The Game
At this point in the season, the Oilers control their own destiny in terms of a playoff bid. At 7-1 and ranked 5th Super Region 3, #13 Findlay will head to Crestview Hills, Ky. to take on Thomas More University who back on October 3 knocked off a ranked Walsh squad. The game between the Oilers and Saints will kick off at noon at Republic Bank Field on the campus of Thomas More University.

The Series
Findlay holds is 3-0 all-time series against Thomas More, dating back to their inaugural meeting on October 14, 2023, when the Oilers secured a 38-10 victory at Donnell Stadium. Findlay has completely controlled the matchup in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play, winning both road contests in Findlay and its lone trip to Crestview Hills in 2024 (34-17). In their most recent clash on September 27, 2025, a No. 25-ranked Oilers squad earned a decisive 37-7 win. Findlay has outscored the Saints 109-34 overall while holding them to an average of just 11.3 points per game.

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#13 Findlay Oilers (7-1, 5-1 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 a conference title and spot in the NCAA DII Playoffs. Coming off a victory over Walsh to improve to 7-1 on the season, Findlay continues to solidify its spot in the postseason conversation as the NCAA Performance Indicator (NPI) rankings take shape in Super Region 3. 

On offense, the Oilers feature a balanced attack, averaging 32.6 points and 406.5 total yards per game, both ranking second in the G-MAC. Senior quarterback Chase Harrison directs the passing game, completing 65.6 percent of his throws for 1,481 yards and 14 touchdowns against just four picks. Out wide, preseason All-American Denny Furlong leads the way with 19 receptions for 306 yards and four touchdowns. However, exploding onto the scene lately has been Cameron Wright who has a team-high 24 receptions for 302 yards and two scores. In the backfield, Findlay features a potent rushing tandem averaging 169.8 yards per contest. Dominic Bennett leads the ground game with 558 rushing yards and six touchdowns while generating 122.8 all-purpose yards per game, complemented by Christian Davis, who has added 491 yards and four scores. Up front, an experienced offensive line anchors the unit, helping the Oilers convert 41.8 percent of their third downs.

Defensively, the Oilers stand as one of the most dominant units in NCAA Division II, leading the G-MAC and ranking #4 nationally in scoring defense by surrendering just 11.5 points per game. Findlay's front seven creates continuous disruption in opponent backfields, leading the conference with 8.8 tackles for loss per game behind the play of Elijah Shankle (8.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks) alongside linebackers Josh Woods, Jon Slaper, and Christion Stokes. The Oilers also rank #14 in the nation in third-down defense (holding opponents to a 28.6% conversion rate) and have been great at taking the ball away, led by linebacker Riley Caldwell's nation-leading three fumble recoveries. Coupled with Cameron Wright's punt return effort (13.2 yards per return, #10 in D-II) and a conference-leading kickoff return unit averaging 25.5 yards per return, Findlay excels at dictating field position and controlling the tempo of the game.

About the Opponent - (Thomas More 2-6, 2-4 G-MAC)

The Thomas More University Saints host Findlay looking to play spoiler and come away with another exciting moment in what has been a tough season thus far. While their overall record reflects some struggles, the Saints proved earlier this season that they can compete with, and defeat, a hot team when they pulled off a thrilling 24-21 victory over then-ranked #25 Walsh in Crestview Hills, Ky. Thomas More would love nothing more than to add another top-25 marquee win to their resume by knocking off the Oilers.

Offensively, the Saints operate behind dual-threat sophomore quarterback Ben Chesser, who has thrown for 1,243 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season with a 54.3% completion rate. In addition to directing the passing attack, Chesser doubles as Thomas More's leading rusher, leading the team with 315 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries (39.4 yards per game). In the backfield, the Saints complement Chesser with a triple threat of backs in Kamalie Pemberton, Martavious Smith, and Kayleb Wagner. Those three have each carried the ball at least 36 times this season.

The offense features reliable targets out wide and dynamic playmakers on special teams, including Avery Bodner, who leads the squad with 209 combined kick return yards. On special teams, senior defensive lineman Brandon Blondeaux is one of the nation's premier disruptive forces, ranking #3 in Division II and #1 in the G-MAC with two blocked kicks, powering a Saints special teams unit that ranks 12th nationally with four total blocks.

Defensively, Thomas More is anchored by 2025 G-MAC Second Team All-Conference junior linebacker Tofa Luani. The Milford, Ohio native leads the team with 54 total tackles (6.8 per game) and two interceptions, pairing with his brother, redshirt sophomore Toto Luani (45 tackles) as the top two tacklers on the team.

Up front, defensive linemen Tahj Meadows and Caden Thompson collapse pockets with 13.0 combined tackles for loss, while defensive back Chase Terrell locks down passing lanes with two interceptions and 24 solo tackles in the secondary. 

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