Wheeling University’s football program is buzzing as the 2026 season approaches, marked by the debut of brand‑new jerseys and the program’s first-ever meeting with the Thomas More Saints.
The Cardinals finished the previous year with a 6‑5 overall record, the best finish in an 11‑game schedule, and posted a 5‑3 mark in the Mountain East Conference.
On offense, graduate quarterback Landon Lutz will anchor the unit after throwing for 1,072 yards and six touchdowns last season, while returning wide receivers Jordan Kaiser and Colin Oberdick each set career highs in receiving yards and scores.
The defense, which limited opponents to an average of 30.27 points per game in 2025, will look to tighten that figure further under new coordinator Arthur Smith III, with standouts such as Day Day Bates and Awwal Osinuga leading the charge.
Home‑field advantage and historic celebration
Three of the first four games will be played locally at Bishop Schmitt Field, giving the team a familiar backdrop as they open the season.
Saturday’s kickoff coincides with the 70th‑anniversary opening‑day tailgate, a community event that underscores the university’s long‑standing athletic tradition.
The Saints arrive from a recent promotion to NCAA Division II, having posted a 1‑8 conference record in 2025, making the matchup a intriguing test for the Cardinals’ revamped roster.