The Game: Averett University (0-0) vs. N.C. Wesleyan University (0-0)
Time: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. (Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium, Danville, Va.)
Links: Live Stats | Video Broadcast
Game Notes: Averett vs. N.C. Wesleyan
The Series: The Cougars trail the Battling Bishops in the all-time series 13-7, with its most recent loss last year in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, 64-12. Prior to that loss, Averett had took four of the last five games from N.C. Wesleyan, with home and road wins split evenly. 
Averett at a Glance: Coming off of a 1-8 season in 2025 (1-6 ODAC), Averett football shifted gears with its first head coaching change in six years. First-time college head coach Matt Quinn took the helm of the program, and brought along a new staff with a roster slew of newcomers. Averett's depth chart for its opener features seven first-year starters, six of which are on the defensive side. Along with that, four starters are transfers. The Cougars were pegged to finish eighth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference's preseason football poll. 
N.C. Wesleyan at a Glance: N.C. Wesleyan repeated the previous year's record, as the Battling Bishops finished 4-6 (2-5 USA South) in 2025. The visitors return key starters, led by senior running back Nahjiir Seagraves, who led the conference in rushing yards with 1,236 and won the USA South Offensive Player of the Year. Senior wideout Tyson Resper was a first team all-conference selection in 2025. N.C. Wesleyan was picked to finish fifth in the conference's preseason football poll.