BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb football team (4-2, 2-0 OVC/Big South) is set to host UT Martin (2-5, 2-1 OVC/Big South) on Saturday, October 18 during Homecoming Weekend.   

SERIES HISTORY WITH UT MARTIN

Saturday's contest marks the 3rd all-time meeting between Gardner-Webb and the Skyhawks. UT Martin picked up a 35-17 win over the Runnin' Bulldogs in last year's meeting in Martin, Tenn. Gardner-Webb took the first meeting between the two schools, 38-34. In 2023. 

SCOUTING UT MARTIN

The Skyhawks are currently 2-5, coming off a thrilling 32-31 triumph over Western Illinois last weekend. As a team, UT Martin averages 17.71 points, 136 rushing yards, and 196 passing yards per contest. 

Fresh off an OVC-Big South Offensive Player of the Week nod, Jase Bauer leads the Skyhawks under center, completing 124-of-177 passes (70%) for 1,212 yards and five scores. 

On the ground, graduate John Gentry has rushed for a team-high 268 yards but has yet to find the endzone in 2025, while Bauer has a team-leading five rushing touchdowns. Sophomore Tommy Ansley has added a pair of rushing touchdowns. 

Redshirt senior Bryce Bailey leads the Skyhawks with 375 yards receiving to go along with three TDs. Redshirt junior Phaizon Wilson has pitched in 20 receptions for 216 yards and a score. 

On the defensive side of the ball, UTM's opponents average 31.29 points, 136 rushing, and 196 passing yards per game. Redshirt senior safety Jacob Stevenson leads the team with 43 total tackles, 20 of the solo variety. Graduate safety Josh Hastings has added 35 tackles while junior outside linebacker Keyshawn Johnson leads the team with 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. 

Junior kicker Cade Hechter is 7-for-8 on field goal attempts with a long of 41 yards while redshirt senior punter Jaren Van Winkle is averaging 41.63 yards per punt.

Saturday's contest is set to start at 1:30 p.m. EST and will be streamed live on ESPN+ and can be found here. Live stats are also available at the following link.