BLOOMINGTON, Ill - The Illinois Wesleyan University football team hits the road for the first time in 2025 Saturday, Sept. 27, as the Titans make the 190-mile trek to Kenosha, Wis. Kickoff at Carthage College is slated for 1 p.m.
    The Green and White's longest roadtrip of the season sees the Titans carry a 1-1 record across state lines. IWU dismantled Elmhurst University, 42-6, at Tucci Stadium, Sept. 20, in its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener. The Firebirds, who also hold a 1-1 ledger, will play their first game on their home turf this season. Carthage most recently ran into the buzzsaw that is No. 1 North Central College, falling 62-0, in Naperville.
    Fans can tune into a radio broadcast with Eric Stock calling the action on the field alongside Joel Swanson, while live stats and a broadcast will also be available. Links can be found on the football schedule page of iwusports.com.

FIRST OF MANY: With Illinois Wesleyan's 42-6 win over Elmhurst, Sept. 20, Jared Williamson secured his first career win as the leader of Titan football.  Overall, it is the 74th win of his career. The last time IWU's head coach earned their first win was Sept. 19, 1987 when Norm Eash led the Titans past Carthage, 26-19.

DERM DROPS DIMES: Junior quarterback Dermot Smyth piled up stats in a dominant performance against Elmhurst, Sept. 20. Smyth completed 14-of-20 passes for 251 yards and threw for a career-high five touchdown passes. His five TDs are tied for fourth-most in program history and stand as the most since Brandon Bauer tossed five against North Park Nov. 10, 2018.

NO SOUP FOR YOU!: In holding Elmhurst to just six points, Sept. 20, the Titans limited their opponent to the fewest points since shutting out Carthage, 35-0, Sept. 28, 2024. Dating back to 2021, IWU held opponents to fewer than 10 points eight times. The Green and White accomplished the feat three times in 2024, once in 2022, and three times in 2021.

DENIED!: Illinois Wesleyan immediately bounced back from Elmhurst's early score, as Ian Whitaker blocked the Bluejays' point after attempt on the first-quarter touchdown. Whitaker's timely play is the first blocked PAT for the Green and White since Nathan Schmidt did so against WashU, Oct. 5, 2024.

BREAKING LOOSE: There was no shortage of big plays in Illinois Wesleyan's, 42-6, walloping of Elmhurst, Sept. 20. IWU ripped off for four plays of 40-or-more yards, including a 54-yard touchdown pass from Dermot Smyth to Will Nazha and a 47-yard scoring reception by Malik Gray. Gray added a 59-yard rushing touchdown, with Cooper King notching the first reception of his career - a 43-yard snag.
Gray's 59-yard run is the longest by a Titan since Danny Kent rattled off a 62-yard gain against Augie, Nov. 2, 2024. Additionally, Nazha's 54-yard catch is the longest since Myles Kee's 52-yarder versus North Park Oct. 26, 2024.

FACING THE FIREBIRDS: The Titans have faced the Firebirds 66 times ahead of Saturday's showdown in Kenosha. The series, which began in 1926,  has seen IWU compile a 47-19 edge against Carthage all-time since winning the initial meeting, 6-0.
    Illinois Wesleyan has won 13 of the past 15 meetings, including a 35-0 victory at Tucci Stadium Sept. 28, 2024. It marked the first shutout by the Titans since 2022. Danny Kent ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns, while Dermot Smyth threw TDs to tight ends Collin Elledge and Markus Marshall. Cole Pradel and Jimmy Capecci each hauled in interceptions, with Zach McNees racking up three sacks.

SEPTEMBER: Illinois Wesleyan has compiled a 35-15 record in the month of September since 2010. IWU went 2-1 in the month last season, with the Titans' lone loss during the stretch coming at Central to begin the year. In 2025, Illinois Wesleyan holds a 1-1 mark.

TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD: IWU has struggled away from home in recent years, as it has posted a 7-17 record on the road over the past five full seasons. The program's last winning record away from Tucci came during 2018, when it posted a 5-0 mark as part of an 8-2 overall record.

RIDE ON: The Green and White remains on the road in week five, traveling to St. Louis, Mo. for a night battle with WashU. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.