BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Head coach Cris Resiert and the Gardner-Webb football team participated in the 2025 OVC/Big South Media Day on Thursday, July 17 as each team from around the conference joined in on a virtual call via zoom to go over expectations and outlooks of the upcoming FCS season.
Reisert enters his second season at the helm of the Runnin' Bulldogs. After taking back-to-back conference titles in 2022 and 2023, GWU finished the '24 campaign with a 4-8 overall record, including 3-5 in league play. However, with a solid recruiting class and transfer haul in place, the 'Dawgs look poised for a bounce back year.
With the departure of starting quarterback Tyler Riddell, the biggest question looming may be, "Who leads the offense for the Runnin' Bulldogs?"
Newcomers at the signal calling position include transfers Cole Pennington (Marshall) and Nate Hampton (Liberty), both of which have FBS experience. Joining the likes of Pennington and Hampton is incoming freshman Finley Polk, a recent graduate of nearby Northwestern High School. Polk had a standout prep career after throwing for more than 10,000 yards and 121 touchdowns. Polk had a stellar senior year, completing 274 of 383 passes for 3,712 yards, 46 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
Gardner-Webb also relied heavily on the transfer portal, adding 45 transfers in all, including 15 from FBS programs. Key additions include wide receivers Markel Fortenberry (Liberty), Chris Lofton (James Madison), and Jalen Harris (Coastal Carolina). The 'Dawgs also added tight end Gatlin Hancock (Kennesaw State). On the defensive side of the ball, Gardner-Webb welcomes linebacker Sabin McLaughlin (Davidson) and safety David Laney (North Carolina A&T).
Despite the departure of several key factors, the Runnin' Bulldogs bring back several high impact players, including wide receiver Anthony Lowe and running back Quasean Holmes. Lowe caught 40 passes for 523 yards and three touchdowns while Holmes added 395 yards on the ground and four touchdowns.
Defensive lineman Antonio O'Berry and Robert Holtz will lead the charge on the ends for GWU after the duo combined for 15.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. Safety Wendell McClain anchors the secondary after a 2024 campaign that included 36 tackles and three picks.
Gardner-Webb opens the season on Saturday, August 30, traveling to Cullowhee, N.C. to face the Catamounts of Western Carolina. The home opener is set for September 13 versus The Citadel at 7 p.m.
