The Game
Findlay faces another tough test on Saturday, Oct. 24 as the Walsh Cavaliers come to Donnell Stadium for a 1:00 pm kickoff. The Oilers remain firmly in the G-MAC title race after a big win against Hillsdale last week while Walsh has fallen out of contention for the crown. However, a team that climbed into the national rankings earlier this year and sits 15th in the region in NPI ratings, Walsh is no slouch and will come in Saturday looking to spoil the season for Findlay.



The Series
Findlay holds a commanding 12-1 advantage in the all-time series against Walsh, dating back to their inaugural meeting in 2012 when the Oilers secured a 26-7 victory. Findlay has completely controlled the matchup since joining the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, posting a perfect 9-0 record against the Cavaliers in G-MAC play. The Oilers claimed a 31-10 victory in their most recent clash in 2025, continuing a trend of dominant performances in the series that features a program-best 49-0 shutout in 2021.

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#14 Findlay Oilers (5-1, 4-1 G-MAC)

2026 Findlay Football Coaching Staff

With Northwood remaining unbeaten atop the G-MAC standings, every Saturday is essential for the Oilers as they continue their pursuit of the conference title. Adding to the postseason conversation, the NCAA released its debut regional rankings using the new NCAA Performance Indicator (NPI) metric this week, placing Findlay at #6 in Super Region 3. The Oilers enter Week 8 looking to continue stacking up quality wins after earning a hard-fought victory over previously once-beaten Hillsdale on the road.

On offense, the Oilers continue to showcase a balanced attack, averaging 30.3 points and nearly 400 total yards per game. Senior quarterback Chase Harrison directs the passing game with high efficiency, completing nearly 66 percent of his throws for 1,313 yards and 14 touchdowns against just two interceptions. His top weapon out wide, preseason All-American Denny Furlong, leads the team across all receiving categories with 18 receptions for 278 yards and four touchdowns, including two scores against the Chargers last week. In the backfield, Findlay features a potent rushing tandem led by the reigning G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Week Dominic Bennett (489 yards, 124.0 all-purpose yards per game) and Christian Davis (441 yards, 5 TDs). Bennett also doubles as a major special teams threat, coming off a 143-kickoff-return-yard performance last Saturday. Up front, an experienced offensive line anchors the unit, ranking near the top of the conference in pass protection.

Defensively, the Oilers stand as one of the elite units in NCAA Division II, ranking #1 in the G-MAC and #4 nationally in scoring defense by allowing just 12.7 points per game. Findlay's front seven creates continuous disruption in opponent backfields, averaging 8.7 tackles for loss per game (5th nationally) behind the play of Elijah Shankle (7.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks) alongside linebackers Jon Slaper and Josh Woods. The Oilers also rank #12 in the nation in third-down defense (holding opponents to a 27.8% conversion rate) and lead the country in fumble recoveries thanks to linebacker Riley Caldwell's three recoveries. Coupled with Cameron Wright's game-changing punt return ability (14.3 yards per return, #7 in D-II) and Owen Clevenger's conference-leading 44.4 punting average, Findlay excels at dictating field position and controlling the tempo of the game.

About the Opponent - (Walsh 4-3, 2-3 G-MAC)

The Walsh University Cavaliers (4-3, 2-3 G-MAC) are proving they are a vastly different team than in years past, establishing themselves as a legitimate threat in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Walsh opened the 2026 campaign with four consecutive victories, highlighted by a dramatic 17-10 win over Ashland, to climb into the national rankings at #25 for the first time in recent program history. While three narrow conference setbacks have halted their momentum, the computer metrics still respect their body of work. Walsh's NPI rating is strong enough that it would place them inside the top 8 in two of Division II's other three Super Regions. Coming off a tight 31-27 battle against Tiffin where they were defeated in the final seconds, the Cavaliers head to Findlay looking for a marquee road upset to reshape the trajectory of their season.

Offensively, the Cavaliers operate an explosive system led by redshirt junior quarterback Hayden Wickard, who has thrown for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the G-MAC with 14.19 yards per completion. In the backfield, redshirt junior running back Jake Gill provides a lethal finishing touch, pacing the conference with 8 rushing touchdowns. 

The receiving corps features a blend of reliable veterans and high-upside playmakers, including Brady Gooding, Ohio State/Presbyterian transfer Shawn Lodge, and sophomore return specialist Braeden Springer, who leads the G-MAC with 539 combined kick return yards. Up front, redshirt sophomore tackle Caleb Cunningham and redshirt junior guard Colin Simon anchor an offensive line that leads the conference in pass protection, surrendering just 1.71 sacks per game.

Defensively, Walsh is powered by one of the region's most productive linebackers in redshirt junior Eddie Nichols. The downhill playmaker leads the G-MAC and ranks among the national leaders with 9.9 tackles per game (69 total tackles). Up front, defensive lineman Alvonte Ivory and edge rusher David Hawersaat collapse pockets and force early decisions, allowing All-Conference veteran corner Terrell Grier and safety Ty Miller to lock down passing lanes in the secondary. With elite tackle production, top-tier special teams field position, and proven protection up front, Walsh presents a well-rounded challenge for the ranked Oilers.

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