August 28, 2025

Olathe, KS – The Nelson University Lions football team opened the 2025 season under the lights at the Olathe District Activity Center, taking on MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) Thursday night. Despite flashes of grit and big-play moments, turnovers and key miscues proved costly as Nelson fell 37–13 in the opener.

Lions Review
Nelson struck first in the new campaign as kicker Cade Whitehead drilled a 37-yard field goal to cap off a 13-play, 61-yard drive that chewed up over seven minutes of clock. MNU answered with a field goal of its own, and from there the Pioneers' aerial attack took control, building a 23–3 lead by halftime.

Whitehead's leg was true again in the third quarter, this time from 27 yards, keeping Nelson on the board while the defense stiffened.

The Lions' first touchdown of 2025 came midway through the fourth quarter when transfer quarterback Judah Holtzclawshowcased his arm talent, firing a 21-yard strike to Jaiden Crosby off his back foot to close the gap. But the momentum was short-lived — MNU responded instantly with a 100-yard kickoff return that swung the game for good.

Despite the final margin, Nelson showed growth offensively, tallying 318 total yards, 24 first downs, and winning the ground game with 138 rushing yards to MNU's 121.

Key Stats & Noteworthy Moments

• Ronnie Murphy was a force on defense, recording 8 tackles (7 solo), 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss.

• Jordan Walker added 7 tackles and forced a fumble, continuing his presence as a reliable playmaker in the secondary.

• Amin White, the 2024 All-SAC returner, was back in rare form with 2 interceptions and 2 pass breakups, reminding the league why he's one of the conference's premier defensive backs.

• QB Judah Holtzclaw threw for 180 yards and 1 touchdown, while also leading the ground game with 55 rushing yards.

• Cade Whitehead went a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals, hitting from 37 and 27 yards.

• Zach Fuller paced the receiving corps with 3 catches for 51 yards, including a 26-yarder.

• Quinton Jones added 30 rushing yards on just 4 carries, showing his burst out of the backfield.

• Freshman Laddarius Evans chipped in 26 yards on the ground, highlighted by a 21-yard scamper.

Statistically, Nelson went toe-to-toe in several categories,  matching MNU nearly evenly in first downs (24–26) and outrushing them on the ground. But 5 sacks allowed, 4 turnovers, and a special teams breakdown proved too much to overcome.

Next Up

The Lions now turn the page and prepare for their home opener. Nelson will host Ottawa University Arizona on Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 AM at Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie, Texas. The matchup marks the Lions' first chance to defend home turf in 2025, as they look to channel the lessons from Olathe into a epic showing for the Lion fans.

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.