NCAA SECOND ROUND | Wartburg vs Wheaton 
12 p.m. | Saturday, Nov. 29 | Walston-Hoover Stadium 
WATCH (ESPN +) | LISTEN | LIVE STATS 
  
KNIGHTS 
Record: 10-0, 8-0 A-R-C 
Last Game: vs Buena Vista (W, 63-20) 
Head Coach: Chris Winter (5th Season) | 53-7 overall 
All-time vs. Wheaton: 0-1 overall 
 


THUNDER 
Record: 9-2, 8-1 CCIW 
Last Game: vs Crown (W, 76-14) *NCAA First Round 
Head Coach: Jesse Scott (6th Season) | 46-11 overall 
 
The Wartburg College football team opens its NCAA Division III playoff run on Saturday, Nov. 29, hosting Wheaton College in the Second Round at 12 p.m. inside Walston-Hoover Stadium. 

The Knights enter the postseason making their fourth consecutive and 18th overall NCAA playoff appearance. Wartburg capped a dominant regular season with its fourth straight American Rivers Conference title, finishing 10-0 and extending its conference winning streak to 34 games. 

Saturday's matchup marks the first meeting between Wartburg and Wheaton in 94 years. The Thunder (9-2) arrive after a decisive 76–14 victory over Crown College in last week's First Round. Wheaton's only losses this season came against two of the nation's top programs—Mount Union and North Central. 
 
Spectator Information 
Tickets

• Tickets will be available beginning at 9 a.m. at the Walston-Hoover Stadium ticket booth. 
• Stadium gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
• Fans may NOT place blankets or chairs on seats until 90 minutes before game time. 

Tailgating Policies 

• Individuals and groups planning to tailgate should review Wartburg's official tailgating policies (link provided). 
• Per NCAA rules, spectators are not permitted on the field before, during, or after the game. 

Series History 
Wartburg and Wheaton will meet on the gridiron for the first time in nearly a century. Their last matchup came on Oct. 21, 1931, when the Thunder earned a 34–0 victory on their home field. 
 
A-R-C Postseason Recognition 
Wartburg earned 23 total conference honors following the 2025 regular season, highlighted by three major awards.

Senior linebacker Keenan Tyler was selected A-R-C Defensive MVP, freshman tight end Sam Heither earned Rookie of the Year, and head coach Chris Winter was named Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive season. Winter's accolade comes as he extends his remarkable streak to 34 straight conference victories. 
 
2025 American Rivers Conference Postseason Awards 
A-R-C Coach of the Year 
Chris Winter 

A-R-C Rookie of the Year 
Sam Heither 

A-R-C Defensive MVP 
Keenan Tyler 
 
First Team Defense 
Jake Walker (DL) 
Conner McDonald (DL) 
Keenan Tyler (LB) 

First Team Offense 
Sam Heither (TE) 
Cole Hotz (OL) 
Dawson Rud (RB) 

First Team Specialist 
Jaxson Hoppes (PK) 
Dylan Swanstrom (RS)

Through the Air 
Quarterback Leo Dodd enters the postseason completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,416 yards and 12 touchdowns. He recorded a career-high 239 passing yards against Central on Oct. 25 and carries a 138.1 passer rating into Saturday's matchup. Josh Papesh has also provided steady support under center, appearing in eight games and completing 65.5% of his attempts for 385 yards. 
 
In the Backfield 
Wartburg's offense continues to excel with its balanced, power-run identity. Junior running back Dawson Rud leads the ground attack with 698 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 carries, averaging 69.8 yards per game. Joey Anderson provides a strong complement with 696 yards and eight scores, while Carson Bruns adds 152 rushing yards. In total, the Knights' backfield has produced 22 rushing touchdowns this season. 
 
Gifted Hands 
The receiving group offers depth and efficiency across multiple targets. Justis Bachman leads the unit with 462 yards on 30 receptions, including a career-best 124-yard performance and a touchdown against Central. Jagger Schmitt follows with 24 catches for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Dylan Swanstrom, the team's receptions leader, has tallied 35 catches for 335 yards, adding two receiving touchdowns and three more on the ground. Freshman standout Sam Heither has been a dominant red-zone presence, scoring a team-high six touchdowns on just eight receptions. 
 
Top-Tier Defense 
Wartburg enters the weekend as one of Division III's premier defensive units, allowing only 260.7 yards per game. The Knights boast the nation's No. 4 run defense, giving up just 43.2 rushing yards per contest. 

The secondary has been equally effective, producing 14 interceptions—ranking 23rd nationally and second in the A-R-C. Wartburg has forced at least one interception in eight of its ten games and recorded 17 total takeaways this season. 
Linebacker Keenan Tyler anchors the defense with 109 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and five pass breakups. Mac Watts follows with 70 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and an interception. Along the defensive front, Wartburg has accumulated 66 tackles for loss, led by Conner McDonald and Jake Walker, who share the team lead with 13 TFLs and seven sacks apiece, while also combining for 12 quarterback hurries. Both rank among the conference leaders in sacks. 
 
Efficiency on Special Teams 
Special teams continue to be a steady asset for the Knights. Jaxson Hoppes is averaging 39.7 yards per punt, highlighted by an 84-yard boot against Simpson. He has landed 15 punts inside the 20-yard line and converted 8-of-15 field goal attempts, including six from the 30–39-yard range. 

In the return game, Dylan Swanstrom has totaled 260 punt-return yards on 19 attempts (13.7 average) with one touchdown. Aidan Skoda leads the kickoff return unit with 222 yards on 10 returns, averaging 22.2 yards per attempt, including a season-long 41-yard runback. 
 
Scouting Wheaton 
Wheaton enters the Second Round on the heels of a dominant 76–14 victory over Crown in the opening round. The Thunder rolled up 436 yards of total offense—286 through the air and 150 on the ground—to advance. 

Offensively, Wheaton has been one of the most efficient teams in Division III, converting 55.2% of its third-down attempts, the sixth-best mark nationally. The Thunder have moved the chains 258 times, ranking just outside the national top 10, and average 48.5 points per game, second in the CCIW and sixth in the country. 

Quarterback Mark Forcucci leads the high-powered attack, averaging nearly 250 passing yards per contest and throwing 31 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Seth Kortenhoeven has been his top target, hauling in nine of those scores. 
 
Historic Season Continues 
Wartburg's 2025 campaign has been one of the most memorable in program history. A 33–7 Homecoming victory over Dubuque set a new conference record for consecutive wins, a streak that now stands at 34 straight, surpassing Central's long-standing mark from 1983–87. 

The Knights secured their fourth consecutive A-R-C championship with a 63–20 win over Buena Vista, breaking another league record that had stood since 1967. The senior class finishes conference play unbeaten over four seasons, contributing to Wartburg's 21st conference title. 
 
Winter's Winning Legacy 
Head coach Chris Winter reached a milestone last week, earning his 50th career victory in the win over Loras and improving his record to 53–7. Wartburg has now won 32 straight conference games dating back to 2021. 

Among active Division III coaches with at least 50 games, Winter ranks third nationally in winning percentage and fourth all-time. 

All-Time Winningest Division III Head Coaches (Min. 50 Games) – NCAA Statistics 
Brad Spencer – North Central (Ill.): 54–1 (4th Season)** 
Vince Kehres – Mount Union: 95–6 (7 Seasons) 
Geoff Dartt – Mount Union: 66–4 (6th Season)** 
Larry Kehres – Mount Union: 332–24 (27 Seasons) 
Chris Winter – Wartburg: 53–7 (5th Season)** 

**Indicates active head coach 
 
NCAA Playoff History 
Wartburg is making its 18th NCAA Playoff appearance, entering the postseason with an all-time playoff record of 18–17. While the Knights have reached the national semifinals twice, the program is still seeking its first trip to the Stagg Bowl in Canton, Ohio. 
 
32 Straight Winning Seasons 
The 2025 season marks Wartburg's 32nd winning campaign in program history. Over the past nine seasons, the Knights have compiled an impressive 94–18 record, solidifying their standing among the most consistent and successful programs across all NCAA divisions. 
 
Longest Active Winning Season Streaks — All Divisions 
Linfield (Ore.) – 68 seasons 
Mount Union – 46 seasons 
Wartburg – 32 seasons 
Northwest Missouri State (DII) – 30 seasons 
 
A-R-C Dominance 
Wartburg continued its conference dominance this fall, becoming the first program since Central (1964–67) to claim four consecutive American Rivers Conference championships. 
 
Both Sides of the Ball 
The Knights showcased balance and efficiency throughout the regular season, finishing among the A-R-C and national leaders in several offensive and defensive categories. 
 
Offensive Highlights 

• 4th Down Conversion Percentage: .706 — No. 10 nationally 
• Sacks Allowed: 1.50 per game — No. 78 nationally 
• Time of Possession: 32:41 — No. 23 nationally 
• Rushing Offense: 208.2 yards per game — No. 32 nationally 
• Tackles for Loss Allowed: 5.30 per game — No. 101 nationally 

Defensive Highlights 

• Blocked Punts: 5 — No. 15 nationally 
• Fewest First Downs Allowed: 153 — No. 33 nationally 
• Rushing Defense: 43.2 yards per game — No. 4 nationally 
• Scoring Defense: 10.0 points per game — No. 5 nationally 
• Total Defense: 269.1 yards per game — No. 29 nationally 

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS

Out of the Backfield 
Running backs Joey Anderson and Dawson Rud have combined for 1,394 rushing yards, powering Wartburg's ground-first attack. Anderson's eight touchdowns rank second in the A-R-C, trailing only Central's Jase Grunder (nine). 
 
Dodd Dials Up a Career-Best vs. Central 
Quarterback Leo Dodd turned in the strongest performance of his career on Oct. 25, throwing for 239 yards on 18-of-34 passing with a touchdown against Central. 
 
Bachman Breakout 
Wide receiver Justis Bachman posted a career day against Central, hauling in seven catches for 124 yards. He leads the Knights with 462 receiving yards this season. 
 
Tyler Takeover 
Linebacker Keenan Tyler continues to anchor the Wartburg defense, ranking third in the A-R-C with 10.9 tackles per game. His 109 total stops rank ninth all-time in a single season in program history. 
 
TACKLES IN A SINGLE SEASON 
1. 136 - David Devine (91-45) - 2000 
2. 128 - Jason Lansing (59-69) - 2008 
3. 126 - Blake Suckow (88-38) - 2010 
4. 123 - Gunner Tranel (74-49) - 2014 
123 - Rob Rottler (50-73) - 2017 
6. 113 - Owen Grover (62-51) - 2023 
7. 112 - Owen Grover (64-48) - 2022 
8. 110 - Tony Anstoetter (52-58) - 2017 
9. 109 - Keenan Tyler (63 - 46) 2025 
10. 105 - Jason Shupp (58-47) - 2011 
  
D-Line Pumpin' It Up 
The Wartburg defensive line, led by Jake Walker, Jack Drahos, and Conner McDonald, has been a dominant force this season. The trio has combined for 36.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, with Walker leading the league at 0.8 sacks per game, ranking 32nd nationally in Division III. 
 
Hoppes' Historic Punt 
Punter Jaxson Hoppes set a new school record with an 84-yard punt in the Knights' win over Simpson, breaking the previous mark of 64 yards set in 2013. His performance earned him A-R-C Special Teams Player of the Week and recognition on the D3football.com Team of the Week. 
  
NCAA Div. III Longest Punts   
Yds.         Player, Team (Opponent)                                                 Year   
95             Austin Baker, Heidelberg (John Carroll)                         2018   
91            Gunnar Rastenburg, Maranatha Baptist (Presentation)  2014   
90            Jake Baumgartner, Bluffton (Saint Vincent)                     2021   
90            Sean Lipscomb, Redlands (Pomona-Pitzer)                    2002   
90            Dan Heeren, Coe (Lawrence)                                          1974   
88            Brooks Barker, Hardin-Simmons (Howard Payne)           2021   
88            Steve Vagedes, Ohio Northern (Capital)                          1999   
86            Vicente Lyon, Hobart                                                        2024                                                
86            Kurtis Brondyke, Central (IA) (Loras)                               2010   
86            David Anastasi, Buffalo (John Carroll)                             1989   
86            Dana Loucks, Buffalo (Frostburg St.)                              1987   
86            John Pavlik, Wabash (Centre)                                        1978 
85            Jeff Shea, Cal Lutheran (Azusa Pacific)                         1996  
  
With Hoppes' performance, he earned his second consecutive A-R-C Player of the Week award, as well as being named to the D3football.com Team of the Week as a punter in week three.  

NCAA POWER INDEX (NPI) 
Wartburg finished with an NCAA NPI ranking of No. 2, sitting just behind Mount Union.  
 
The NPI is a system that houses the division's statistical data and objectively applies the selection criteria to the data based on the sport committee's established weighted criteria. NPI is a combination of the following: winning percentage; strength of schedule; home-away multiplier; quality win bonus; and overtime results (when relevant). The weight of winning percentage versus strength of schedule is often referred to as one of the "dials" that a sport committee can adjust, placing any subjectivity within the criteria themselves. For example, a sport committee could set the dials to 30/70; 25/75, etc. Other "dials" a sport committee can also choose to apply are home and away multiplier, quality win bonus (QWB), and overtime win/loss weights.   
 
Unbeaten Teams Across CFB 
The Knights remain unbeaten in the regular season for the last three-out-of-four seasons. Wartburg is one of five remaining unbeaten teams in Div. III, and one of 13 across college football.  
  
Division III  

• Wartburg  
• Mount Union  
• North Central  
• Christopher Newport  
• Bethel (Minn.)  

All Divisions  

• Ohio State (FBS)  
• Texas A&M (FBS)  
• Indiana (FBS)  
• Lehigh (FCS)  
• North Dakota State (FCS)  
• Ferris State (DII)  
• Harding (DII)  
• Kutztown (DII)  
• North Central (DIII)  
• Mount Union (DIII)  
• Bethel (DIII)  
• Wartburg (DIII)  
• Christopher Newport (DIII)  

  
NATIONAL RANKINGS 
Wartburg bumped up a spot to No. 5 in both the AFCA Coaches and D3football.com poll - highest ranking of the season. 

Week-By-Week Rankings - AFCA 
  
Preseason - No. 9 
Week 1 - No. 10 
Week 2 - No. 11 
Week 3 - No. 9 
Week 4 - No. 9 
Week 5 - No. 9 
Week 6 - No. 8 
Week 7 - No. 7 
Week 8 - No. 7 
Week 9 - No. 7 
Week 10 - No. 6 
Week 11 - No. 5  
 
Week-By-Week Rankings - D3football.com 

Preseason - No. 9 
Week 1 - No. 10 
Week 2 - No. 10 
Week 3 - No. 7 
Week 4 - No. 8 
Week 5 - No. 8 
Week 6 - No. 8 
Week 7 - No. 7 
Week 8 - No. 7 
Week 9 - No. 6 
Week 10 - No. 6 
Week 11 - No. 5 
  
AFCA D3 COACHES POLL - WEEK 11 
1. North Central (52) 
2. Mount Union 
3. Bethel (Minn.) 
4. UW-River Falls 
5. Wartburg 
6. St. John's (Minn.) 
7. Christopher Newport 
8. John Carroll 
9. Salisbury 
10. DePauw 
11. Johns Hopkins 
12. Hardin-Simmons 
13. UW-Platteville 
14. UW-Whitewater 
15. Hope 
16. UW-La Crosse 
17. Randolph-Macon 
18. Franklin & Marshall 
19. Berry 
20. Wheaton 
21. Trinity (Tex.) 
22. Cortland 
23. Monmouth (Ill.) 
24. Endicott 
25. Alma 
 
D3Football.com TOP 25 - WEEK 11 
1. North Central (25) 
2. Mount Union 
3. UW-River Falls 
4. Bethel 
5. Wartburg 
6. Christopher Newport 
7. St. Johns 
8. Johns Hopkins 
9. John Carroll 
10. UW-Platteville 
11. UW-Whitewater 
12. Salisbury 
13. UW-La Crosse 
14. Hardin-Simmons 
15. DePauw 
16. Franklin & Marshall 
17. Berry 
18. Hope 
19. Wheaton 
20. Randolph-Macon 
21. Trinity 
22. Susquehanna 
23. Alma 
24. Coe 
25. Monmouth 
  
FINAL A-R-C STANDINGS 
1. Wartburg (C) - 10-0, 8-0 A-R-C 
2. Coe - 9-2, 7-1 A-R-C 
3. Central - 8-2, 6-2 A-R-C 
4. Simpson - 6-4, 5-3 A-R-C 
5. Dubuque - 4-6, 4-4 A-R-C 
6. Loras - 3-7, 3-5 A-R-C 
7. Buena Vista - 3-7, 2-6 A-R-C 
8. Nebraska Wesleyan - 1-9, 1-7 A-R-C 
9. Luther - 0-10, 0-8 A-R-C 
  
A-R-C Preseason Poll 
Wartburg was selected to win the A-R-C in the 2025 Preseason Poll, recieving 61 total points and five first-place votes. Central was selected to finish runner-up with 58 points and three first-place votes, as Coe was chosen to finish third with 49 points with one first-place vote. 

Team Points 
Wartburg 61 (5) 
Central 58 (3) 
Coe 49 (1) 
Dubuque 46 
Simpson 35 
Nebraska Wesleyan 27 
Loras 24 
Buena Vista 16 
Luther 8 
 
A-R-C PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS 
Defense: 
Keenan Tyler (Week 1) 
Sam Roose (Week 2) 
Keenan Tyler (Week 7) 
Special Teams: 
Jaxson Hoppes (Week 2, Week 3) 
 
D3FOOTBALL.COM TEAM OF THE WEEK HONOREES 
Jake Walker — Defensive Tackle (Week 4) 
Jaxson Hoppes — Punter (Week 3) 
Sam Roose — Cornerback (Week 2) 
Jack Drahos – Defensive Tackle (Week 8)