Game Details
The Dakota State Trojans (SD) open their Frontier Conference schedule against in‐state rival Dakota Wesleyan (SD) on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Kickoff from Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, South Dakota, is set for 7:00 p.m. CDT, with the game featured on the NAIA’s Urban Edge Network broadcast and streaming via NAIA.TV.
Team Profiles
Dakota State Trojans
2024 Record: 8–3 overall, 6–1 Frontier Conference
Head Coach: Todd Hoffner (16th season)
Offensive Identity: Balanced attack blending a pro‐style passing game with zone‐stretch rushing
Defensive Identity: Aggressive 4–3 front that ranks among the NAIA’s best at creating negative‐yardage plays
Key Returners
Senior QB Logan Carwile: Threw for 2,100 yards and 18 TDs, added 500 rushing yards and 6 scores on the ground
RB Caleb Cartwright: Rushed for 890 yards at 5.2 yards per carry with 9 TDs
LB Jordan Langer: Led the team with 85 tackles, 8 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss
Outlook:
DSU’s veteran lineup up front will look to control the line of scrimmage. Carwile’s dual‐threat prowess pairs well with Cartwright’s downhill running, while Langer’s sideline‐to‐sideline range anchors a defense that must slow DWU’s tempo.
Dakota Wesleyan Tigers
2024 Record: 6–5 overall, 5–2 Frontier Conference
Head Coach: Josh Muller (4th season)
Offensive Identity: Spread‐tempo scheme engineered for quick strikes and wide‐open space
Defensive Identity: 3–4 base defense that emphasizes zone coverage and linebacker blitzes
Key Returners
Senior QB Ryan O’Connor: Completed 59% of passes for 1,850 yards and 15 TDs, also chipped in 350 rushing yards
RB Mason Robinson: Averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns
DB Alex Weigle: Ballhawk with 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups
Outlook:
The Tigers will try to force DSU into a track meet, using O’Connor’s quick reads and Robinson’s cutback running to wear down defenders. Wesleyan’s secondary must be tight in coverage to disrupt Carwile’s downfield connections.
Tactical Matchup
Line of Scrimmage: DSU’s experienced offensive line vs. DWU’s athletic front seven
Tempo Control: Wesleyan will push pace; Trojans need short drives and clock management
Red-Zone Edge: DSU’s efficiency near the goal line could decide tight moments
Dakota State’s balanced offense and stout front on both sides give the Trojans the edge, but Wesleyan’s tempo and home-field crowd will keep it close. Expect a back-and-forth first half before DSU pulls away late.
Game Odds
Dakota State Trojans (SD) – 5.5
Dakota Wesleyan Tigers (SD) 61.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
