Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
Location: Wildcat Football Stadium, Marion, Indiana
Broadcast: NAIA.TV / Urban Edge Network
Game Overview
The 2025 NAIA season opens with a marquee non-conference clash as No. 2 Keiser University (Fla.) heads north to face No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan in Marion. Both programs have designs on deep postseason runs—Keiser seeking redemption after a title-game loss and Indiana Wesleyan aiming to build on back-to-back semifinal berths. Expect a high-octane battle featuring dynamic offenses, stout defenses, and major early-season playoff implications.
Keiser Seahawks (Fla.)
2024 Record: 9–2 overall, 6–1 Sun Conference
Head Coach: Tim Ward (7th season)
Offensive Identity: Up-tempo spread with emphasis on quick-game passing and RPO reads
Defensive Identity: Versatile 4–2–5 scheme prioritizing speed and disguised pressure
Key Returners
QB Landon Aikens (Sr.): Threw for 2,650 yards and 22 TDs in 2024; adds 450 rushing yards and 6 scores on read-option.
RB Michael Bailey (Jr.): Led the conference with 1,120 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) and 12 TDs.
DB Henry Bennett (Sr.): Registered 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups; Keiser’s top playmaker in the secondary.
Season Outlook
Aikens’s rapid release and Bailey’s burst through creases give Keiser a multifaceted offense that can strike quickly. Defensively, coordinator Denzel White will employ nickel blitzes to force turnovers. The Seahawks must protect Aikens on the perimeter against IWU’s aggressive front and can’t afford slow starts on the road.
Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats
2024 Record: 11–2 overall, 6–1 Mid-States Football Association
Head Coach: Mike Johnson (10th season)
Offensive Identity: Balanced power-spread with downhill runs and play-action shots
Defensive Identity: 3–3–5 “multiple” alignment stressing gap control and zone coverage
Key Returners
QB Carter Fenney (Sr.): Completed 63% of passes for 2,200 yards and 18 TDs; threat to scramble when protection breaks down.
RB Micaiah Adams (Sr.): Rushed for 950 yards and 11 TDs; excels on inside zone and screen plays.
LB Brandon Laffoon (Sr.): Team leader with 85 tackles, 7 TFLs and 3 sacks; anchors IWU’s front six.
Season Outlook
Fenney’s timing on play-action and Adams’s power running balance the IWU attack. Defensively, the Wildcats will load the box to slow down Bailey and drop eight into coverage to limit downfield throws. Special teams veteran kicker Alex Reyes provides a reliable scoring option from 45+ yards.
Tactical Matchup
Line of Scrimmage: IWU’s stout front must contain Bailey’s inside runs; Keiser’s offensive line must neutralize the 3–3–5 stunts.
Tempo Control: Keiser will look to speed up play-clock; the Wildcats will huddle and chew clock with long, balanced drives.
Big-Play Potential: Aikens vs. IWU’s secondary in transition, and Adams vs. Keiser’s linebacker corps in space will swing momentum.
This one pivots on special teams and turnover creation. Keiser’s explosive RPO sets will test IWU’s discipline, but home-field advantage and a marginally stronger run defense give Indiana Wesleyan the edge in late-game clock control.
Game Odds
Keiser Seahawks (FL) 56.5
Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats – 4
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
