September 6, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) used a dominant defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack to earn its first victory of the season Saturday night, defeating Nebraska Wesleyan 37–7 at Brian Kern Family Stadium on Blankley Field.  It was the 10^th annual Ag Bowl contest, improving the Trojans' all-time record to 7-3 in Ag Bowl.

The Trojans posted their second straight Ag Bowl victory, combining by the score of 71-10 (defeated Dakota Wesleyan, S.D., 34-3 in last year's Ag Bowl).  Dakota State also won their fourth Ag Bowl contests in the past five years.

Quarterback Raesean Eaton sparked the Trojans' (1–1 overall) offense with a 7-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter to cap an eight-play, 38-yard drive. Early in the second quarter, linebacker Cole Paulson made the game's defining defensive play, intercepting a pass and returning it 60 yards for a 'Pick Six' touchdown, giving DSU a 14–0 lead.

Eaton added his second rushing score midway through the quarter on a 6-yard keeper, extending the lead to 20–0. Nebraska Wesleyan's offense was smothered throughout the half, managing just 82 rushing yards on the night and converting only 1 of 13 third downs.

In the third period, he connected with Maddox Kihne for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Dakota State added a 27-yard field goal from Adrian Villanueva and a 37-yard scoring strike from Eaton to Grant VanDenHul in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Nebraska Wesleyan (0–1) avoided the shutout on the final play of the game, as Keaton Erdmann found Joey McLaughlin for a 26-yard touchdown pass with no time remaining.

The Trojans' defense smothered Nebraska Wesleyan for most of the night, limiting the Prairie Wolves to 226 total yards on 60 plays. Dakota State forced 12 third-down stops (1-for-13 conversion rate) and came up with the interception return for a touchdown. Taron Serr led the defense with seven tackles, while Tamareon 'Frosty' Foster, Gabriel Chambliss, and Paulson each added six stops

Eaton powered the Trojans with four total touchdowns – two on the ground and two through the air. He finished with 66 rushing yards on 15 carries and added 197 yards passing, completing 13 of 18 attempts.

Melek Ford added three catches for 62 yards and Jovi Wolf caught a 36-yard reception for DSU.

On the ground, Eaton rushed 15 carries for 66 yards for the Trojans.  Preston Iverson added 33 yards, Samuel Livingston 21 yards, and Trajan Davis 11 yards. In total, the Trojans rushed 37 times for 141 yards and two scores.

Paulson's interception return was the highlight, but the defensive front also produced a sack (credited to Brooks Jansen) and 10 tackles-for-loss for 32 yards. Linebacker Taron Serr led DSU with seven tackles, while Chambliss, T. Foster, and Paulson each added six stops. The defense also forced Nebraska Wesleyan to punt nine times
 
The Trojans' defense consistently disrupted Nebraska Wesleyan's rhythm. DSU held the Prairie Wolves to just 226 total yards across 60 plays. NWU quarterbacks were limited to 144 passing yards on 19 completions, while the ground game was bottled up for 82 net rushing yards.

Dakota State finished with 338 total yards (141 rushing, 197 passing), 18 first downs, and a 4-for-4 mark in the red zone. Villanueva was also perfect on special teams, hitting four PATs and the 27-yard field goal.

By the Numbers

• Total Offense: DSU 338 yards (197 pass, 141 rush); NWU 226 yards (144 pass, 82 rush)
• First Downs: DSU 18, NWU 14
• Third-Down Conversions: DSU 6-for-14; NWU 1-for-13
• Turnovers: DSU 0, NWU 1
• Time of Possession: DSU 30:47, NWU 29:13

Up Next
Dakota State takes a week off before traveling to Arizona Christian on Saturday, Sept. 20.  Kick-off is set for 9 p.m. (Central Time)/7 p.m. (Arizona Time) at ACU Football Field in Glendale, Ariz.