Game Details
Time: 7:00 PM EDT
Venue: Williamson Stadium, Barbourville, Kentucky
Season Context
Texas Wesleyan enters 2025 under second-year head coach Brad Sherrod, coming off a strong finish to the 2024 campaign. The Rams aim for a fourth straight Sooner Athletic Conference title and their second consecutive berth in the NAIA Football Championship Series. Lindsey Wilson returns as a perennial Mid-South powerhouse under longtime head coach Chris Oliver. The Blue Raiders boast sustained national contention and a veteran roster hungry to reclaim conference supremacy.
Team Overviews
Texas Wesleyan Rams
Head Coach: Brad Sherrod (2nd season)
Conference: Sooner Athletic Conference
2024 Highlights: Finished strong in SAC play, secured conference co-championship and playoff appearance
Offense: Balanced attack featuring a physical running game and emerging quarterback play
Defense: Unit known for aggressive front-seven play and opportunistic turnover margin
Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders
Head Coach: Chris Oliver (11th season)
Conference: Mid-South Conference
2024 Highlights: Consistent national tournament qualifier with a stout defense and high-tempo offense
Offense: Experienced signal-caller leading an aerial attack complemented by explosive receivers
Defense: Veteran secondary and disruptive front-four setting the tone early
Head-to-Head
This marks the first all-time meeting between Texas Wesleyan and Lindsey Wilson. The Rams will look to make a statement in hostile territory, while the Blue Raiders aim to uphold home-field dominance at Williamson Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
Texas Wesleyan Rams
Senior RB: Power back who excels between the tackles and in short-yardage situations
Junior QB: Developing field general with improving decision-making under Sherrod’s system
Linebacker Trio: Anchors of a defense that ranked near the top of the SAC in tackles for loss
Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders
Senior QB: Precision passer with a quick release and strong leadership qualities
All-Mid-South WR: Deep threat capable of game-breaking plays on any down
Anchored DE: Interior disruptor whose gap-shooting style fuels third-down pressure
Additional Notes
The Blue Raiders haven’t lost a season opener at home in five years, creating an intimidating atmosphere. Texas Wesleyan’s travel schedule—from Fort Worth to Barbourville—could impact early-game execution. Special teams battle looms: Jennings at kicker for Lindsey Wilson and Wesleyan’s dynamic return man may flip field position.
Game Odds
Texas Wesleyan Rams 62.5
Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders (Ky.) – 14
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
