FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University football travels to Plainview, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 14, to face Wayland Baptist University in the final game of the 2026 regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.

The Rams enter the season finale 5-5 overall and 5-2 in Sooner Athletic Conference play following a 33-14 loss to Ottawa University Arizona on Nov. 7. Texas Wesleyan will look to close its campaign with a victory against a Wayland Baptist team that enters the match=up 7-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play.

Saturday's contest provides the Rams with one final opportunity to finish the season on a positive note and add another conference victory against a Pioneers squad that has put together a strong season.

RAMS LOOK TO RESPOND AFTER OUAZ LOSS

Texas Wesleyan faced a difficult road test against Ottawa University Arizona, falling 33-14 at Spirit Field in Surprise, Arizona.

The Rams opened the scoring with a 76-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from quarterback Tajari Wellington. Texas Wesleyan held a 7-6 advantage at halftime after its defense limited the Spirit to two field goals through the first 30 minutes.

The defensive effort continued into the third quarter, when the Rams held OUAZ to another field goal and entered the final period trailing just 9-7.

Ottawa Arizona took control in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points to pull away. The Spirit added two rushing touchdowns, an interception return for a score and another field goal before the Rams answered with a late touchdown.

Wellington completed 16 of 38 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score. His 69-yard touchdown pass to Landrew Ward in the fourth quarter provided the Rams' final points.

Texas Wesleyan finished with 267 yards of total offense, including 221 through the air. The Rams' defense recorded two takeaways, with Jamayle Sampson returning an interception 48 yards and Izack Villasenor recovering a fumble.

Despite the loss, the Rams showed the ability to compete with one of the conference's top teams through three quarters. Texas Wesleyan will look to carry that defensive intensity and offensive execution into Saturday's regular-season finale.

WELLINGTON LEADS RAMS OFFENSE

Wellington continues to lead the Texas Wesleyan offense, providing production through both the passing and running games.

Against OUAZ, Wellington threw for 221 yards and connected with Ward for a 69-yard touchdown. Makhi Whitney also contributed six receptions for 72 yards, while Jacoby Miles added five catches for 58 yards.

The Rams' rushing attack was led by Kendrick McClodden, who finished with 74 net yards on 16 carries. Wellington added a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Texas Wesleyan will need a balanced offensive effort against Wayland Baptist. Establishing the run game, protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities for its receivers will be important against a Pioneers defense that has limited opponents to fewer than 25 points per game.

The Rams will also look to improve their efficiency on third down and sustain drives to keep the Wayland Baptist offense off the field.

DEFENSE LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG

The Texas Wesleyan defense will face a productive Wayland Baptist offense that has averaged nearly 34 points per game this season.

Against OUAZ, the Rams held the Spirit to nine points through three quarters and created two turnovers. The defense also generated pressure throughout the contest, recording multiple sacks and quarterback hurries.

Evenn Head led Texas Wesleyan with 14 tackles against the Spirit, while the defensive unit continued to compete against an offense that finished with 426 total yards.

The challenge Saturday will be limiting Wayland Baptist's passing attack and preventing the Pioneers from establishing an effective rhythm. Texas Wesleyan will need to pressure the quarterback, limit explosive plays and make stops in key situations.

Creating turnovers and winning the field-position battle could provide the Rams with important opportunities to control the pace of the game.

PIONEERS ENTER WITH STRONG CONFERENCE RECORD

Wayland Baptist enters the regular-season finale 7-2 overall and 6-1 in SAC play, positioning the Pioneers among the conference's top teams.

The Pioneers have won seven of their last eight games after opening the season with a 34-20 victory over Sul Ross State. Their conference schedule has included victories over Texas College, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Langston, Arkansas Baptist and Nelson University.

Wayland Baptist's most recent game was a 45-20 road victory over Nelson on Oct. 31. The Pioneers had a bye the following week before preparing for Saturday's match=up with Texas Wesleyan.

Offensively, Wayland Baptist averages 33.8 points and 370.7 yards per game. The Pioneers have been especially productive through the air, averaging 276.8 passing yards per contest while adding 93.9 yards per game on the ground.

The passing game has produced 2,491 yards and 21 touchdowns through nine games. Wayland Baptist has also scored 14 rushing touchdowns, giving the offense multiple ways to generate points.

Defensively, the Pioneers allow 24.9 points per game and have recorded 19 sacks. Their ability to create pressure and disrupt opposing offenses will be an important factor against a Texas Wesleyan team looking to finish the season with a strong offensive performance.

KEY MATCH-UP: RAMS PASSING ATTACK AGAINST PIONEERS DEFENSE

Saturday's match-up will feature a Texas Wesleyan offense led by Wellington against a Wayland Baptist defense that has consistently worked to pressure opposing quarterbacks and create negative plays.

The Rams will look to use Whitney, Ward, Miles and the receiving corps to generate opportunities downfield while establishing enough of a running game to keep the Pioneers from focusing exclusively on the pass.

Wayland Baptist's offense presents another significant challenge. The Pioneers average more than 276 passing yards per game, making it important for the Rams to maintain coverage discipline and limit big plays.

Texas Wesleyan will also need to take advantage of scoring opportunities and avoid costly turnovers. A strong start and consistent execution on both sides of the ball could help the Rams remain competitive throughout the regular-season finale.

REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

Saturday marks the final game of the 2026 regular season for Texas Wesleyan.

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

Texas Wesleyan was selected as the SAC preseason favorite entering 2026, receiving 62 points and seven first-place votes in the conference coaches' poll.

The Rams have continued to compete throughout a challenging schedule that included non-conference match-ups against NCAA Division I FCS opponent McNeese and NCAA Division II opponent Central Oklahoma.

With one game remaining, Texas Wesleyan will look to close the season with a conference victory and build momentum heading into the offseason.

GAME INFORMATION

Match-up: Texas Wesleyan University at Wayland Baptist University

Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026

Kickoff: 2 p.m.

Location: Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium, Plainview, Texas

Records: Texas Wesleyan (5-5, 5-2 SAC); Wayland Baptist (7-2, 6-1 SAC)

Last Game: Texas Wesleyan lost to Ottawa University Arizona, 33-14, on Nov. 7. Wayland Baptist defeated Nelson University, 45-20, on Oct. 31.

Significance: Final game of the 2026 regular season