NAIA Football Preview: Olivet Nazarene Tigers (IL) (0-0) vs. Taylor Golden Eagles (IN) (0-0)

Season Context

Taylor enters 2025 as the reigning MSFA Mideast champion after a 9–1 season and a run to the NAIA second round. Head coach Aaron Dill returns a veteran roster hungry to defend their conference crown and improve on last year’s national ranking. Olivet Nazarene finished 2024 at 7–3 (4–2 MSFA Mideast), narrowly missing the playoffs. Under fourth-year head coach Steve Howell, the Tigers return key offensive playmakers and a defense that led the conference in takeaways.

Team Overviews

Olivet Nazarene Tigers

Head Coach: Steve Howell (4th season)

2024 Record: 7–3 overall, 4–2 MSFA Mideast

Offense:

QB Ryan Holle – 2,450 passing yards, 23 TDs

RB John Smith – 1,150 rushing yards, 12 TDs

Defense:

LB Mark Davis – team-high 95 tackles

DB James Baker – 5 interceptions and strong run support

Taylor Golden Eagles

Head Coach: Aaron Dill (13th season)

2024 Record: 9–1 overall, 6–0 MSFA Mideast champions

Offense:

QB Collin Hoffman – 3,200 passing yards, 31 TDs

RB Joe Murray – 1,100 rushing yards, 14 TDs

Defense:

DE Luke Thompson – 10.5 sacks, interior-rush force

DB Michael Rodriguez – 4 interceptions, ball-hawk in the secondary

Head-to-Head

Taylor holds a 6–3 advantage in the all-time series. Last fall’s meeting in Bourbonnais ended 28–21 in Taylor’s favor. The Golden Eagles boast a three-game home winning streak at Turner Stadium, where the Tigers have not visited since their 2022 playoff loss.

Key Players to Watch

Olivet Nazarene Tigers

Ryan Holle (QB): Quick decision-maker whose play-action sets up deep shots.

John Smith (RB): Between-the-tackles grinder who forces second-level misses.

Mark Davis (LB): Sideline-to-sideline tackler and defensive leader.

Taylor Golden Eagles

Collin Hoffman (QB): Precision passer with elite timing on intermediate routes.

Joe Murray (RB): Home-run speed in the open field and short-yardage toughness.

Luke Thompson (DE): Early-down disruptor who collapses pockets.

Additional Notes

Weather forecast calls for clear skies and kickoff temps near 78°F—ideal for both run and pass games.

Taylor returns four offensive-line starters, likely providing Hoffman clean pockets all night. Special teams could swing field position—watch Taylor’s punt-return unit for flips inside the 20. Looking ahead, a win puts Taylor on track for a mid-season conference showdown at Marian, while Olivet Nazarene hosts Madonna in Week 2. Let me know if you’d like deeper film breakdowns or player matchup analyses for this rivalry.