Lindenwood linebacker Jacob Waller had 17 tackles in last week’s win over Charleston Southern. (Photo: Ellie Parker)

DeMarcus Dixon
Staff Writer

For the second straight week, a Lindenwood football player has been named OVC-Big South Football Association Defensive Player of the Week.

Last week, it was senior linebacker Sanjay Strickland, who had 13 tackles, a quarterback sack, and forced a fumble. This week, the honoree is junior linebacker Jacob Waller, who played a huge part in Lindenwood’s 21-point comeback victory over Charleston Southern.

Waller, a 6-foot-1, 220-pounder from Bellevue, Iowa, had a career-high 17 tackles, including 13 solo stops, as the Lindenwood defense held Charleston Southern to just one score over the final three quarters.

Lindenwood trailed 21-0 early in the second quarter, but rallied back with five straight touchdowns to take the lead. Then, with Charleston Southern looking to tie the game late, the Lions held off the Buccaneers to get their first win of the 2025 season.

Lindenwood will host its 2025 home opener on Saturday against Stony Brook University. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

2025 LINDENWOOD LIONS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DateTimeAtOpponentLocationTVResults
August 28, 2025 (Thursday)6 pmAwaySt. ThomasSt. Paul, Minn.L 35-13 (0-1)
September 6, 2025 (Saturday)2:30 pmAwayAppalachian StateBoone, N.C.L 20-13 (0-2)
September 13, 2025 (Saturday)3 pmAwayCharleston SouthernCharleston, S.C.W 35-28 (1-2)
September 20, 2025 (Saturday)6 pmHomeStony BrookHunter Stadium
September 27, 2025 (Saturday)2:30 pmAwayMiami (OH)Oxford, Ohio
October 4, 2025 (Saturday)1 pmHomeTennessee-MartinHunter Stadium
October 18, 2025 (Saturday)1 pmHomeTennessee TechHunter Stadium
October 25, 2025 (Saturday)2 pmHomeGardner-WebbHunter Stadium
November 1, 2025 (Saturday)3:30 pmAwayTennessee StateNashville, Tenn.
November 8, 2025 (Saturday)1 pmAwayWestern IllinoisMacomb, Ill.
November 15, 2025 (Saturday)2 pmHomeEastern IllinoisHunter Stadium
November 22, 2025 (Saturday)1 pmAwaySoutheast Missouri StateCape Girardeau, Mo.