FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University football returns to Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, to host Oklahoma Panhandle State University in a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup and the Rams' final home game of the 2026 regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Rams enter the contest 4-4 overall and 4-1 in SAC play after earning a 69-25 road victory over Langston University on Oct. 24. Texas Wesleyan will look to carry that offensive momentum into its Senior Day matchup against the Aggies while continuing its push through the final stretch of the conference schedule.

Saturday's game will recognize Texas Wesleyan's senior student-athletes for their contributions to the football program and provide the Rams with an opportunity to close their home schedule with a victory before heading into their final two road games of the season.
 

RAMS ROLL PAST LANGSTON

Texas Wesleyan delivered one of its most productive offensive performances of the season in its 69-25 victory over Langston, scoring nine touchdowns and finishing with 360 passing yards.

The Rams led 27-19 at halftime before outscoring the Lions 15-6 in the third quarter and adding 27 unanswered points in the fourth to secure the conference road victory.

Texas Wesleyan went 8-for-8 in the red zone, demonstrating its ability to finish drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Rams also received contributions from multiple players in the passing and running games, creating consistent pressure on the Langston defense.

Quarterback Tajari Wellington completed 12 of 19 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion pass. Cade Gordon also contributed late, throwing an 84-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Barry before adding a rushing touchdown in the closing seconds.

The offensive production was complemented by a strong defensive effort in the second half. Texas Wesleyan held Langston scoreless in the fourth quarter and recorded two interceptions, including a 93-yard interception return by Jakharyn Parks that halted a Lions scoring opportunity.

The performance provided the Rams with an important response after consecutive losses to Louisiana Christian University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor earlier in October.
 

WHITNEY LEADS RECEIVING ATTACK

Makhi Whitney continued to establish himself as a major contributor in the Texas Wesleyan passing game against Langston, recording eight receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

Whitney's performance helped the Rams stretch the field and create scoring opportunities throughout the contest. His ability to generate yards after the catch and find openings in the opposing secondary will remain important as Texas Wesleyan prepares for Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Sean Smith also contributed significantly to the offensive effort, catching seven passes for 84 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing touchdown.

The Rams' ability to distribute the ball among multiple receivers and incorporate different players into the running game gives the offense several options as it looks to sustain drives and produce points against the Aggies.

Texas Wesleyan will look to maintain that balance Saturday, using its passing attack to create opportunities downfield while establishing the ground game to keep the offense productive in key situations.
 

DEFENSE LOOKS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM

The Rams' defensive performance against Langston provided another important component of the victory.

Texas Wesleyan limited the Lions to six points in the third quarter and shut them out in the fourth, finishing the game with a dominant closing stretch. The Rams also recorded multiple stops on fourth down and created turnovers that helped shift momentum.

Parks' 93-yard interception return highlighted the defensive effort, while the defensive front continued to pressure the quarterback and disrupt Langston's offensive rhythm.

The Rams will look to carry that energy into Saturday's match-up by limiting explosive plays, winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing Oklahoma Panhandle State into difficult third-down situations.

Consistency will be important as Texas Wesleyan enters the final three games of its season. A strong defensive performance would complement the offense's recent production and give the Rams an opportunity to control the game from the opening kickoff.
 

AGGIES VISIT FORT WORTH

Oklahoma Panhandle State travels to Fort Worth for its match-up with Texas Wesleyan as the Aggies continue their 2026 SAC schedule.

The Aggies opened the season against NCAA Division I FCS opponent Incarnate Word, falling 76-14 on Aug. 29. Oklahoma Panhandle State's schedule also includes conference match-ups against several familiar SAC opponents, making Saturday's contest another important test as the season progresses.

Texas Wesleyan will need to prepare for the Aggies' offensive approach while remaining disciplined on defense and avoiding the mistakes that can allow an opponent to gain momentum.

The Rams' recent performance against Langston demonstrated the importance of winning the turnover battle and finishing drives. Maintaining that level of execution will be critical against Oklahoma Panhandle State, particularly as Texas Wesleyan seeks to protect its home field.
 

SENIOR DAY AT CROWLEY ISD MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM

Saturday's contest carries additional significance as Texas Wesleyan celebrates its seniors in the final home game of the regular season.

The program will recognize the senior student-athletes who have contributed to the Rams' continued development and success. Their commitment to the program has helped sustain Texas Wesleyan's competitive standing in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

Under head coach Fran Johnson, the Rams entered the 2026 season following a 7-5 campaign in 2025, when Texas Wesleyan shared the SAC regular-season championship and advanced to the NAIA Football Championship Series for the second consecutive season.

The Rams also entered the year as the SAC preseason favorite after receiving 62 points and seven first-place votes in the conference coaches' poll.

With the regular season approaching its conclusion, Saturday provides Texas Wesleyan with an opportunity to recognize its seniors while continuing to pursue a strong conference finish.

A victory would give the Rams four wins in SAC play and provide additional momentum heading into the final two road contests of the season.
 

SERIES HISTORY

Texas Wesleyan and Oklahoma Panhandle State have met multiple times as members of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

In their most recent meeting during the 2025 season, the Rams defeated the Aggies 46-12 on Nov. 1, 2025, in Fort Worth. Texas Wesleyan's victory featured a strong special teams performance from kicker Freddy Joya, who converted all nine of his kicking attempts, including five field goals and four extra points.

The Rams will look to build on that result and continue their success against Oklahoma Panhandle State in Saturday's Senior Day match-up.
 

UP NEXT

Following Saturday's home finale, Texas Wesleyan will return to the road for its final two games of the regular season.

The Rams travel to Surprise, Arizona, on Nov. 7 to face Ottawa University Arizona at Spirit Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time.

Texas Wesleyan will close the regular season Nov. 14 against Wayland Baptist University at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium in Plainview, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

With the conference schedule nearing its conclusion, the Rams will look to carry their momentum from the Langston victory into the final two weeks of the season.
 

GAME INFORMATION

Match-up: Oklahoma Panhandle State University at Texas Wesleyan University

Date: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026

Kickoff: 2 p.m.

Location: Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

Records: Texas Wesleyan (4-4, 4-1 SAC)

Promotion: Senior Day

Last Meeting: Texas Wesleyan defeated Oklahoma Panhandle State, 46-12, on Nov. 1, 2025.

Next Game: Texas Wesleyan at Ottawa University Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. CT.