Waxahachie, Texas — The Nelson University Lions opened the 2026 football season Saturday afternoon at Lumpkins Stadium, battling MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) in their home opener. Despite an early lead and a strong offensive effort, the Lions fell to the Pioneers, 27-6.
Nelson came out firing to begin the season. Quarterback Judah Holtzclaw connected with wide receiver Jermaine Jones on a 25-yard touchdown pass with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter, capping an eight-play, 72-yard drive. The Lions' extra-point attempt was blocked, leaving Nelson with an early 6-0 advantage.
MNU tied the game in the second quarter and never looked back, finishing the game on a 27-0 run.
The Lions continued to battle offensively, finishing the afternoon with 325 total yards, including 221 through the air. Holtzclaw completed 24 of 36 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown while also adding 22 rushing yards.
Jones led the Lions' receiving corps with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, while James Spivey hauled in six passes for 33 yards. Justin Beaudion added four receptions for 44 yards, while Gregory Guidry finished with four catches for 28 yards.
On the ground, Jared Dotson Jr. led Nelson with 35 rushing yards on eight carries, while Oscar Gonzalez added 31 yards on seven attempts.
Defensively, Nelson was led by Xavier Garcia, who continued his strong presence in the middle of the Lions' defense. Nelson also forced a fourth-quarter fumble when Garcia stripped Devin Andrews, with Traveon Jones recovering the loose ball to give the Lions possession.
The Lions continued to fight until the final whistle, putting together a 14-play, 60-yard drive in the closing minutes before the MNU defense held Nelson on fourth down inside the Pioneers' 20-yard line.
Nelson will now turn its attention toward its next contest as the Lions look to bounce back and earn their first victory of the 2026 campaign.
Next Up
The Lions will travel to Arizona on Saturday, September 12, to take on Ottawa University Arizona. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.
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.
