Rocky Mount, NC – North Carolina Wesleyan football has officially released its 2025 schedule, which features five home games, a Thursday night season opener, and six USA South Conference matchups. The Battling Bishops aim to build off a strong finish to the 2024 campaign as they seek to rise in what promises to be another competitive season in the league.

The 2025 season begins on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 p.m. as Wesleyan hosts Averett under the lights at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. 

"We're excited to open the season in primetime at home," said Head Football Coach Jeff Filkovski, who enters his twelfth year leading the program. "It's a great opportunity to energize our fanbase and showcase the growth of our team."

The Bishops hit the road the following week to face the Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia on Saturday, September 13 before returning to Rocky Mount to host Sewanee on September 20. That contest marks the final non-conference matchup of the season.

USA South play opens with a road trip to LaGrange on October 4. The Panthers went 6-2 in league play last season, finishing second in the USA South standings. Wesleyan then hosts Belhaven on October 11, a team that also finished with a winning conference record in 2024 at 5-3. The Battling Bishops travel to Montgomery, Alabama on October 18 to face Huntingdon, which tied Belhaven for fourth place in the standings at 5-3.

Wesleyan's final three conference home games come against Southern Virginia on October 25, Greensboro on November 8, and the regular season concludes at Brevard on November 15. Brevard went 5-2 in the USA South last season, placing third behind only Maryville and LaGrange. The Bishops will also travel to Methodist on November 1 for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff under the lights.

The 2024 season saw the Bishops finish 4-6 overall and 4-4 in conference play, good for sixth place in the USA South. Wesleyan closed the year with wins in three of its final four games, including victories over Southern Virginia, Greensboro, and Brevard.

The USA South standings were tightly contested in 2024. Maryville led the way with a perfect 7-0 record and 9-2 overall mark. LaGrange (6-2), Brevard (5-2), Huntingdon (5-3), and Belhaven (5-3) rounded out the top five. Wesleyan followed at 4-4, while Southern Virginia, Greensboro, and Methodist all finished at 1-7.

"This year's schedule is a great mix of quality opponents and key home dates," said Director of Athletics Aaron Denton. "With a strong group of returners and a balanced slate, we're optimistic about what's ahead."

For more updates and coverage throughout the season, visit ncwsports.com.

2025 N.C. Wesleyan Football Schedule

• Denotes USA South Conference Game