During his sophomore redshirt season 2004, Wendling led the Cowboys in tackles with 89, and garnered Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. He also had a huge game against Air Force, making 11 tackles and breaking up two passes in a 43-26 victory over Air Force, eventually to be named MWC Defensive Player of the Week.
In his sophomore redshirt season of 2004, Wendling was the leading tackler for the Cowboys with 89 stops. He earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors and had a standout performance against Air Force, recording 11 tackles and intercepting two passes in a 43-26 win over the Falcons. This performance led to him being named MWC Defensive Player of the Week.