The Game: Averett University (0-0, 0-0 ODAC) vs. N.C. Wesleyan University (0-0, 0-0 USA South)
Time: Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. (Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium, Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Links: Live Stats   |    Video Broadcast
Game Notes: Averett vs. N.C. Wesleyan
The Series: Averett trails in the all-time series with N.C. Wesleyan. The Bishops hold a 12-7 mark against the Cougars, including a 5-4 edge in Rocky Mount. However, the Cougars have won four of the last five meetings, including last season in Danville when Averett won 41-29 to open the 2024 slate. Prior to that, the two hadn't played since 2021 following Averett's move from the USA South Conference to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
Averett at a Glance: Averett University opens the 2025 season on the road with a non-conference matchup against North Carolina Wesleyan University on Thursday evening. The Cougars are coming off a 3-7 season. ... This game is the first NCAA Diviison III game played in 2025 ... Averett is in its 26th season of football dating back to 2000, when the program was established ....Averett returns 14 players who started at least one game last season, including nine on offense. Of Averett's returners, only senior linebacker Anthony Brunelli is the only returner who started all 10 games in 2024. ...Averett's Game 1 depth chart features 11 true freshmen or redshirt freshmen as starters or backups. The Cougars will rely on several newcomers to be key members of the lineup this season after graduating a large number of contributors on both sides of the ball from last year's roster.
N.C. Wesleyan at a Glance: The Battling Bishops finished with a 4-6 record in 2024. N.C. Wesleyan was picked fifth out of eight teams in the USA South Athletic Conference's preaseason poll.