Lebanon, IL - McKendree quarterback
Ty Michael has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week after piloting a 96-yard, last-minute drive and throwing for 425 yards and two touchdowns in the Bearcats' 26-24 win at Southwest Baptist. He finished 34-for-54 with no sacks taken, capping the day with a five-yard touchdown to
Eddie Clark with nine seconds left. His 425 yards set the single-game program record as well (since 1996).
Michael's rhythm showed up in how widely he distributed the ball.
Jaylen Ford caught seven passes for 113 yards to pace the group, while
David Richard hauled in eight catches for 101 yards.
Daryle Jones Jr. added eight receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown, and Clark contributed five catches for 48 yards and the game-winner. McKendree converted 9 of 18 on third down and finished 4-for-4 in the red zone, with Michael's timing and pocket management neutralizing SBU's pass rush.
The signature moment came with the game on the line. Trailing 24-20 inside of two minutes, Michael opened the march with chunk gains, pushed the Bearcats across midfield, and punctuated the nine-play, 96-yard drive with the swing pass to Clark - an answer that swung Homecoming on the road and puncuated a performance defined by poise.
Saturday's output also stamped Michael's name across McKendree's season ledger. The 34 completions, 54 attempts, and 425 passing yards all stand as single-game team highs for 2025, underscoring a vertical attack that continues to trend upward as GLVC play heats up.
The weekly honor is the second GLVC Offensive Player of the Week of Michael's career; he previously earned the award on October 21st, 2024, following a 400-yard day against nationally-ranked UIndy.
McKendree improved its conference footing behind Michael's command of the two-minute drill and a receiving corps that won at every level of the field. With momentum in hand and the passing game humming, the Bearcats turn their focus to the next GLVC test, a home battle against Missouri S&T. The game kicks off from Leemon Field on Saturday, October 18th at 1:00 PM.
