WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College will open the 2026 football season Saturday, Aug. 29, with a road matchup against Bethel College at Thresher Stadium in North Newton, Kansas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Moundbuilders enter the new season looking to build on an 8-3 campaign in 2025 that featured one of the most productive offenses in the NAIA. Southwestern averaged 51.9 points per game while producing 329 passing yards and 212.5 rushing yards per contest. The Builders finished the season with 46 passing touchdowns and 31 rushing scores.
Quarterback Jamie Odom returns after leading the Southwestern offense last season. Odom completed 204 of 322 passes for 3,204 yards and 41 touchdowns while adding 470 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Wide receiver Bryce Chambers gives Southwestern another experienced option after catching 22 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns in eight games last season. Christian Steward also returns after contributing as both a runner and receiver in limited action.
Southwestern brings back several key contributors on the defensive side of the ball. Isaiah Yehudah recorded 56 tackles last season, while Britt Wittschen finished with 51 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups. Elijah Moroney totaled 38 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks, while Carl Malvo added 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Bethel enters the season following a 3-8 campaign in 2025. The Threshers averaged 15.7 points and 279.6 yards of total offense per game, including 156 yards through the air and 123.6 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Houston Herrin was a key piece of the Bethel offense last season. Herrin completed 98 of 150 passes for 1,010 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight appearances. He also led the Threshers with 382 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Josiah Buller recorded 24 receptions for 298 yards and two touchdowns for Bethel last season, while Xzavion Martin added 93 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Gavin Patton recorded 44 tackles and three tackles for loss for the Threshers in 2025.
Saturday's contest will be a rematch of last season's opener in Winfield, when Southwestern defeated Bethel 61-7. The Builders will look to begin the 2026 campaign with another strong performance as they open the season away from home.
