Runnin’ Bulldogs Getting Ready for Fall Football

Five Home Games Set for Spangler Stadium, Including Family Weekend, Homecoming, and BBQ Bowl

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs are gearing up for an exciting 2025 football season under second-year head coach Cris Reisert. The schedule features five home games at Spangler Stadium, a major ACC road challenge, and several marquee matchups within the Big South/OVC Football Association members.

The 12-game season kicks off on the road against Western Carolina on Saturday, Aug. 30. In Week two, Gardner-Webb travels to Atlanta to face off against FBS opponent Georgia Tech in a high-profile matchup against an Atlantic Coast Conference program.

The home opener is set for Sept. 13 against The Citadel and coincides with Family Weekend. Fans are encouraged to pack Spangler Stadium in red for the annual RedOut celebration.

Conference play opens Oct. 4 at home with the BBQ Bowl Trophy game against Charleston Southern. Homecoming festivities will culminate in the Oct. 18 showdown with UT Martin. Gardner-Webb will also host Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 8 for Military Appreciation Day and close out the regular season at home against Western Illinois on Nov. 22.

This season, Spangler Stadium will debut a newly installed turf field, made possible by the generosity of a dedicated donor.

Season tickets are now available at gwusports.com. Fans looking to support student-athletes and access premium seating options are invited to join the Bulldog Club by visiting gardner-webb.edu/bulldog-club.

2025 Gardner-Webb Football Schedule

(All times listed in Eastern Standard Time and subject to change)

• Aug. 30 – at Western Carolina, 6 p.m. (Cullowhee, N.C.)
• Sept. 6 – at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (Atlanta, Ga.)
• Sept. 13 – vs. The Citadel, 7 p.m. (Boiling Springs, N.C. – RedOut / Family Weekend)
• Sept. 20 – at Ohio, 3:30 p.m. (Athens, Ohio)
• Oct. 4 – vs. Charleston Southern, 1:30 p.m. (Boiling Springs, N.C. – BBQ Bowl / Big South-OVC Opener) **
• Oct. 11 – at Eastern Illinois, 3 p.m. (Charleston, Ill.)
• Oct. 18 – vs. UT Martin, 1:30 p.m. (Boiling Springs, N.C. – Homecoming)**
• Oct. 25 – at Lindenwood, 3 p.m. (St. Charles, Mo.) **
• Nov. 1 – at Tennessee Tech, 2:30 p.m. (Cookeville, Tenn.) **
• Nov. 8 – vs. Southeast Missouri State, 1:30 p.m. (Boiling Springs, N.C. – Military Appreciation Day) **
• Nov. 15 – at Tennessee State, TBA (Nashville, Tenn.) **
• Nov. 22 – vs. Western Illinois, 1:30 p.m. (Boiling Springs, N.C.) **

Conference games denoted by **.

For the latest updates and coverage throughout the season, visit gwusports.com/football.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.