Keiser to Play Must-Win Finale Against Warner

Keiser University's football team faces Warner in its season finale, with its NAIA playoff streak on the line.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football

Keiser to Play Must-Win Finale Against Warner

Keiser University football, 6-3 and ranked 15th nationally, faces Warner in a must-win season finale this weekend. A loss could end the program's streak of NAIA playoff appearances, which dates to 2019.

Why it matters

Only the top 15 teams are guaranteed a spot in the NAIA Playoffs, so a loss could push Keiser out of the top 15 and end a streak of playoff berths. The result will determine whether the program continues its run of four consecutive NAIA title game appearances.

Keiser's record stands at 6-3 and its ranking at 15th, while only the top 15 teams are guaranteed NAIA playoff berths. The Warner result and resulting ranking remain undetermined.

The players

Keiser University

A private university in West Palm Beach, Florida, whose football program competes in the NAIA and has built a strong postseason record in recent years.

Warner University

A private Christian university in Lake Wales, Florida, whose football team serves as Keiser's season finale opponent.

JT Tabora

A sophomore quarterback who has become Keiser's starter this season after two years as a backup.

The details

Keiser University, based in West Palm Beach, Fla., has reached the NAIA football playoffs every season since 2019 and the NAIA title game in each of the last four years. Sophomore quarterback JT Tabora, who has served as starter this season after two years as a backup, has passed for 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games.

Since 2019: Keiser has made the NAIA football playoffs every season.
Saturday: Keiser suffered a loss.
This weekend: Season finale against Warner, with the playoff streak at stake.

Season Trajectory

Keiser's postseason run began under former quarterback Shea Spencer, who led the team to two straight national title appearances. This weekend's finale tests whether the program can sustain that trajectory with Tabora under center.

A loss would likely drop Keiser out of the top 15 and end its guaranteed playoff berth, affecting fantasy and postseason planning for followers of the program. A win keeps the streak alive and preserves its standing among the nation's best NAIA teams.

The takeaway

Keiser's playoff future now rests on a single game, and the result will show whether a new starting quarterback can carry the program through a demanding finish.