Lincoln, NE - After falling to Buena Vista, 34-21, in the snow, Nebraska Wesleyan returns home to host Simpson in its 2025 season finale, a game that will also mark the final appearance for longtime head coach Brian Keller, who announced earlier this week that he will retire following the season.

GAME TIME, LOCATION, LIVE STREAM & LIVE STATS
Kick off for Saturday's game is set for 1:00 p.m. The game will be played at Abel Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Wesleyan will live stream the game and carry live stats. 

SCOUTING NEBRASKA WESLEYAN
Team: Nebraska Wesleyan was defeated by Buena Vista, 34-21, in their last game. The Prairie Wolves dug themselves a 14-0 first half hole and despite pulling within seven three times, were unable to level the score. Nebraska Wesleyan is 1-8 overall and 1-6 against American Rivers Conference opponents. 

Offense: Nebraska Wesleyan averages 17.78 points per game, while averaging 324.2 yards of offense. Nebraska Wesleyan rushes for 123.90 yards per game and throws for 200.33 yards yards per game. The Prairie Wolves have gained 159 first downs, with 83 coming via the passing game, 57 being on the ground, and 19 being a result of a defensive penalty. The Prairie Wolves are led by junior quarterback Connor White, who has thrown for 1,509 yards and eight touchdowns, while completing 61.72% of his passes. White has thrown for 200 or more yards three times and has two games with more than one touchdown pass. White's favorite target is Joey McLaughlin, who has caught 58 passes for 793 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which are team highs. McLaughlin has recorded four games with more than 100 receiving yards. Corbin Horner provides a second solid option for White, ranking second on the team with 24 receptions for 303 yards and one touchdown. When Nebraska Wesleyan elects to run the ball, Trystin Myers has continued to rise on NWU's all-time charts while rushing for 813 yards on 139 carries and scored seven touchdowns this season.

Defense: Defensively Nebraska Wesleyan allows 31.11 points per game and 347.1 yards per game. NWU has allowed 174 first downs. The Prairie Wolf defense features three players with 60 or more tackles. Leading the charge is Hunter Hanke who has posted a team best 66 tackles, with six sacks. Hanke has also forced four fumbles and broken up two passes. Jian Aguilar ranks second on the team with 65 tackles. Aguilar also plays a significant role in helping the Golden Bullets force turnovers, with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Ranking third on the team is Carlos Portier, who has made 64 tackles, forced one fumble, and recovered two fumbles. In the secondary, Antonio Martinez, Darrius Paige, and Kelby Zimmerman have each recorded one interception.

Special Teams: In the kicking game, Jace Winkler is 4-9 on field goal attempts, with a long of 47. Winkler also doubles as NWU's punter, averaging 38.88 yards per punt, with a long of 68 yards.

HEAD COACH BRIAN KELLER
Saturday will be the final game for Head Coach Brian Keller, who is retiring after 30 seasons leading the Prairie Wolves. The 2025 campaign marks the close of a remarkable run for the winningest coach in program history. A Nebraska Wesleyan graduate and former player, Keller has guided his alma mater since 1996, compiling a career record of 133-158 while overseeing NWU's transition into the American Rivers Conference and mentoring generations of student-athletes. A postgame tribute recognizing his career and contributions will follow Saturday's contest.

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN FOOTBALL TRADITION
Established in 1896, NWU football has amassed over 500 wins and claimed 22 conference championships. The Prairie Wolves are also a national academic powerhouse, ranking seventh among all football programs for CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.

ABEL STADIUM
Opened in 1986 as the replacement for aging O.N. Magee Stadium, Abel Stadium serves as the host to Nebraska Wesleyan football, soccer, and track & field. NWU has maintained a committed effort to improve the 2,500 seat stadium during its 39 year history. This includes the installation of a video replay board in 2009, track resurfacing in 2010, and a press box expansion in 2011. Last summer Nebraska Wesleyan received new, state of the art field turf to better help athletes reach their full potential.

SCOUTING SIMPSON
Simpson enters this week 5-4 and was defeated by Central, 35-10, in their last game. Overall, Simpson has won three of their last four games. The Storm average 27.6 points and 367.3 yards per game. Defensively, Simpson allows 20.2 points and 359.1 yards per game. Simpson is led by Reed Hoskins, in his third season.

SERIES HISTORY AGAINST SIMPSON
Saturday will mark the 21st meeting between Nebraska Wesleyan and Simpson. The Prairie Wolves are 11-7-2 against the Storm.