Game Details
Time: 7:30 PM CDT
Venue: MidAmerica Nazarene home campus in Olathe, Kansas
Season Context
Nelson enters the 2025 season as an underdog program making its NAIA season opener on the road, aiming to challenge a veteran Heart of America powerhouse. MidAmerica Nazarene finished 2024 with a 9–2 record (81.8 % win rate), claiming the Heart of America South Division crown and earning a preseason national ranking of 11th overall.
Team Overviews
Nelson Coyotes
Program Outlook: Road opener against a top-level conference foe; will lean on an up-tempo offense and aggressive defensive fronts to create chaos.
Key Strengths: Roster highlighted by senior leadership at skill positions and a special teams unit known for big-play potential.
Areas to Improve: Secondary depth and offensive-line experience on the road; travel demands could affect early-game execution.
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers
Program Outlook: Returning powerhouse in the Heart of America South Division with balanced, A-rated units on both sides of the ball.
Offense: Averaged 45.1 points per game in 2024, ranking among the top offenses in NAIA.
Defense: Held opponents to just 17.1 points per game, forcing turnovers and controlling the line of scrimmage.
Head-to-Head
This marks the first-ever meeting between Nelson (Texas) and MidAmerica Nazarene, setting the stage for an unpredictable debut clash.
Key Players to Watch
Nelson Coyotes
Senior Quarterback: Dual-threat signal-caller who commands the huddle and extends plays with his legs.
All-Conference Running Back: Power runner with home-run speed capable of breaking long gains at any moment.
Defensive Line Leader: Interior disruptor who spearheads a front that ranks among the conference’s most aggressive.
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers
Senior Field General (QB): Returns after leading the nation in efficiency, operating an explosive aerial attack.
Lead Running Back: Tackles-for-loss machine and second-level bruiser who thrived behind a veteran offensive line.
Star Linebacker: Team captain with sideline-to-sideline range and a nose for turnovers.
Additional Notes
Weather forecasts call for clear skies with kickoff temperatures near 75 °F—ideal conditions for both teams. MidAmerica returns six defensive starters who key in on limiting explosive first downs, while Nelson’s travel from Texas could impact early rhythm. A strong performance by Nelson’s special teams could keep this game within reach, but MidAmerica’s depth across all phases sets a steep uphill climb.
Game Odds
Nelson (Texas) 59.5
MidAmerica Nazarene – 20
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
