Wayne State and Nebraska-Kearney kickoff the 2025 college football season Thursday evening as the two teams renew their in-state rivalry in a 6 p.m. contest at Bob Cunningham Field in Wayne.  This marks the first time since the 2011 season opener that the two teams have faced each other due to conference expansions.  UNK holds a 59-19-6 lead in the all-time series that began in the 1924 season.  The Lopers won the last matchup - 41-20 in Wayne on September 1, 2011 - played before a statewide television audience on Nebraska Public Television.  WSC won the prior three meetings before that including a 24-17 overtime win at #13 UNK to open the 2010 season.