Eastern Wayne Today

The Wayne State University football team is set to travel to Big Rapids, Michigan, this Saturday to play against Ferris State, the defending national champion and top-ranked team in the country. Ferris State enters the matchup with a 19-game winning streak, having last lost in their 2024 season opener against Pittsburg State.

Ferris State currently holds a 5-0 record after defeating Roosevelt 66-0 in their most recent game, which marked their first in-conference win of the season. The Bulldogs recorded 788 yards of total offense in that game, the most for the team since at least 2009.

Head coach Tony Annese is in his 13th year leading Ferris State. Under his leadership, the team has achieved a record of 142-21 and has made ten consecutive NCAA Playoff appearances. Annese guided Ferris State to its third national championship last year.

The Bulldogs’ offense is led by redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower, who has thrown for 1,059 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception, completing 64 percent of his passes. Bower also leads the team in rushing with 374 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receiver Cam Underwood leads Ferris State with 202 receiving yards and four touchdowns on nine receptions, while senior Brady Rose has caught a team-high 12 passes for 152 yards. Five other players on the roster have at least 100 receiving yards.

On special teams, Brady Rose has returned four punts for 48 yards and three kickoffs for 38 yards. Junior Taariik Brett leads the team in kickoff return yardage with 210 yards and one touchdown on five returns.

Defensively, Ahlston Ware leads Ferris State with 25 tackles and one interception. Kailib Davis has registered a team-high four sacks. Punter Mitch Middleton averages 44.4 yards per punt, while place-kicker Eddie Jewett has converted 33 of 35 extra-point attempts and one of two field goals.

In the all-time series between Wayne State and Ferris State, the Bulldogs lead 34-22 and have won the last ten meetings. Wayne State’s most recent road win against Ferris State was in October 2008.

Wayne State players have recorded notable individual achievements this season. In a game against Michigan Tech, Kelly Matthews intercepted a pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown—Wayne State's first interception return for a score since September 2022.

Justyz Tuggle led Wayne State in both receptions and receiving yards in a recent home loss to Quincy, making several long catches throughout the game and throwing a touchdown pass in another contest.

Redshirt freshman Drew Hickmott is tied for fourth in the GLIAC with three touchdown receptions and leads Wayne State in average yards per catch among players with at least five receptions.

Wayne State's linebackers have been consistent contributors, combining for 118 total tackles so far this season. Martell Williams leads the team with 49 tackles, Logan McGraw has forced two fumbles and leads the conference in tackles for loss per game, while Max Edwards has added five tackles for loss including one sack.

Senior safety Elijah Fowlkes recorded his fifth career interception earlier this season and was named WSU Defensive Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks.

This year’s team features many new faces: Of the 126 players on the roster, only 53 are returners. The Warriors welcomed seven new coaching staff members this year.

Wayne State was picked to finish sixth in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Warriors are facing one of the toughest schedules in NCAA Division II this year. Their past opponents have a combined winning percentage that ranks fourth nationally among Division II teams.

The team represents a diverse group from thirteen states and one Canadian province, with most players coming from Michigan.

Wayne State football games are broadcast through the newly launched Warrior Sports Network. Sean Baligian returns as play-by-play announcer, with Brady Beedon and Kevin Brechmacher providing color commentary.

Family connections are present on this year’s team, including three sets of brothers and several players whose relatives have football backgrounds at the collegiate or professional level.

Head coach Tyrone Wheatley hosts a weekly podcast called "Weekly with Wheatley" alongside Brady Beedon, featuring different assistant coaches and student-athletes throughout the season.