By: Jack Greven
It’s the best time of the year: the start of another football season. The Tribe open their campaign with the second half of a home-and-home series against the Furman Paladins.
Last year’s meeting in Williamsburg saw the Tribe rally from an early 14–0 deficit to win 34–24, fueled by a dominant rushing attack as Darius Wilson and Bronson Yoder accounted for most of W&M’s 384 rushing yards. A repeat performance this year would require production from new faces, as both Wilson and Yoder have graduated. Let’s take a look at the opposition:
Furman Paladins
Southern Conference
2024 Record: 3–8
Last season was a major step back for Furman, as the Paladins recorded just three wins a year after going 10–3 and reaching the FCS Quarterfinals, where they lost 35–28 in overtime to Montana. The Paladins struggled to replace significant player losses, most notably starting quarterback Tyler Huff (transferred to FBS Jacksonville State), lead rusher Dominic Roberto (graduated), their top four offensive linemen by snaps played, and three defensive transfers to FBS programs.
The drop-off was clear. Furman’s scoring average fell from 27.4 points per game in 2023 to just 19.6 in 2024. Two glaring weaknesses were the offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback and the defense’s ability to generate pressure and force turnovers. The offensive line allowed 35 sacks in 11 games—nearly double the 22 they gave up over 13 games in 2023. On defense, the Paladins managed only 20 sacks and forced 16 turnovers, well below the 38 sacks and 27 turnovers they posted the year before.
The 2025 squad was picked sixth in the SoCon preseason poll and features five preseason All-SoCon selections. Importantly, they return 14 starters from last season.
Offense
The Paladin offense is young and inexperienced but shows flashes of promise. The quarterback room returns its top three passers, led by sophomore Trey Hedden. Hedden stepped into the starting role as a true freshman last season and earned All-Freshman honors.
Furman will look for breakout seasons from veteran skill players, as they return just three players with more than 100 career yards: senior wide receiver Ben Ferguson, redshirt junior wide receiver Ethan Harris, and redshirt junior running back Jayquan Smith. Ferguson led all returning receivers last year with 24 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns, and he should provide a steady presence. Harris carved out an increased role in 2024 and will help replace departed top receiver Colton Hinton, who transferred to Coastal Carolina. Smith, sidelined since October 2023 with a major knee injury, is finally healthy and could give the offense a much-needed boost.
The younger players may ultimately drive Furman’s offense. Sophomore running back Gavin Hall averaged a team-best 5.0 yards per carry last season, earning All-Freshman recognition. A former high school quarterback, Hall is still learning the position but is a dangerous runner. Sophomore tight end Jackson Pryor also earned All-Freshman honors after recording 14 catches for 223 yards. With Furman’s strong history of tight end development (32 All-SoCon nods since 1977), Pryor could become a focal point. Sophomore wideout Devin Hester Jr.—son of NFL legend Devin Hester Sr.—also returns after surpassing 100 yards as a true freshman. Coach Clay Hendrix is equally excited about incoming recruits RB CJ Nettles and WR Evan James, both of whom are expected to contribute immediately.
The offensive line, a major weakness in 2024, should be improved. Four starters return, including redshirt senior guard Luke Petit, an All-SoCon honoree. Several graduate transfers also bolster the unit, making O-line development the single most important factor in Furman’s hopes for a rebound.
The Tribe will need to test that line early. Hedden completed just 60.5% of his passes last year, and less protection will hurt him further. While he can scramble, he isn’t a consistent rushing threat. The weak O-line also limited Furman’s ground game, which finished last in the SoCon at under 90 yards per game. If W&M can stuff the run early and force Furman to go one-dimensional, it will be a huge advantage. The Tribe secondary must also stay sharp, as Furman has receivers capable of big plays. In fact, Furman’s longest gain last year came against W&M: an 84-yard touchdown that gave the Paladins a 14–0 lead within the first 10 minutes.
Defense
Furman’s defense is solid but must replace two All-SoCon first-teamers: lineman Luke Clark and linebacker Evan DiMaggio. The latter led the team in multiple categories, including 120 tackles and nine QB hits—both more than double any other player’s totals.
The Paladins return five players with starting experience, highlighted by redshirt junior Dylan Chiedo, a breakout candidate who started early last season before breaking his hand. Injuries plagued Furman’s defensive line in 2024, but that opened opportunities for young players such as Caldwell Bussey, an All-Freshman team pick who started the final five games and could become a disruptive interior presence. Linebacker remains a young group, led by another All-Freshman honoree, Ryan Earl.
In the secondary, Furman returns just two cornerbacks but added four transfers to strengthen depth. At safety, the Paladins bring back standouts Caleb Williams (no relation to the Bears’ QB) and Billy Lewis. Williams started every game, while Lewis—yet another All-Freshman honoree—recorded multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
Keys for the Tribe
W&M must avoid self-inflicted mistakes. Furman finished last in the SoCon in both tackles for loss and turnovers forced in 2024. Controlling possession will also be critical, as the Paladins’ weak running game often led to short drives, putting extra strain on their defense.
Furman is young and lacks experience, but their continuity stands out in today’s transfer-heavy era. Despite the 3–8 record, the Paladins showed promise by placing eight players on the All-Freshman team—double the total of any other SoCon program.
While this year’s Furman squad should pose a tougher test than last year, I believe the Tribe have what it takes to come away victorious.
Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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