DWU vs. Midland: A GPAC Showdown With Bigger Stakes Than Football
When Dakota Wesleyan University travels to Fremont, Nebraska, on Saturday to face No. 18 Midland, the game is about more than a spot atop the Great Plains Athletic Conference standings. It's about what a small liberal arts college in South Dakota can prove about resilience, community, and the value of showing up.
Both teams enter the 1 p.m. kickoff at Heedum Field undefeated in conference play at 3-0. For DWU, a win would snap a nearly decade-long drought against ranked opponents and signal that this program is building something lasting. For Midland, it's about defending home turf and a No. 9 national ranking in the NAIA Massey Ratings.
Why this game matters beyond the scoreboard
DWU hasn't beaten a ranked team since 2017, when they knocked off No. 24 Midland in Mitchell. That's a long time for a program and its fans to wait. But this year's Tigers look different. They've already forced 15 turnovers in four games, surpassing last season's total of 14 takeaways. They're averaging 34.5 points per game, their best start since 2017. And they're converting 14 of 16 red zone trips into points.
This is the kind of statistical momentum that fuels more than just a football season. It builds identity. For a university like Dakota Wesleyan, where athletics and academics are deeply intertwined, a win like this would resonate far beyond the field.
The matchup: Two high-powered passing attacks
Both teams live through the air. DWU quarterback Jed Jenson has thrown 13 touchdowns, second in the GPAC, and has connected with Caleb Kilbride for six scores, tied for the league lead. On the other side, Midland's Brodey Johnson leads the conference with 16 touchdown passes and 1,137 yards in just four games.
The Warriors also boast Jurrion Dickey, the GPAC and NAIA offensive player of the week, who racked up 178 receiving yards and two touchdowns against then-No. 13 Northwestern. Dickey, a transfer from Oregon, has six touchdown catches this season. T.J. Covington adds five more.
Defensively, DWU's Reed Rus leads the GPAC with six sacks, and teammate Drue Davis is tied for second with three. If the Tigers can pressure Johnson and disrupt Midland's rhythm, they have a real shot.
A rivalry with deep roots
This isn't just another conference game. DWU and Midland have played every season since 1988, making it the Tigers' longest-running continuous football series. Midland leads the all-time series 23-16 and has won seven of the last eight meetings. DWU hasn't won in Fremont since 2017.
But history is just a starting point. This DWU team has already shown it can flip the script. Last time out, they dominated Briar Cliff 37-3. A win on Saturday would give them their first 4-0 start in GPAC play since 2011.
What a win would mean for the community
For a town like Mitchell, South Dakota, DWU football is more than entertainment. It's a gathering point. It's a source of pride. When the Tigers win, the whole community feels it. When they beat a ranked team on the road, it sends a message that small schools can compete with anyone.
That's the kind of story that matters, not just for sports fans, but for anyone who believes in the power of underdogs and the importance of showing up for your community.
Game details at a glance
- When: Saturday, 1 p.m. CT
- Where: Heedum Field, Fremont, Neb.
- Records: DWU 3-1 (3-0 GPAC); Midland 4-0 (3-0 GPAC)
- Coaches: DWU's Alex Kretzschmar (11-15, third season); Midland's Jeff Jamrog (68-42, 11th season)
- Last meeting: Midland won 45-7 on Nov. 8, 2025, in Mitchell
Frequently asked questions
When was the last time DWU beat a ranked team?
DWU last defeated a ranked opponent on Sept. 30, 2017, when they beat No. 24 Midland in Mitchell.
Who are the key players to watch in this game?
For DWU, quarterback Jed Jenson and receiver Caleb Kilbride lead the passing attack, while Reed Rus anchors the defense with six sacks. For Midland, receiver Jurrion Dickey and quarterback Brodey Johnson are the offensive stars.
What's at stake for DWU in this game?
A win would put DWU alone in first place in the GPAC, give them their first 4-0 conference start since 2011, and mark their first victory over a ranked team in nearly a decade.
Looking ahead
DWU hits the road again next week to face Morningside in Sioux City, Iowa. Midland hosts No. 16 Dordt. But for now, all eyes are on Fremont, where two teams with identical conference records will settle who truly belongs at the top.
This game is about more than football. It's about proving that hard work, community support, and belief can carry a team further than anyone expected. That's a lesson worth paying attention to, whether you're a fan in the stands or just someone who appreciates a good story.