up was the closest game in the series, with Texas Wesleyan's eight-point margin marking its smallest victory over the Lions. The Rams enter Saturday's contest looking to extend their winning streak against Langston to five games while maintaining their unbeaten record in the series.
Series record: Texas Wesleyan leads 4-0 Last meeting: Texas Wesleyan 44, Langston 36 (Oct. 25, 2025) Last meeting in Langston: Texas Wesleyan 42, Langston 19 (Nov. 4, 2023) Largest victory: Texas Wesleyan 49, Langston 7 (Nov. 9, 2024) Points in four meetings: Texas Wesleyan 188, Langston 90 Current streak: Texas Wesleyan, four consecutive wins
UP NEXT
Texas Wesleyan returns to Fort Worth on Saturday, Oct. 31, to host Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 2 p.m. at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. The contest will mark the Rams' final home game of the regular season and Senior Day.
