Indiana Wesleyan defeats No. 8 Dordt 38-31 in season opener

No. 9 Indiana Wesleyan University defeated No. 8 Dordt University 38-31 in their 2026 season opener at Wildcat Stadium in Marion, Indiana.

Indiana Wesleyan established an early lead, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first half. Dede Person recorded two touchdowns in the first quarter, while Ryan Whitwell added a one-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to give the Wildcats a 21-7 halftime advantage.

Dordt mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter, scoring three touchdowns in less than eight minutes. Quarterback Noah Strickfaden connected on touchdown passes to Cole Snyder, Kaden Harken, and Eliot Beal to tie the game at 28-28.

Indiana Wesleyan regained control in the fourth quarter through a sustained ground game. Josh Clifton converted a 29-yard field goal to take a 31-28 lead, followed by a four-yard touchdown run from Whitwell to extend the lead to 38-28. Whitwell finished the game with 226 rushing yards on 36 carries.