FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University football faces one of its biggest tests of the 2026 season Saturday when the Rams travel to Pineville, Louisiana, to take on No. 16 Louisiana Christian University in a battle between two unbeaten teams in Sooner Athletic Conference play.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Wildcat Field.
Texas Wesleyan enters the match-up 3-2 overall and 3-0 in SAC play after winning three consecutive games following an 0-2 start. The Rams opened conference play with a 56-20 victory over Texas College, defeated Nelson University 41-16 and then rallied past Arkansas Baptist College 34-27 on Oct. 3.
Louisiana Christian enters ranked No. 16 in both the NAIA Coaches Top 25 and Victory Sports Network Media Top 25. The Wildcats are 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play after defeating East Texas Baptist 50-36 on Oct. 3.
Saturday's match-up has been designated the SAC Game of the Week and features two teams that shared the 2025 SAC championship. Texas Wesleyan earned the conference's automatic bid to the NAIA Football Championship Series last season.
RAMS ARRIVE ON A ROLL
After dropping their first two games against NCAA opponents Central Oklahoma and McNeese State, the Rams have responded by winning three straight.
Texas Wesleyan has been particularly strong on both sides of the ball during SAC play. The Rams defeated Texas College by 36 points, Nelson by 25 and Arkansas Baptist by seven on the road.
Against Arkansas Baptist, Texas Wesleyan overcame a 27-24 deficit to earn a 34-27 victory. The Rams have now scored at least 34 points in each of their three conference victories.
Quarterback
Charlie Adamoli has directed the offense during the winning streak. Through four games, Adamoli had completed 54 of 111 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns entering the Arkansas Baptist match-up.
Running back
Ian Jernagin has emerged as one of the Rams' biggest offensive weapons. He entered last week's game with 314 rushing yards and six touchdowns before rushing for another 118 yards and two touchdowns against Nelson.
Makhi Whitney has also provided a consistent target in the passing game, leading the Rams with 19 receptions for 212 yards entering the Arkansas Baptist contest.
DEFENSE FINDING ITS IDENTITY
Texas Wesleyan's defense has undergone a dramatic turnaround since the opening two weeks of the season.
After allowing 111 points combined against Central Oklahoma and McNeese State, the Rams have surrendered just 63 points across their three-game winning streak.
That defensive improvement will be tested by a Louisiana Christian offense that enters the matchup coming off a 50-point performance against East Texas Baptist.
SCOUTING LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN
Louisiana Christian is 5-1 overall and 3-0 in SAC play and enters Saturday ranked No. 16 nationally.
The Wildcats are coming off a 50-36 victory over East Texas Baptist in which they produced nearly 500 yards of total offense. Louisiana Christian scored 16 unanswered points in the second quarter to take control of the game and never relinquished the lead.
Quarterback Bryce Perkins and wide receiver EJ Scott headline an explosive Wildcats offense. Perkins has been one of Louisiana Christian's primary offensive weapons, while Scott and the Wildcats' receiving corps have consistently produced big plays.
Louisiana Christian's six-game record includes five victories, with the lone loss coming against NCAA Division I Southern University.
A BATTLE FOR THE TOP OF THE SAC
With both teams sitting at 3-0 in conference play, Saturday's match-up could have significant implications in the SAC championship race.
Louisiana Christian shared the 2025 SAC championship with Texas Wesleyan and enters this season looking to defend its conference title. Texas Wesleyan, meanwhile, is attempting to make another run at the championship after earning the conference's automatic NAIA postseason berth last season.
The Rams were picked third in the SAC preseason prediction by Victory Sports Network, while Louisiana Christian entered the season among the conference's top contenders.
MATCH-UP HISTORY
The series has been highly competitive in recent years. Texas Wesleyan and Louisiana Christian split their first four meetings since 2021, with each team winning twice.
The Rams won the most recent meeting, however, putting together a record-setting offensive performance in a 61-28 victory over the Wildcats in Fort Worth on Oct. 11, 2025.
Cole Francis threw for a school-record 526 yards and three touchdowns in the victory as Texas Wesleyan finished with 586 total yards.
Sean Smith caught four passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Texas Wesleyan forced four Louisiana Christian turnovers.
This year's meeting shifts to Pineville, where the Rams will face a nationally ranked Wildcats team that enters with a 3-0 SAC record.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
**
Ian Jernagin, RB:** Jernagin leads the Rams' rushing attack and has emerged as one of the team's most productive offensive weapons.
**
Charlie Adamoli, QB:** Adamoli has guided the Rams through their three-game winning streak and provides stability at quarterback.
**Makhi Whitney, WR:** Whitney has been a consistent target in the passing game and entered the Arkansas Baptist game leading Texas Wesleyan in receptions and receiving yards.
**
Ryan Seymour, LB:** Seymour has been an important part of the Rams' defensive turnaround and provides veteran leadership in the middle of the defense.
**
Izack Villasenor, DL:** Villasenor is part of a defensive front that has helped Texas Wesleyan generate pressure, including six sacks against Nelson.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
**1. Can the Rams slow Perkins?**
Louisiana Christian's offense has the ability to create explosive plays through the air. Texas Wesleyan's secondary and pass rush will be tested throughout the afternoon.
**2. Jernagin vs. the Wildcats' defense.**
Texas Wesleyan has established a strong running game during its three-game winning streak. Keeping Jernagin productive could help the Rams control the clock and keep Louisiana Christian's offense on the sideline.
**3. The turnover battle.**
The Rams forced two turnovers against Nelson and four in last year's victory over Louisiana Christian. Creating extra possessions could be critical against a ranked opponent.
**4. A battle of unbeaten SAC teams.**
Both teams enter 3-0 in conference play, making Saturday's game one of the most significant matchups on the SAC schedule.
GAME INFORMATION
**Texas Wesleyan at No. 16 Louisiana Christian**
**Date:** Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
**Time:** 2 p.m.
**Location:** Wildcat Field, Pineville, Louisiana
**Records:** Texas Wesleyan 3-2, 3-0 SAC; Louisiana Christian 5-1, 3-0 SAC
**Conference:** Sooner Athletic Conference
**Watch:** 446Sports on YouTube / Urban Edge NetNetwork
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's road matchup, Texas Wesleyan returns home Oct. 17 to host the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
