OHIO WESLEYAN FOOTBALL

School Website | Athletics Website

Mascot: Battling Bishops
Location: Delaware, OH
Colors: Red & Black
Enrollment: 1,425

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Season Preview: Ohio Wesleyan tied for second place in the North Coast Athletic Conference standings in 2021, and the Battling Bishops look to remain in championship contention during the 2022 season.

The Bishops return 6 starters from an elite defensive unit that led the NCAC in rushing and scoring defense a year ago. Junior end Marquel Henry shared the league lead in sacks last year on the way to first-team All-NCAC honors, while senior tackle Travis Sanders ranked among the NCAC’s top 10 in sacks, also earning All-NCAC recognition.  Sophomore nose guard Terrell Burton II also returns. At linebacker, senior Trevar Meese compiled 56 stops last season. Senior Ian Riddle and sophomore Zay Radcliff are returning starters at cornerback, and junior Tyler Neal also is a reliable veteran. Senior J.T. Dozier led Ohio Wesleyan in receiving last season, sophomore Jackson Gifford is the Bishops’ top returning rusher, and junior Jakii Alston also will contribute from a wide receiver spot. Up front, junior tackle Brandon Planey and junior guard Sean Kessel are returning starters in the line.

2022 Schedule  Battling Bishops Links

Sept. 3 

OTTERBEIN 2:00 PM  Schedule Page

Sept. 10

at Illinois Wesleyan 2:00 PM  Roster

Sept. 24

at Kenyon * 1:00 PM  Statistics

Oct. 1

at Wooster * 1:00 PM  Coaching Staff

Oct. 8

DENISON * 2:00 PM  History/Records

Oct. 15

at Wabash * 1:00 PM

Oct. 22

DEPAUW * 1:00 PM 2021 Ohio Wesleyan Football

Oct. 29

OBERLIN * 7:00 PM Overall Record: 8-2 (7-2 NCAC)

Nov. 5

at Wittenberg * 1:00 PM Home Record: 4-1

Nov. 12

HIRAM * 1:00 PM Away Record: 4-1

* - NCAC Contest 

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Tom Watts
Alma Mater: Hanover '02 | Overall Record: 55-37 (10 Years) | Record at Ohio Wesleyan: 55-37 (10 Years)

Tom Watts is in his 11th season as head football coach at Ohio Wesleyan University.

In 2021, the Battling Bishops finished 8-2 overall, including a mark of 7-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference, good for a second-place tie in the final conference standings.

Watts came to Ohio Wesleyan after 3 seasons at Baldwin-Wallace, where he served as special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach, and recruiting coordinator.  He helped the Yellow Jackets compile records of 8-2 in 2011 and 7-3 in 2010, his defensive backs earned 5 All-Ohio Conference citations during those 2 seasons, and the team ranked third in the nation in kick returns in 2010.

Prior to coaching at Baldwin-Wallace, Watts was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Westminster (Pa.) College during the 2008 season, helping the Titans post their best Presidents' Athletic Conference finish in 5 seasons.

Watts served as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for 4 seasons, helping the Pioneers lead the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in pass defense and post their first winning season since 1991.

He began his coaching career as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Waynesburg (Pa.) College, helping the Yellow Jackets win the PAC championship and reach the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2003.

Watts is a 2002 graduate of Hanover (Ind.) College, where he helped the Panthers win a pair of conference championships.  He continued his education at Waynesburg, receiving a master's degree in education technology in 2004.  He is a native of Westfield Center, Ohio, and played both receiver and safety at Lodi Cloverleaf High School.