NAPERVILLE --- The wheels of the 2025 NCAA Division III football season are officially in motion with eight of 10 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) programs taking the field last week.
 
The league’s final non-conference games are scheduled for this Saturday, with the CCIW’s nine-week conference schedule ready to follow on Sept. 20.

North Central Enters Opener at #1
North Central will head into its season opener this Saturday versus Wisconsin-Oshkosh as the nation’s #1 team, claiming the top position in polls released by D3football.com on Sunday and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Monday.
 
The Cardinals received 23 of 25 first-place votes from the D3football.com voters and 51 of 52 top billings from the coaches. The Cardinals join #5 St. John’s, #9 Wisconsin-La Crosse and #12 Bethel as the only ranked teams yet to have opened their seasons. All four squads will play their first game of the campaign this Saturday.
 
Wheaton, which fell short in its opener at #2 Mount Union on Saturday, dipped to #22 in both new polls. WashU received 25 points in the AFCA poll.
 
North Park Duo Earns National Honor
North Park’s Ben Butler and Jereme Ombogo were named the D3football.com Team of the Week on Monday night. Their effort helped the Vikings take down Ripon on the road last Saturday, 35-19.
 
Ombogo made six catches for 189 yards and three first-half touchdowns. Butler, a preseason All-American at safety, made four tackles, broke up two passes and returned a fumble 56 yards.
 
CCIW Launches Streaming Network
The CCIW Network, a new streaming platform launched with Hudl that will serve as the official streaming home for all nine core conference institutions, was unveiled by the conference on Aug. 26.
 
Live broadcasts on the network will be free of charge for viewers and will not require a subscription. The CCIW Network is currently available at cciwnetwork.com for both desktop and mobile devices. The launch of the CCIW Network represents another step in the conference’s mission to elevate the student-athlete experience and broaden fan engagement.
 
All nine core institutions have a dedicated landing page with links to live and upcoming broadcasts. Viewers may also search and sort live and upcoming broadcasts by sport. The network includes non-conference home contests of CCIW core members, CCIW intraconference competitions and CCIW Championships. Institutions continue to produce broadcasts on campus with select broadcasts being archived and available for on-demand viewing.
 
Augustana Edges Simpson in Overtime Thriller
Augustana opened the season 1-0 last Saturday night with a dramatic 42-41 overtime win at Simpson. The Vikings sent the game to overtime in the closing seconds with a game-tying field goal, then scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown when junior Sean Schlanser hauled in a 7-yard touchdown throw from sophomore Jimmy Makuh in overtime. Simpson scored a touchdown on its overtime possession, but Augie won the game when it denied the Storm’s 2-point conversion try.
 
The result marked Augie’s third consecutive season-opening win over Simpson and its seventh straight win in a traditional season opener since 2018.
 
Makuh completed 31 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns. He was responsible for five touchdowns (one rushing, four passing) overall … Schlanser hauled in 11 catches for 104 yards and two scores. In addition to his overtime score, he scored the 25-yard opening touchdown of the game … Junior Ethan Vrabec also had a significant impact in the receiving game, catching eight passes for 105 yards and 1 touchdown. His 32-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter extended Augustana's early lead.
 
The Vikings finished with 517 yards of total offense and 30 first downs.
 
On the defensive side, senior defensive back Toby Splitt led the Vikings in tackles with 11 total tackles (three solo, eight assisted) and recorded an interception. He also had two passes broken up … Sophomore linebacker Carl Thomas contributed 1.0 sack and three total tackles.
 
Freshman Jacob Garbett was crucial in the kicking game, making two field goals. His 36-yarder tied the game at 35-35 with two seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. He also successfully converted both of his PAT attempts.
 
After the upcoming bye week, the Vikings will dive into CCIW play on Saturday, Sept. 20 against Wheaton in Rock Island.
 
Frank Powers Carthage Past Lakeland
Carthage senior running back Bryce Frank rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Firebirds to a 51-40 win at Lakeland last Saturday. The decision was the first season-opening victory for Carthage since 2017.
 
Frank’s 224 yards were a career high. It was the most rushing yards by a Firebird since Nov. 20, 2004. His touchdowns included an 11-yard run in the first quarter, a 13-yard run in the second, and a 68-yard run in the third period … Sophomore Easton Heafner managed the passing game, completing nine of 11 passes for 86 yards and three touchdowns. He connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Dylan Salisbury, a 14-yard strike also to Salisbury, and an 8-yard touchdown pass to senior Gavin Betts … Salisbury was a key target in the red zone, catching two passes for 18 yards, both of which were touchdowns … Betts was the leading receiver in terms of yards, hauling in six receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception was 23 yards, and his 8-yard touchdown catch helped seal the win.
 
The Firebirds’ ground game was a significant strength, piling up 324 total rushing yards, averaging 6.8 yards per rush and scoring four rushing touchdowns. The final tally was more than double Lakeland's total rushing yards … Carthage dominated the third quarter, scoring 21 points while holding Lakeland scoreless. This pivotal quarter allowed them to turn a three-point halftime deficit into a commanding 44-26 lead.
 
Junior defensive back Briton Stanton led the Firebirds’ defense, recording 10 total tackles (six solo). He also contributed with 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. Freshman Mariano Talamantez was a strong presence in the defensive backfield, finishing the game with nine tackles … Senior Idarius Walton also had nine total tackles (all solo) and contributed 1.0 tackle for loss … Michael Sneed, another senior, made a critical play in the second quarter, recording a safety that trimmed Lakeland's lead to 20-16. He also registered 1.0 tackle for loss for 17 yards.
 
Carthage will be back on the field on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at North Central in the league opener for both squads.
 
Riebock Era Begins as Millikin Snaps Skid
Millikin made the most of Billy Riebock’s coaching debut last Saturday at Luther, halting a 20-game skid with a 33-3 romp over Luther in Decorah, Iowa.
 
Freshman running back Re'John Zeno made an impressive debut, scoring four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving), tallying 89 yards on 16 carries, and adding three receptions for 37 yards … Sylas Gomez, a junior transfer from Sam Houston State, was solid in his Millikin debut, completing 16 of 24 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 58 rushing yards on 11 attempts … Junior Kevin Louis was a key receiving target, catching three passes for 45 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown from Gomez … Junior Darion Suber was the leading receiver for the Big Blue, hauling in four passes for 57 yards.
 
Senior linebacker Alex Araiza picked up right where he left off as last year's leading tackler, notching nine total tackles (five solo), 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He also recovered a fumble … Senior defensive back Zac Girard made a pivotal play by recording an interception early in the third quarter that led to a Millikin touchdown. He also contributed two assisted tackles and broke up a pass … Newcomer Zyon Turner recorded six total tackles … Senior defensive lineman Ixavion Moore tacked on six total tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss.
 
Millikin controlled the ball for 35:51 and outgained Luther 406-226. The Big Blue were also plus-2 in the turnover battle.
 
The Big Blue will seek consecutive victories on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they host their home opener against North Park under the lights at 6 p.m.
 
Green, Ombogo Fuel North Park’s 35-19 Win at Ripon
Three lengthy touchdown passes from senior Justen Green to fellow senior Jeremo Ombogo set the tone for North Park to open the campaign with a 35-19 road win at Ripon last Saturday.
 
In his first start, Green connected on 14 of 23 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns. His longest completion was a 98-yard strike to Ombogo early in the second period … Ombogo led the team with six receptions for 198 yards and the three first-half touchdowns … Senior Micah Catron notched a 56-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that extended North Park's lead to 35-7 … Sophomore Aidan Delisi led NPU in rushing, gaining 47 yards on 15 attempts.
 
Sophomore linebacker DJ Johnson was a tackling leader for the Vikings, recording 14 total stops (nine solo) … Senior defensive back Samuel Aguirre made big plays in the secondary, intercepting two passes and breaking up another. His second interception prevented a Ripon score late in the first quarter in the red zone … Isaac Chandler, another senior, made six total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble … Senior Ben Butler gave NPU four tackles from the secondary, two pass breakups and returned a fumble 56 yards.
 
It will be North Park and Millikin in the CCIW opener on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Decatur. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
 
WashU Cruises Under the Lights
Saturday’s opener was never in doubt for WashU, which romped to a 49-0 shutout of Rhodes at Francis Olympic Field in St. Louis. The Bears put up 21 points in each of the first two quarters for a 42-0 advantage at intermission. The huge opening-night crowd saw the Bears’ first win under the lights since 2018.
 
Senior Fred Ware led the Bears' ground attack with 103 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. His touchdowns included an 8-yard run in the first quarter and a 16-yard rush in the second quarter … Junior Levi Moore completed 8 of 11 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. He was also a threat on the ground, piling up 65 yards on just six carrie and three scores … Junior Makael Carter led the Bears with four receptions for 81 yards and a second-quarter touchdown … Avery Lazard, a freshman, made an impact in the second half of his debut, catching three passes for 47 yards and a score. His touchdown was a 34-yard grab from sophomore reserve quarterback Alexander Singh in the third quarter.
 
The hosts held a 435-122 advantage over the Lynx in total offense. WashU picked up 243 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
 
Junior linebacker Joy Chane led the defense with four stops, had 0.5 tackles for loss, and made a crucial interception in the first quarter that set up a WashU touchdown. … Senior safety Ryan Schmadtke recorded an interception on the first play of the second quarter, providing WashU with another possession deep in Rhodes' territory that led to a touchdown. He also had a solo tackle … Wiley Flores, a sophomore linebacker delivered three solo tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and recorded 1.0 sack in the third quarter … Sophomore Ethan Venable also gave the Bears a boost, registering three solo stops, 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack in the first quarter.
 
WashU starts the CCIW portion of the schedule on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Carroll at 1 p.m.
 
Carroll Stumbles in Eau Claire
Carroll was the first CCIW squad to hit the gridiron for the 2025 season, falling in its opener last Thursday night, Sept. 4, at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 29-7.
 
Sophomore signal-caller Elisha Nieves directed Carroll's best drive of the evening (67 yards) and connected for the Pioneers' lone touchdown with a 21-yard pass to freshman Daniel White. He finished with 70 passing yards on five completions and added 14 rushing yards … Senior quarterback Charlie King guided the offense early in the game, finishing with 122 passing yards on 11 completions … Senior Reed Breckheimer, a preseason All-American, was the primary option in the passing game. He hauled in a team-high six receptions for 78 yards. His longest catch was 29 yards … White provided a spark by catching the Pioneers’ only touchdown of the night, a 21-yard pass in the fourth quarter. He also contributed significantly to special teams with 116 yards on five kickoff returns.
 
Senior linebacker Braedon Curtin paced Carroll with nine tackles … Luke Brosig, another senior, posted three tackles for loss to slow the Blugolds’ running attack … Junior linebacker Evan Griffiths contributed six total tackles (three solo) and recorded 1.0 tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry … Junior defensive back Anthony Pickens broke up a pass and tallied four tackles.
 
Another test awaits the Pios when the league slate begins on Sept. 20, a 1 p.m. kickoff at Schneider Stadium against WashU.
 
Fourth-Quarter Push Falls Short For Illinois Wesleyan
A fourth-quarter surge couldn’t close the gap for Illinois Wesleyan, which dropped a 27-18 decision to Central in Bloomington last Saturday. The contest represented Jared Williamson’s debut as the Titans’ new head coach.
 
Sophomore Will Nazha made a big impact in multiple facts of the contest with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter. He also led the team with six receptions for 78 yards … Quarterback Dermot Smyth, a junior, scored the Titans' only offensive touchdown, a 1-yard score in the fourth quarter that was part of the comeback effort. He also completed 12 of 26 passes for 155 yards … Junior Malik Gray led the ground game for Illinois Wesleyan, logging 64 yards on 16 carries, including a 21-yard run in the fourth quarter.
 
Junior linebacker John Gavin led the Titans with 12 total tackles (three solo). He also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and was credited with 0.5 sacks …  Junior Joey DeMaio was another prominent tackler for the defense, finishing the game with 11 total tackles in the defensive backfield … Junior Ashley Brantley also reached double-digit tackles with 10 … Alexander Jackson, another junior, delivered seven total tackles, 2.0 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
 
Freshman AJ Vavrik's 41-yard field goal in the third quarter brought IWU within four points (14-10) and was the longest successful try by a Titan since the 2022 season.
 
IWU is back at Tucci Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 20 for a CCIW bout with Elmhurst at 1 p.m.
 
Wheaton Rallies Late But Falls at Mount Union
17th-ranked Wheaton faced a huge challenge in week one, dropping a 37-29 decision at #2 Mount Union on Saturday afternoon. The Thunder scored 22 unanswered points in the final period to close an early deficit to a single possession.
 
Senior Mark Forcucci was solid for the Thunder, completing 23 of 42 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with a 21-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, finished with 32 rushing yards and successfully threw a 2-point conversion pass … Senior Seth Kortenhoeven was the primary aerial target, leading the team with 11 receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns, a 19-yard and a 15-yard reception, came in the fourth-quarter comeback attempt … Sophomore Matt Crider scored Wheaton's first touchdown of the game with a 10-yard run in the first quarter. He led the team in rushing with 38 yards and averaged 7.6 yards per rush … Senior Caleb Titherington was another target for the Thunder, hauled in five receptions for 73 yards.
 
Wheaton finished off a pair of long scoring drives in the final quarter, including an 11-play, 65-yard drive and a 9-play, 92-yard series that both resulted in touchdowns.
 
Senior Peter Johanik, last season’s CCIW Don Larson Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year, led the Wheaton defense with 12 total tackles. He also recorded 1.0 sack … Sophomore Zeke Harris added 10 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss … Maxton Leathers, a senior, gave WC seven stops … Junior Colin Moore registered eight total tackles and was credited with one pass broken up.
 
Wheaton will travel to Augustana next Saturday, Sept. 20 for a 6 p.m. CCIW kickoff.
 
Season Debuts Await North Central, Elmhurst
Defending national champion North Central hosts its lone non-conference game of the season this Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium at 1 p.m. The top-ranked Cardinals will welcome Wisconsin-Oshkosh, which won on the road at #15/#16 Linfield last Saturday, 31-14. The victory vaulted the Titans into the national rankings at #16 by D3football.com and #18 by the AFCA.
 
NCC and UWO have split two previous meetings. The Titans won a second-round NCAA playoffs game versus the Cardinals, 42-21, on Nov. 25, 2017 in Oshkosh. North Central claimed the only previous meeting in Naperville nearly a century ago – 21-0 on Sept. 27, 1930.
 
Elmhurst also raises the curtain on the season this Saturday at Langhorst Field at 1 p.m against Rockford. It will be the first game for new head coach Mike Heffernan, who returned to EU last February after six seasons as head coach at St. Scholastica.