Eastern Wayne Today

With the 2025 college football season approaching, Wayne State University is preparing its tight end group under coach Mustafa Khaleefah. The team faces changes at this position following the graduation of John Rayba, who was named First Team All-GLIAC.

Currently, redshirt junior Nick Ostas is the only returning tight end. Ostas has played in all 22 games over the past two seasons and started eight times. In the first three games of last season, he recorded four receptions.

Graduate transfer Blake Nelson joins the roster after spending time with Louisville in 2021, Texas A&M-Commerce (now East Texas A&M) in 2022, and Toledo during 2023 and 2024. Nelson is set to make his collegiate debut this fall.

The group also includes three freshmen: Brock Carpenter from Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, Marquis Meadows from River Rouge, and Brody Videto from Western High School in Parma.

Wayne State began its second week of fall practice yesterday. The Warriors will open their season at home on Thursday, September 4, with a game against the Tiffin Dragons scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff. Season and single-game tickets are available online for fans interested in attending home games. Supporters can also join the W-Club through the athletics website.

"We're excited about our group of tight ends this year," said head coach Mustafa Khaleefah. "Each player brings something different to the table, and we're looking forward to seeing how they develop as we get closer to our opener."

The team has released previews for other positions including quarterbacks, defensive backs, wide receivers, linebackers, defensive line, and offensive line.