Lincoln, Neb. (August 22, 2025) – Nebraska Wesleyan Football enters the 2025 season looking to build on the progress made in recent years and close the gap on the top teams in the American Rivers Conference. With an experienced offensive line, proven skill position players, and a hungry defensive unit, the Prairie Wolves are poised to take another step forward under veteran Head Coach Brian Keller.

2024 SEASON IN REVIEW

Nebraska Wesleyan finished the 2024 campaign with a 3-7 overall record, but the story goes deeper than the win-loss column. The Prairie Wolves proved competitive against some of the A-R-C's top programs, with several narrow losses. A midseason win over Buena Vista highlighted the conference slate, while a non-conference victory at Mayville State provided early-season momentum.

Offensively, NWU flashed balance but was hampered by injuries to key players, most notably running back Trystin Myers, a former Second Team All-A-R-C selection. Defensively, the line provided consistent pressure, led by Hunter Hanke, who earned Second Team All-A-R-C honors. Special teams were a bright spot, with freshman long snapper Sam Contreras also earning Second Team All-A-R-C recognition.

2025 SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

Nebraska Wesleyan's 2025 schedule opens with two challenging non-conference contests before the grind of the A-R-C season begins. The Prairie Wolves will travel to Dakota State in the season opener on September 6 in Mitchell, South Dakota, followed by the home opener against Mayville State on September 13.

Conference play opens September 20 on the road against Coe, followed by a September 27 home game against Luther. October brings matchup against perennial power Central, with NWU also hosting Loras with a key late season matchup during Wesleyan Weekend. The regular season concludes November 15 at home agianst Simpson.

The 2025 American Rivers Conference race is expected to be tight, and early-season success could put the Prairie Wolves in position to contend deep into November.

2025 KEY RETURNERS

Nebraska Wesleyan's success in 2025 will start in the trenches with one of the most experienced offensive lines in the league. Owen Anthony (First Team All-A-R-C, Second Team All-Region) and Jake Rhodes (Honorable Mention All-A-R-C) lead a veteran group that also includes four-year starter Ben Holler and three-year starter Caleb Ohlrich.

In the backfield, Trystin Myers returns for his fifth season, while Nathan Athouris looks to build on back-to-back top-six rushing finishes in the A-R-C. At receiver, senior Jaheim Felder and junior Corbin Horner headline the group, with Joey McLaughlin tabbed as a breakout candidate after three of his nine catches last season went for touchdowns.

Quarterback Connor White enters his second year as the starter and is expected to take a step forward in leading the offense.

Defensively, Hunter Hanke anchors the line alongside Dillon Moralez, Chevalier Curry, Jeremy Grayson, Brice Eloume and Ivan Eloume. Linebackers Juan Donoso, Jian Aguilar, and Kyle Moss bring experience and leadership to the middle of the defense.

2025 NEWCOMERS

The Prairie Wolves welcome a promising freshman and transfer class, including kicker Brody Parks, who is expected to handle placekicking duties. Several young defensive backs will also compete for immediate playing time in the secondary.

HEAD COACH BRIAN KELLER

Brian Keller enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism. Now in his 30th season leading Nebraska Wesleyan, Keller has guided the program through steady improvement and has seen first-hand the impact of recent investments in facilities, strength and conditioning, and player development.

COACH KELLER COMMENTS

"The confidence level is extremely high among both the staff and the players," Keller said. "Despite a sub-par 3-7 record in 2024, it was apparent to those involved that we have closed the gap considerably with the middle and top tier programs in the A-R-C and continue to grow as a result. Believing and doing are two different animals, and we still must prove we belong every Saturday this fall."

PRESEASON POLL

SEASON OPENER

Nebraska Wesleyan opens the 2025 season on Saturday, September 6, traveling to Dakota State in Mitchell, South Dakota. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Brian Kern Family Stadium.