Gardner-Webb University
2-6 , 1-2
UT Martin
3-4 , 2-0
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner-Webb | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| UT Martin | 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
Runnin’ Bulldogs Fall on the Road at UT Martin
October 17, 2026 | Football
MARTIN, Tenn. — The Gardner-Webb football team battled until the final whistle Saturday afternoon, with an electrifying kickoff return touchdown from Joshua George highlighting the Runnin' Bulldogs' effort in a 17-6 Ohio Valley Conference road loss to UT Martin at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.
Gardner-Webb (2-6, 1-2 OVC) received a strong defensive effort to keep the contest within reach, forcing three turnovers against the Skyhawks (3-4, 2-0 OVC). However, UT Martin made the most of its scoring opportunities to secure the victory.
The Runnin' Bulldogs' defense delivered an early statement coming away with a key takeaway when Trey Weems forced a fumble that Taylor Smallwood recovered, ending a UT Martin possession.
UT Martin broke through late in the first half with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tate Surber to Makhia Sherrard with 1:51 remaining in the first half., sending Gardner-Webb into halftime trailing 7-0.
The Skyhawks extended their advantage to 10-0 with a 37-yard field goal early in the second half, but the Runnin' Bulldogs responded in emphatic fashion.
On the ensuing kickoff, George broke free for an 86-yard return touchdown igniting the Gardner-Webb sideline and cutting the deficit to 10-6 with 6:34 left in the third quarter.Â
Gardner-Webb continued to fight on the defensive side of the ball, creating another opportunity when Talon Fisher intercepted Surber in the fourth quarter. Fisher returned the interception 23 yards to the UT Martin 42-yard line, putting the Runnin' Bulldogs in position to make another push.
UT Martin responded with a two-yard touchdown run by Jaydon Peete with 5:55 remaining, extending its lead to 17-6.
The Runnin' Bulldogs continued to work for an answer in the closing minutes. Lan Farmer connected with Kory Jones for a 21-yard completion and Sean Brady for a 25-yard gain to move Gardner-Webb into Skyhawks territory. The drive reached the red zone, but UT Martin came away with an interception in the end zone to preserve the win.
Gardner-Webb finished with contributions from both Jared Doolittle and Farmer at quarterback, as each threw for 74 yards. Jones paced the Runnin' Bulldogs through the air with three receptions for 49 yards, while Brady added two catches for 33 yards.
Defensively, Cahari Haynes paced Gardner-Webb with 13 total tackles, while Tre Yanez recorded 10. Weems added a forced fumble, Smallwood recovered a fumble, and Fisher and Jamarion Ravenell each recorded an interception.
UP NEXT
- Gardner-Webb is off next week and will return to action in two weeks in another OVC matchup at Southeast Missouri on Oct. 31.Â
- Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern from Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
GWU 0, UTM 7
UTM - Sherrard,Makhia 13 yd pass from Surber,Tate (Sims,Brandon kick) 9 plays, 43 yards, TOP 03:25
GWU 0, UTM 10
UTM - Sims,Brandon 37 yd field goal 7 plays, 44 yards, TOP 03:40
GWU 6, UTM 10
GWU - George,Joshua 86 yd kickoff return ()
GWU 6, UTM 17
UTM - Peete,Jaydon 2 yd run (Sims,Brandon kick), 3 plays, 64 yards, TOP 01:23
