Dupage Policy Journal

Eight out of ten College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) football programs began their 2025 NCAA Division III campaigns last week, with the final round of non-conference games set for this Saturday. The nine-week conference schedule is slated to start on September 20.

North Central will open its season ranked #1 nationally after topping both the D3football.com and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) polls. The Cardinals secured 23 of 25 first-place votes from D3football.com and 51 of 52 from the AFCA. They are among four ranked teams, including St. John’s (#5), Wisconsin-La Crosse (#9), and Bethel (#12), that have yet to play a game this season.

Wheaton, following a loss to #2 Mount Union in its opener, moved down to #22 in both polls. WashU received recognition with 25 points in the AFCA poll.

Two North Park players, Ben Butler and Jereme Ombogo, were selected for the D3football.com Team of the Week. Ombogo had six catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against Ripon, while Butler made four tackles, broke up two passes, and returned a fumble for 56 yards.

The CCIW has introduced a new streaming platform called the CCIW Network in partnership with Hudl. This network will serve as the official streaming home for all nine core conference institutions. Live broadcasts will be available free of charge without subscription requirements on both desktop and mobile devices. Each institution has its own landing page featuring live and upcoming broadcasts by sport, including non-conference home contests, intraconference competitions, and championships. Select broadcasts will also be archived for on-demand viewing.

Augustana began its season with a close overtime victory at Simpson, winning 42-41 after tying the game with a late field goal and scoring in overtime. Quarterback Jimmy Makuh was responsible for five touchdowns—four passing and one rushing—and threw for 375 yards. Sean Schlanser caught two touchdown passes including the overtime winner.

Carthage claimed its first opening win since 2017 by defeating Lakeland 51-40 behind Bryce Frank’s career-high 224 rushing yards and three touchdowns—the most rushing yards by a Carthage player since November 2004. Easton Heafner completed nine passes for three touchdowns; Dylan Salisbury caught two touchdown passes.

Millikin ended a 20-game losing streak under new head coach Billy Riebock with a decisive win over Luther (33-3). Freshman Re'John Zeno scored four times while Sylas Gomez threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score.

North Park beat Ripon thanks to three long touchdown connections between Justen Green and Jereme Ombogo; Green passed for four touchdowns total. Defensive highlights included Samuel Aguirre’s two interceptions.

WashU recorded a shutout over Rhodes (49-0), building a commanding halftime lead. Fred Ware led all rushers with two scores; Levi Moore contributed both through passing and running plays.

Carroll lost its opener at Wisconsin-Eau Claire (29-7). Elisha Nieves threw Carroll’s only touchdown pass to Daniel White, who also excelled on special teams.

Illinois Wesleyan fell short against Central despite a fourth-quarter push (27-18). Will Nazha returned a kickoff for a touchdown while quarterback Dermot Smyth scored on the ground late in the game.

Wheaton mounted a late rally but lost at Mount Union (37-29). Mark Forcucci passed for over 270 yards with two touchdowns; Seth Kortenhoeven caught eleven passes including two scores in Wheaton’s comeback effort.

Defending national champion North Central hosts Wisconsin-Oshkosh this Saturday in Naperville; Elmhurst opens its season at home against Rockford under new head coach Mike Heffernan.