Tiffin University travels to Wayne State to take on the Warriors at 6 pm on Sept. 4 in tis 2025 season opener.

Tiffin holds a 5-7 overall record against the Warriors but last year's game was the first time the two teams have played since 2018. Overall the Dragons have went 5-1 against Wayne State since 2014. They hold a 177-116 scoring edge over the Warriors over that stretch.

LAST TIME OUT

Tiffin used a swarming defense to throttle Wayne State in its 2024 season opener, dispatching the Warriors 31-17. TU's defense registered six sacks, five turnovers including three interceptions and two fumbles, 13 tackles for loss, and a total of 38 yards rushing allowed. The defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, giving Tiffin's offense a chance to find itself as the game progressed. 

WAYNE STATE NOTES

The Warriors enter 2025 under third-year head coach Tyrone Wheatley with his 2024 team finishing 2-9 overall and playing the third-toughest schedule in NCAA Division II. The Warriors were picked sixth out of eight teams in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches Poll.  

On the field, the Warriors have just 18 returning letterwinners, including one three-time letterwinner in senior safety Elijah Fowlkes. There are 10 two-time letterwinners and seven one-time letterwinners in the fold. Fifth players return from the 2024 roster, along with nearly 50 freshmen and over 20 transfers. 

WSU returns five starters on offense in offensive linemen Will Edwards and Jayden Lewin, tight end Nick Ostas, quarterback Champion Edwards and running back XaVior Tyus. Three additional letterwinners also return, featuring wide receiver Justyz Tuggle, offensive lineman Ethan Gates and running back/special teams Brayden McKenna.  

Defensively, the Warriors have six starters return in defensive ends Colby Horn and Jaiden Acker, linebacker Quincy Salter, safety Elijah Fowlkes and cornerbacks Anthony Walk, Jr., Kejuan Houston and Jonathan Tillman. Of the six returners, Fowlkes was the most impactful with 61 tackles.  

Quarterback Justin Cox, who started against the Dragons last year, returns along with QB Champion Edwards. Edwards led the Warriors in both rushing yards (570) and passing yards (899) in 2024. Only 11 percent of last year's receptions return, including a combined total of six by returning wide receivers. Redshirt senior Justyz Tuggle and redshirt freshman Kristian Kilpatrick caught four and two passes, respectively in 2024. At running back, last year's top two rushers return in junior quarterback Champion Edwards (570 yards) and redshirt sophomore running back XaVior Tyus (423 yards). Tyus recorded his first 100-yard game with 116 yards on 14 carries in the win over Northern Michigan in the 2024 season finale. 

TIFFIN NOTES

Tiffin enters 2025 under second-year head coach Brett Ekkens with last year's squad finishing 8-4 overall. The Dragons were picked second out of 10 teams and received two first-place votes in the G-MAC Preseason Coaches Poll. 

Tiffin's offense was the top in the conference, averaging 32.67 points per game, including 50 touchdowns during the regular season. The Dragons' high-powered offense is led by offensive player of the Year Alex Johnson as well as Player of the Year Ronald Blackman. Johnson led the league in passing with a 155.81 efficiency rating. He connected on 27 touchdowns this season and completed 241 of 357 attempted passes. Blackman was the conference's top running back, averaging nearly 126 yards per contest and 1,385 yards this season.
 
The Dragons' defense was also tops in the conference, led by Defensive Lineman of the Year Khris Walton. Walton and the Dragons limited opponents to just 19.17 points per game during the regular season. Walton led the league in sacks during the regular season with 13.5 for 106 yards.

The Dragons return a plethora of weapons including the 2024 G-MAC Player of the Year (Ronald Blackman), Offensive Player of the Year (Alex Johnson), and the Defensive Lineman of the Year (Khris Walton). Johnson threw for 2,954 yards last season and 27 touchdowns. Blackman rushed for 1,417 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 5 receiving touchdowns for 274 yards.  

Other all-conference returners include offensive linemen Gauge Samson and Mustafa Feika along with tight end Joey Zalewski and defensive back Jacob Tueimeh.  

Blackman and Walton, along with being named All-Americans in 2024, were both named D2Football.com Elite 100 preseason selections. Walton led the team and all of NCAA Division II in sacks with 13.5 last season while also leading the team in tackles for loss with 18.  

On the kicking side, punter Joseph Weiers and placekicker Ben Rudolph both are back. Rudolph was named a 2025 Fred Mitchell Award Preseason nominee. The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes 35 placekickers for their excellence on the football field throughout the 2024 season and for their off-field contributions throughout the year. Rudolph went 49 for 50 on PATs and 13 for 15 on field goals in 2024.  

Leading receiver in 2024 Jalen Thomas (76 catches for 1,079 and 6 touchdowns) graduated. Javier Wills (37-478-2), Joey Zalewski (28-441-5), and Will Jackson-Linkhart (27-237-4) will all look to step up this season.