Editor’s note: It was released after this article was written that Marian University would forfeit their game against Keiser University due to the participation of an ineligible student athlete. Keiser advances to the semifinals.
When Marian University and Keiser University square off Saturday in the NAIA Football Quarterfinals, you’ll see two teams that look remarkably similar despite taking very different paths to get here.
Marian has spent the past year grinding to get back to the postseason after being left out of the 2024 selections. The Knights carry National Championship pedigree and are determined to remind the country of that history. Keiser, meanwhile, has appeared in three straight National Championship games and brought home the 2023 title.
Both teams are built from the inside out, starting with outstanding offensive lines. Marian produced four All-Mid States Football Association selections, while Keiser earned three—four if you include tight end Ben Hayes. That front has cleared the way for Marian’s Keegan LaBelle, who’s rushed for 1,296 yards and 22 touchdowns. Keiser counters with Jaden Miller, who has delivered 1,005 yards and 18 scores.
Quarterback play is strong for both programs, but their real value comes from leadership and poise. Keiser’s Shea Spencer is one of the most efficient passers in the NAIA, completing 70.2 percent of his throws for 274.8 yards per game and 24 touchdowns. Marian’s Tristan Polk has been equally steady, posting 183.8 yards per game with 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Both quarterbacks protect the football and avoid mistakes.
Spencer has a reliable trio of receivers in Elisha Edwards, Dallas Desouza, and Maurico Porcha, with Edwards leading the team with seven touchdowns. Polk’s top options are Jake Reichard and Aidan Wanner, both over 500 receiving yards, with Reichard also notching seven touchdowns.
Defensively, both teams are stout and anchored by elite linebackers. Marian’s Cade Houseman leads the Knights with 103 tackles and eight TFL, while Keiser’s Eli Bertrand has posted 68 tackles and six TFL. Up front, Keiser is powered by Tai Lologo, the Sun Conference’s top defensive line performer, while Marian’s Isaiah Street leads the Knights with 13.5 TFL and seven sacks.
In the secondary, Logan Carrington headlines Marian’s ball-hawking unit with eight interceptions, with Yassine Falke adding five more. Keiser’s Chandler Perceval leads the Seahawks with four picks and five breakups, while Malik Razz sits second on the team in tackles and leads the defense with seven pass breakups.
If there’s a notable edge between the two teams, it may come on special teams. Marian has returned three kicks for touchdowns this season; Keiser has yet to record one.
In the end, I think Keiser’s defensive line and pressure will be the difference. Marian will land some punches, but the Seahawks should be able to contain the Knights’ rushing attack. Keiser will also have its own challenges with Marian’s defense, but the Seahawks possess a few more big-play weapons—and that will be enough to move them on.
Game Broadcast Link from the Urban Edge Network
Prediction: Keiser University 31 Marian 20
*Stat images are regular season totals.
