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Sam Houston Bearkats football
2025 Sam Houston Bearkats football team
First season1912; 113 years ago
Athletic directorBobby Williams
Head coachPhil Longo
1st season, 2–8 (.200)
StadiumBowers Stadium
(capacity: 14,000)
LocationHuntsville, Texas
NCAA divisionDivision I FBS
ConferenceConference USA
All-time record574–497–36 (.535)
Bowl record3–1–1 (.700)
Claimed national titles
2
(NAIA): 1964
(Div. I FCS): 2020
Conference titles
15
RivalriesStephen F. Austin (rivalry)
Texas State (rivalry)
ColorsOrange and white[1]
   
Fight songBearkat Fight Song
MascotSammy Bearkat
Marching bandBearkat Marching Band
OutfitterUnder Armour
WebsiteGoBearkats.com

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program is the intercollegiate American football team for Sam Houston State University located in the U.S. state of Texas. The team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Conference USA. Sam Houston's first football team was fielded in 1912. The team plays its home games at the 14,000-seat Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. On December 18, 2024, Phil Longo was named the 16th head coach in Sam Houston program history.[2]

In July 2021, the Bearkats left the Southland Conference to join the Western Athletic Conference, which relaunched its football league at the FCS level at that time.[3] Just a few months later, on November 5, 2021, the school accepted an invitation to join Conference USA at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level beginning in the 2023–24 season.[4]

History

[edit]

Sam Houston has fielded a football team since 1912 and have played continuously since 1946 following World War II. The only times the Bearkats did not field a football team were in 1918 for World War I, from 1943 to 1945 for World War II, and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (although they did get a make-up season in the spring of 2021). The Bearkats competed independently from 1912 through 1923, in the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association (TIAA) from 1924 to 1931, in the Lone Star Conference from 1932 to 1984, in the Gulf Star Conference from 1982 to 1985 and in the Southland Conference from 1986 to 2021. In July 2021, The Bearkats left the Southland Conference to join the Western Athletic Conference, which relaunched its football league at the FCS level at that time.[3] Just a few months later, on November 5, 2021, the school accepted an invitation to join FBS Conference USA beginning in the 2023–24 season.[4]

The Bearkats won their first FCS National Championship in the 2020–21 college football season, beating South Dakota State 23–21.[5]

The Bearkats have 15 conference championships, and have seen postseason NCAA playoff action in 13 seasons, with back-to-back NCAA Division I Championship game appearances in 2011–2012.[6] Sam Houston State also has 3 bowl victories in four games, and one claimed National Championship from NAIA in the 1964 season.[7]

Head coaches

[edit]

Ron Randleman is Sam Houston's and the Southland Conference's all-time winningest coach with 131 wins over a span of 23 years. Randleman also won conference Coach of the Year honors on four occasions, in the Gulf Star Conference in 1985 and 1986, and in the Southland Conference in 1991, and 2001.[8]

Paul Pierce coached the Bearkats to its only National Championship as a member of NAIA, and also won the 1965 Knute Rockne Little All-American Coach of the Year award.[9]

Willie Fritz coached Sam Houston to back-to-back conference championships and back-to-back national title game appearances in only three years, while being awarded the 2011 AFCA National Coach of the Year award and the 2012 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award. He was also named the 2012 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year.[10][11][12][13]

On January 23, 2014, former Delaware head coach K. C. Keeler was named the 15th head coach in Sam Houston program history. Under Keeler, Sam Houston consistently made deep runs in the FCS playoffs, making appearances every year from 2014-2017 and claimed the ultimate prize winning the FCS National Championship in 2020 (played in Spring 2021).

Keeler finished with a record of 97-39, winning four conference titles in his 11 seasons as head coach. The winner of the 2016 Eddie Robinson Award, as a Bearkat, Keeler became both the all-time FCS playoffs wins leader and the only coach to win an FCS title with two different schools. [14]

Name From To Season(s) Record Postseason
W L T
S. R. Warner 1912 1913 2 5 3 1
Gene Berry 1914 1919 6 14 15 1
Mutt Gee 1920 1922 3 6 7 4
J. W. Jones 1923 1935 13 54 52 10 1930 Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions
Henry O. Crawford 1936 1937 2 7 12 0
Puny Wilson 1937 1951 15 50 49 6
Paul Pierce 1952 1967 16 94 52 7 1955 Lone Star Conference co-champions, 1956 LSC champions, 1964 LSC, NAIA National co-champions, 3 bowl wins in 4 appearances
Tom Page 1968 1971 4 20 19 3
Allen Boren 1972 1973 2 7 14 0
Billy Tidwell 1974 1977 4 11 30 1
Melvin Brown 1978 1981 4 12 29 0
Ron Randleman 1982 2004 23 131 125 3 1985 Gulf Star Conference co-champions, 1986 GSC champions, 2001 Southland Conference co-champions, 2004 SLC co-champions
Todd Whitten 2005 2009 5 25 28 0
Willie Fritz 2010 2014 5 40 15 0 2011 SLC champions, 2011 NCAA Division I Finalist, 2012 SLC co-champions 2012 NCAA Division I Finalist
K. C. Keeler 2014 2024 11 97 39 0 2014 SLC co-champions, 2014 NCAA Division I Semifinalist, 2015 NCAA Division I Semifinalist, 2016 SLC champions, 2016 NCAA Division I Quarterfinalist, 2017 NCAA Division I Semifinalist, 2020 SLC champions, 2020 NCAA Division I National Champions, 2021 WAC champions, 2021 NCAA Division I Quarterfinalist
Brad Cornelsen† 2024 1 1 0 0 2024 New Orleans Bowl Champions
Composite record 1912 present 114 573 489 36

† Interim head coach

Championships

[edit]

National championships

[edit]

Sam Houston has two national championships, with one during their tenure in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the other coming in FCS. In their NAIA championship game, they played Concordia Cobbers for the championship, with the game resulting in a tie,[15] becoming co-champions with Moorhead.[16] In their third FCS championship game, they defeated South Dakota State to win their first FCS national championship.

Season Coach Selector Record Result Opponent
1964 Paul Pierce National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 9–1–1 T 7–7 Concordia College
2020 K. C. Keeler NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision 10–0 W 23–21 South Dakota State

Conference championships

[edit]

Sam Houston has won 15 conference titles, seven shared and eight outright.

Year Conference Coach Overall Record Conference Record
1930 Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association J. W. Jones 9–1 5–0
1955† Lone Star Conference Paul Pierce 6–1–2 5–1–1
1956 10–0 7–0
1961 8–1 7–0
1964†* 9–1–1 5–1
1985† Gulf Star Conference Ron Randleman 8–3 4–1
1986 9–3 4–1
2001† Southland Conference 10–3 5–1
2004† 8–3 4–1
2011 Willie Fritz 14–1 7–0
2012† 11–4 6–1
2014† K. C. Keeler 11–5 7–1
2016 12–1 9–0
2020 10–0 6–0
2021 Western Athletic Conference 11–1 5–0

† Denotes shared title.[17]

Conference affiliations

Bowl game appearances

[edit]

Sam Houston appeared in five bowl games during their time in the NAIA, going 3–0–1 in these bowl games, with the final one notably being for the NAIA championship. Since joining Division I FBS, the Bearkats have been invited to one bowl game.

Season Bowl Opponent Result
1952 Shrimp Bowl† Northeastern State (OK) W 41–20
1953 Refrigerator Bowl† College of Idaho W 14–12
1956 Refrigerator Bowl† Middle Tennessee State W 27–13
1958 Christmas Festival Bowl† Northwestern State L 11–18
1964 Championship Bowl† Concordia College T 7–7
2024 New Orleans Bowl Georgia Southern W 31–26

† non-Division I bowl game

Playoff appearances

[edit]

NCAA Division I-AA/FCS

[edit]

The Bearkats have appeared in the I-AA/FCS playoffs 13 times with an overall record of 24–12. They were NCAA Division I National Champions in 2020.

Year Round Opponent Result
1986 First Round Arkansas State L 7–48
1991 First Round Middle Tennessee State L 19–20 OT
2001 First Round
Quarterfinals		 Northern Arizona
Montana		 W 34–31
L 24–49
2004 First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Western Kentucky
Eastern Washington
Montana		 W 54–21
W 35–34
L 13–34
2011 Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship Game		 Stony Brook
Montana State
Montana
North Dakota State		 W 34–27
W 49–13
W 31–28
L 6–17
2012 Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship Game		 Cal Poly
Montana State
Eastern Washington
North Dakota State		 W 18–16
W 34–16
W 45–42
L 13–39
2013 First Round
Second Round		 Southern Utah
Southeastern Louisiana		 W 51–20
L 29–30
2014 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Southeastern Louisiana
Jacksonville State
Villanova
North Dakota State		 W 21–17
W 37–26
W 34–31
L 3–35
2015 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Southern Utah
McNeese State
Colgate
Jacksonville State		 W 42–39
W 34–29
W 48–21
L 10–62
2016 Second Round
Quarterfinals		 Chattanooga
James Madison		 W 41–36
L 7–65
2017 Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 South Dakota
Kennesaw State
North Dakota State		 W 54–42
W 34–27
L 13–55
2020 First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship Game		 Monmouth
North Dakota State
James Madison
South Dakota State		 W 21–15
W 24–20
W 38–35
W 23–21
2021 Second Round
Quarterfinals		 Incarnate Word
Montana State		 W 49–42
L 19–42

NAIA

[edit]

The Bearkats appeared in the NAIA playoffs one time, with a combined record of 1–0–1.

Year Round Opponent Result
1964 Semifinals
National Championship 		Findlay
Concordia–Moorhead 		W, 32–12
T, 7–7

Home stadiums

[edit]
Main article: Bowers Stadium

Pritchett Field (1912–1985)

[edit]

The Bearkats' home for football was on Pritchett Field for 73 years (1912–1985) beginning with their first football game against Rice University in 1912. The field was named after Joseph Pritchett, brother of the university's fourth president Henry Carr Pritchett, and former owner of the land the field rests on.

The final football game played on Pritchett Field was a victory for the Bearkats with a score of 51–7, defeating Washburn University. Sam Houston Football began playing games at Bowers Stadium following the 1985 season. The complex is currently home to Sam Houston Women's Soccer and Club Lacrosse.[18]

On April 18, 2013,[19] football was played on Pritchett Field for the first time since 1985 for the annual Orange-White spring game. The event also included the presentation of the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award to head coach Willie Fritz.[12]

Bowers Stadium (1986–present)

[edit]
Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Home of the Sam Houston Bearkats football team.

Bowers Stadium, formerly Bearkat Stadium (1986–1989), is currently home to both Sam Houston Football and the Track and Field programs beginning with the 1986 season. Bowers Stadium has a capacity of 14,000. However, 16,148 fans packed Bowers Stadium in 1994 to watch Alcorn State led by NFL bound quarterback Steve McNair in a 48–23 SAM HOUSTON victory on regional ABC-TV.[20][21]

Shell Energy Stadium (2025)

[edit]

Due to renovations at Bowers Stadium, specifically the construction of a new press box, the Bearkats are playing their 2025 home games at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, home of Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo FC and the National Women's Soccer League's Houston Dash. Going into the 2025 season, the Bearkats had played 47 games in Houston, although only one had been at the venue now known as Shell Energy Stadium. According to the Sam Houston athletic administration, the temporary move "allows Sam Houston Athletics to offer expanded fan amenities and a full gameday experience which would not be possible in a reduced-capacity Bowers Stadium during the renovation process."[22]

Rivalries

[edit]

Stephen F. Austin

[edit]
Main article: Battle of the Piney Woods

The Sam Houston/Stephen F. Austin rivalry game, also known as the Battle of the Piney Woods, is a yearly rivalry held at NRG Stadium in Houston. The two teams have met 91 times with Sam Houston leading the series 60–34–2. The Battle of the Piney Woods is Texas' second longest FCS rivalry. The most recent meeting ending with the Bearkats defeating the Lumberjacks 21–20 and clinching their 10th win in a row. However, the rivalry is now in question as Sam Houston left the Western Athletic Conference for Conference USA in 2023.

Texas State

[edit]

Sam Houston's second longest rivalry (dating back to 1915) is Texas State University. The two teams held annual rivalry games in mainly football and basketball with Texas State boasting a 50–37–5 record in football (last game in 2011) and a 64–51 record in men's basketball (last game in 2012). The two universities are in the same university system (sharing many similarities) and competed in the same athletic conferences until Texas State left the Southland Conference for the Western Athletic Conference in 2012, eventually ending up in the Sun Belt Conference only a year later in 2013. The football rivalry has since been renewed beginning in the 2024 season.

Notable former players

[edit]

Bearkats in the National Football League

[edit]

Sam Houston has had 30 alumni play in the National Football League, with 21 players selected in the Draft.[23][24] During the 2018 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders selected defensive lineman P. J. Hall in the second round. This represents the highest a Bearkat player has been drafted by an NFL team.

Individual awards

[edit]

National awards

[edit]

Sam Houston has had a total of 96 players selected into the College Football All-America Team, including 66 NCAA All-Americans and 30 NAIA All-Americans. A number of these players have also been considered for major national awards.[25] In 2016, quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe became the first Bearkat to win the Payton Award. In 2017 he became the first Bearkat to win two Payton Awards and only the second FCS player to win multiple Payton Awards after former Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards became the first in 2009.

Major honors

Conference awards

[edit]

Sam Houston has had 750 All-Conference selections and honorable mentions, including 15 in Conference USA, 28 in the Western Athletic Conference, 433 in the Southland Conference, 27 in the Gulf Star Conference, 239 in the Lone Star Conference, and 8 in the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association.[26]

Individual program records

[edit]

Rushing records

[edit]
  • Most rushing attempts, career: 999, Timothy Flanders (2010–2013)
  • Most rushing attempts, season: 298, Timothy Flanders (2011)
  • Most rushing attempts, game: 39, Charles Harris vs North Texas (1993)
  • Most rushing yards, career: 5,664, Timothy Flanders (2010–2013)
  • Most rushing yards, season: 1,644, Timothy Flanders (2011)
  • Most rushing yards, game: 287, Timothy Flanders vs Montana (2011)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, career: 66, Timothy Flanders (2010–2013)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, season: 22, Timothy Flanders (2011)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, game: 5, Timothy Flanders (September 20, 2011, vs. New Mexico)
  • Longest rush from scrimmage: 90 yards, Charles Harris vs Rice (1993), Arthur Louis vs SFA (1978), Dennis Gann vs Texas A&I (1966)
  • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, career: 30, Timothy Flanders (2010–2013)
  • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, season: 10, Timothy Flanders (2012)
  • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, career: 2, Charles Harris (1993), D. D. Terry (2006), Timothy Flanders (2011–2012)
  • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, season: 2, Charles Harris (1993, D. D. Terry (2006)[27]

Passing records

[edit]
  • Most passing attempts, career: 1,328, Jeremiah Briscoe (2015–17)
  • Most passing attempts, season: 579, Jeremiah Briscoe (2017)
  • Most passing attempts, game: 69, Rhett Bomar vs Southeastern Louisiana (2008)
  • Most passing completions, career: 1,328, Jeremiah Briscoe (2015–17)
  • Most passing completions, season: 333, Dustin Long (2004)
  • Most passing completions, game: 38, Dustin Long vs Eastern Washington at FCS Quarterfinals (2004)
  • Most passing yards, career: 11,488, Jeremiah Briscoe (2015–17)
  • Most passing yards, season: 5,003, Jeremiah Briscoe (2004)
  • Most passing yards, game: 577, Dustin Long vs McNeese State (2004)
  • Most passing touchdowns, career: 116, Jeremiah Briscoe (2015–17)
  • Most passing touchdowns, season: 57, Jeremiah Briscoe (2016)
  • Most passing touchdowns, game: 7, Jeremiah Briscoe (2016)
  • Longest pass completion: 99 yards, Binky Ford to Frankie Reescano vs Howard Payne University (1980)
  • Most games with at least 300 passing yards, season: 11, Jeremiah Briscoe (2016)
  • Most Victories as a Starting Quarterback: 39, Brian Bell (2010–2013)[28]

Receiving records

[edit]
  • Most receptions, career: 294, Yedidiah Louis (2014–2017)
  • Most receptions, season: 99, Jarrod Fuller (2004)
  • Most receptions, game: 13, Four Times: Jason Mathenia (2004), Torrance Williams (2013), Davion Davis (2017, 2018)
  • Most receiving yards, career: 3,942, Yedidiah Louis (2014–2017)
  • Most receiving yards, season: 1,648, Nathan Stewart (2017)
  • Most receiving yards, game: 268, Nathan Stewart vs McNeese (2016)
  • Most touchdown receptions, career: 40, Davion Davis (2015–2018)
  • Most touchdown receptions, season: 18, Jonathon Cooper (2001)
  • Most touchdown receptions, game: 4, Matt Dominguez vs Nicholls State (1999)
  • Longest pass reception: 97 yards, Frankie Reescano from Blinky Ford vs Howard Payne (1980)
  • Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, career: 16, Nathan Stewart (2016–2019)[29]

Defensive records

[edit]
  • Most tackles, career: 538, Stan Blinka (1975–1978)
  • Most tackles, season: 211, Stan Blinka (1978)
  • Most tackles, game: 24, Stan Blinka (1978 vs Stephen F. Austin)
  • Most sacks, career: 42, P. J. Hall (2014–2017)
  • Most sacks, season: 15, Andre Finley (1988)
  • Most sacks, game: 4, Michael Bankston (1991 vs Angelo State), Will Henry (2010 vs Nicholls State)
  • Most interceptions, career: 14, Daxton Swanson (2009–2012)
  • Most interceptions, season: 8, Daxton Swanson (2011)
  • Most interceptions, game: 3, Charles Stanley vs. Howard Payne (1977), Mark Hughes vs. McNeese State (2004)[30]

Future non-conference opponents

[edit]

Future non-conference opponents announced as of July 1, 2025.[31]

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2033
UNLV at Troy at Louisiana–Monroe at Colorado State Troy Georgia Southern at Tulsa at UNLV
at Hawaii Tulsa Colorado State at Houston at Georgia Southern Oregon State
at Texas Nicholls at TCU Louisiana–Monroe
at Oregon State at Texas Tech

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sam Houston Bearkats football

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Sam Houston Bearkats football team represents in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition as a member of . Established in as part of the then-Sam Houston Normal Institute, the program has competed continuously since 1946 following a hiatus during . Over its history, the Bearkats have achieved significant success, including co-national championships in the NAIA in 1964—secured via a 7–7 tie against Concordia (Minnesota) in the title game—and the NCAA Division I FCS in 2020, when they defeated South Dakota State 23–21 on a last-second touchdown pass. The program transitioned through various levels, moving from NAIA to NCAA Division II in 1982 and to Division I FCS in 1986, where it joined the Southland Conference in 1987 and won multiple titles, including outright championships in 2001, 2004, and 2011. After the university's non-football sports departed the Southland Conference for the Western Athletic Conference in 2021, the Bearkats football team remained in the Southland through 2022 before elevating to FBS status in 2023 upon joining Conference USA. In their FBS era, the Bearkats have posted a 13–12 overall record through the 2024 season, including a 3–9 debut campaign in 2023 and a 10–3 mark in 2024 (with a bowl victory) that featured a historic upset victory over the defending conference champion Liberty Flames. The team plays home games at in , , during the 2025 season while Elliott T. Bowers Stadium undergoes renovations, and is led by head coach as of 2025.

History

Inception and early years (1912–1983)

The Sam Houston State University football program, known as the Bearkats, traces its origins to 1912 when the institution, then called Sam Houston Normal Institute, fielded its inaugural team. The program was established the previous year by students interested in intercollegiate athletics, with biology instructor Dr. S. R. Warner serving as the volunteer for the first two seasons. The inaugural game occurred on October 6, 1912, at Pritchett Field in , where the Normals fell 20–6 to Rice Institute in the first football contest for both schools. Under Warner's guidance, the team compiled a 2–2 record in 1912 and improved to 3–1–1 in 1913, posting an overall mark of 5–3–1 during his tenure. Pritchett Field, originally developed around 1910 for and other activities, became the program's foundational home venue, hosting early games amid modest facilities that evolved with stone added in the 1930s. Throughout the early decades, the program navigated its identity as a teacher-training institution, competing primarily as an independent before joining the in 1931. Success was sporadic, with notable stability under coaches like J. W. Jones (1923–1935, 54–53–10) and T. F. "Puny" Wilson (1938–1951, 50–49–6), though halted operations from 1943 to 1945 due to player enlistments and resource shortages, marking the program's longest interruption after a similar pause in 1918 during . Postwar resumption in 1946 saw continued regional competition, with the team earning recognition in the NAIA during the 1950s as part of the , an NAIA-affiliated league. A highlight came in 1956 under coach , when the Bearkats achieved their first undefeated season at 10–0, claiming the title and underscoring the program's growing competitiveness at the NAIA level. By 1983, after 71 seasons of play (accounting for wartime gaps), the Bearkats had amassed an overall record of approximately 287–298–33, reflecting a foundation of resilience amid evolving institutional status from to state teachers college and university. Pritchett Field remained central to this era, hosting generations of home games until its phase-out for football in 1985, symbolizing the program's development before broader national transitions.

FCS era and national success (1984–2023)

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program transitioned to NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) competition in 1986, following a period in Division II, and initially competed in the Gulf Star Conference. This move marked a significant elevation for the program, allowing it to compete against higher-level opponents and build toward sustained success. In 1987, the Bearkats joined the , where they established themselves as a consistent contender, amassing an all-time conference record of 233–166–3 through 2023. Under long-time head coach Ron Randleman, who led the team from 1982 to 2004, the Bearkats captured championships in 2001 and 2004. Subsequent coaches built on this success, with guiding the team to titles in 2011 and 2012, and K.C. Keeler securing championships in 2014, 2016, and 2020, for a total of seven in the conference. The program made 13 FCS playoff appearances between 1986 and 2021, showcasing their national competitiveness with deep postseason runs, such as reaching the semifinals or further in several seasons. Notable examples include the 2001 campaign, where they advanced to the quarterfinals, and the 2011 season, finishing 14–1 and as national runners-up after a loss to North Dakota State in the championship game. These achievements were bolstered by consistent top-25 rankings in national polls, with the Bearkats appearing in the STATS FCS poll for much of the 2010s and early 2020s. The pinnacle of the FCS era came in the 2020 season, played amid the COVID-19 pandemic and concluding in spring 2021, when the Bearkats went undefeated at 13–0 overall (10–0 regular season) to claim their first national championship. Seeded No. 2 in the playoffs, they defeated North Dakota 24–20 in the quarterfinals, staged a dramatic 38–35 comeback from a 24–3 halftime deficit against James Madison in the semifinals—scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half—and edged No. 1 South Dakota State 23–21 in the title game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on a 10-yard touchdown pass with 16 seconds remaining. Head coach K.C. Keeler, who took over in 2014 and compiled a 97–39 record through 2023, orchestrated this triumph, building on prior successes like the 2016 (12–1) and 2017 (12–2) seasons that included playoff quarterfinal appearances. Keeler's tenure also featured the 2021 fall season's 12–2 mark, with an 11–1 regular season and a second-round playoff win before a quarterfinal exit. His leadership emphasized defensive prowess and explosive offenses, contributing to the program's reputation as an FCS powerhouse.

FBS transition and Conference USA era (2024–present)

In January 2021, Sam Houston State University announced its departure from the Southland Conference to transition to NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) play as part of a partnership with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Shortly thereafter, on November 5, 2021, the Bearkats accepted an invitation to join Conference USA (C-USA), with official membership taking effect on July 1, 2023, marking the completion of a two-year reclassification period that began after their final FCS season in 2022. This move elevated the program to full FBS status, subjecting it to heightened recruiting demands, larger scholarship limits, and a more competitive schedule against established Division I teams. The 2024 season represented the Bearkats' full entry into C-USA competition, resulting in a 10–3 overall record (6–2 in conference play), including a 9–3 under K.C. Keeler. The team achieved and secured its first-ever FBS postseason victory, defeating Georgia Southern 31–26 in the R+L Carriers on in New Orleans. An interim coaching period followed Keeler's departure late in the season, with Brad Cornelsen guiding the team through the bowl preparation. The campaign highlighted the adjustment to FBS rigor, including roster instability as players navigated transfer portal opportunities amid the program's upward mobility. In December 2024, following the interim arrangement, hired as its 16th head football coach, leveraging his prior experience as an at programs like and to rebuild the squad. The 2025 season has proven even more arduous, with the Bearkats posting a 2–8 record (1–5 in C-USA) as of November 19, 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges such as substantial roster turnover—over 30 departures via the transfer portal—increased athletic and academic demands of FBS competition, and the absence of postseason eligibility during the initial transition years, though full access was granted starting in 2025. Home games have been contested at Houston's owing to a comprehensive renovation of , which has disrupted fan familiarity and logistics while aiming to modernize facilities for future FBS sustainability. These hurdles underscore the Bearkats' adaptation to a higher competitive tier, contrasting their prior FCS successes with the steeper path to FBS relevance.

Conference affiliations

Southland Conference membership (1987–2023)

Sam Houston State University joined the in 1987, aligning its football program with the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a full member institution. This move integrated the Bearkats into a regional conference emphasizing competitive scheduling among Texas and Louisiana schools, requiring participation in an eight-game conference slate each season alongside non-conference opponents. The affiliation provided stability and opportunities for postseason contention within the FCS structure, where the Southland is recognized for its strong football tradition. Over 36 years in the , the Bearkats won 8 Southland football championships (1991, 2001, 2004, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2020), solidifying their role as a dominant force and elevating the league's national profile through consistent playoff success. Their achievements included multiple automatic bids to the FCS playoffs and a share of the conference's prestige, as often led in wins and All-Conference honors during peak eras under coaches like and K.C. Keeler. The program captured the in the 2020 season (played in spring 2021), capping a perfect 6-0 conference season and underscoring the Southland's capacity to produce title contenders. Key intra-conference rivalries defined the Bearkats' experience, particularly the Battle of the Piney Woods against , an annual matchup since 1923 that has featured intense competition across multiple conferences, with leading the all-time series 55-41-3 as of 2022. Games against Nicholls State also became staples, fostering regional intensity with the Bearkats holding a 22-11 advantage in the series through regular scheduling. These rivalries not only boosted attendance and media interest but also shaped conference dynamics, often influencing divisional standings and playoff seeding. The Bearkats' departure from the Southland was announced on January 14, 2021, as part of a broader shift to the for non-football sports, motivated by long-term goals to elevate to FBS competition and expand facilities and resources. Football remained a Southland affiliate through the 2022 season to honor scheduling commitments, marking the program's final year in the league with a 5-4 overall record and no postseason berth. This transition paved the way for full FBS membership in starting in 2023.

Conference USA membership (2024–present)

Sam Houston State University joined as a full member for the 2024 football season, marking the program's entry into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) after a successful tenure in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Bearkats' transition adhered to NCAA reclassification protocols, which included a two-year period of postseason ineligibility during their shift from FCS to FBS beginning in 2022; by 2024, they gained full eligibility for conference championships and bowl games without needing additional waivers. This move positioned Sam Houston among recent FCS-to-FBS transitions, emphasizing increased competition and national exposure in a conference. Conference USA operated with 10 football-playing members in 2024—Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, , Louisiana Tech, , New Mexico State, , UTEP, and Western Kentucky—after abolishing East and West divisions in prior realignments to streamline scheduling. Each team played an eight-game conference schedule, with no divisional champions; the conference title was determined by overall conference record, and relied heavily on non-conference matchups against power-conference or independent opponents. In 2025, the conference expanded to 12 teams with the addition of and Missouri State, further enhancing its footprint in the Southeast and Midwest while maintaining the divisionless format. The Bearkats posted a 6–2 conference record in 2024 under head coach K.C. Keeler, finishing third in and securing in their FBS debut season with an overall mark of 10–3. This performance highlighted an initial adjustment to the faster pace and physicality of FBS play, building on their prior FCS achievements in the . In December 2024, K.C. Keeler departed for , and was hired as the new . Due to renovations at , the 2025 home games are played at in , . As of November 19, 2025, under first-year , Sam Houston stands at 2–8 overall and 1–5 in conference play, underscoring ongoing challenges in adapting to the elevated tempo and roster depth required at the FBS level. Looking ahead, Conference USA's stability remains vulnerable to broader realignment trends, with potentially at risk of poaching by conferences like the Mountain West seeking Texas-based expansion to bolster regional rivalries and media markets. Such shifts could impact the Bearkats' competitive positioning, as the conference continues to integrate new members amid the evolving landscape.

Home stadiums

Pritchett Field (1912–1985)

Pritchett Field, located on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, served as the original home venue for the Bearkats football program from its inception through the mid-1980s. Named in honor of Joseph Pritchett, a longtime professor and Dean of Men at the university, the field was christened around 1910 on land previously owned by Pritchett's family. Initial facilities included basic wooden stands, which were later enhanced with stone bleachers constructed on both the east and west sides by the Work Progress Administration during the 1930s as part of New Deal-era improvements. Further modifications occurred in 1967, when the east-side stone bleachers were removed and replaced with new seating structures to accommodate growing crowds. The field hosted its first official football game on October 6, 1912, when the Sam Houston Normal Institute team, nicknamed the Normals, fell to Rice Institute 20-6 in a matchup that marked the program's debut on campus soil. Over the ensuing decades, Pritchett Field became the central stage for the program's formative years, hosting numerous contests during the independent and later NAIA eras, including key victories and defeats that built the team's identity. It was particularly significant for early rivalries, such as the inaugural meetings in the Battle of the Piney Woods series against beginning in 1923 and the Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) series starting in 1915, both of which drew passionate local crowds and fostered regional competition. By the mid-20th century, Pritchett Field had evolved into a of the Bearkats' grassroots beginnings, supporting the program's transition through various affiliations and hosting NAIA playoff games that highlighted the team's competitive spirit before the shift to . The venue's intimate setting allowed for strong , with attendance reflecting the university's growth from a small to a burgeoning . The final Bearkats football at Pritchett occurred on October 26, 1985, a decisive 51-7 victory over Washburn University of , capping 73 seasons of on-field action. Following the 1985 season, the field was phased out for varsity football as the program moved to the newly constructed in 1986, marking the end of Pritchett's role in major college athletics. Demolition of remaining football-era structures, including , proceeded in phases, with the site repurposed for club sports, intramurals, and a quarter-mile track by the late . Today, Pritchett Field endures as a legacy emblem of the Bearkats' roots, embodying the perseverance and community ties that defined the program's early development.

Bowers Stadium (1986–2024)

Elliott T. Bowers Stadium opened on September 13, 1986, serving as the new home for the Sam Houston Bearkats football team after the transition from Pritchett Field. Originally named Bearkat Stadium, it debuted with a 23-6 victory over Montana State in its inaugural game, marking the beginning of an era of enhanced facilities that supported the program's rise in NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) competition. The stadium was designed with an initial of approximately 12,000, providing a significant upgrade in spectator amenities and field infrastructure compared to previous venues. In 1989, the facility was renamed Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in honor of Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, the university's president from 1969 to 1989, recognizing his contributions to the institution's growth. Over the subsequent decades, the stadium underwent several expansions and renovations to accommodate growing attendance and modern standards. By 2014, its capacity had increased to 12,593 seats through phased additions to the grandstands and support areas. Further developments brought the total to 14,000 by the mid-2010s, enabling larger crowds for high-stakes FCS playoff games during the Bearkats' dominant period. The 2000s saw key upgrades, including the installation of an AstroTurf surface in 2007 to improve playing conditions and durability for the football and track programs. This synthetic turf replaced natural grass, aligning with trends in for reduced maintenance and consistent playability. The hosted numerous memorable , including the record attendance of 16,148 during a 1995 victory over Alcorn State, which remains the largest crowd in its history. Notable playoff atmospheres included the 2011 FCS semifinal against , drawing 12,367 fans as the Bearkats advanced to the national title game. Bowers Stadium played a central role in the program's 2021 FCS season, hosting home playoff victories and serving as the site for team celebrations following the title win. The venue's intimate setting and passionate fan base contributed to the Bearkats' 14-1 record that year, with sellout crowds underscoring the community's support during the playoff run. Following the 2024 season, the stadium entered a temporary closure for extensive renovations, including a new and premium seating, prompting the relocation of home games for 2025. These improvements aim to elevate the facility for the program's FBS era in .

Shell Energy Stadium (2025–present)

, located in , , serves as the temporary home venue for the Sam Houston Bearkats football team during the 2025 season while undergoes major renovations. The stadium, primarily known as the home of Major League Soccer's and the , features a natural grass surface and a seating capacity of 22,000, marking its first use for games in 2025. This move allows the Bearkats to continue their FBS schedule in without interruption, contrasting with the on-campus 's traditional role since 1986. The Bearkats' 2025 home slate at includes key matchups such as the season opener against UNLV on August 29 (L 38–21), a conference game against Jacksonville State on October 9 (L 29–27), a conference game against UTEP on October 15 (L 35–17), and a conference game against on November 15 (W 26–23), with one remaining home game against FIU on November 29. Logistically, the venue presents challenges for the team based in Huntsville, approximately 70 miles north, requiring about an hour's drive each way for practices, games, and team activities, which head coach described as a "major travel challenge" amid an already demanding road-heavy . Attendance at Shell Energy Stadium has been modest, reflecting the transitional nature of the arrangement and the team's season record of 2–8 as of November 19, 2025, with reported figures including 5,837 for the UNLV game, 5,419 for the Jacksonville State contest, 4,657 for the UTEP game, and 3,713 for the Delaware game. The professional-grade facilities, including expanded fan amenities and a comprehensive gameday experience, have provided an elevated atmosphere compared to prior venues, potentially enhancing visibility for recruitment efforts in the Houston metropolitan area. The Bearkats are scheduled to return to a renovated Bowers Stadium for the 2026 season, following completion of the $60 million project that includes upgraded seating and press facilities.

Championships

National championships

The Sam Houston State Bearkats football program secured its sole NCAA-recognized in the 2020–21 Subdivision (FCS) season, culminating in a 23–21 victory over top-seeded South Dakota State on May 16, 2021, at Toyota Stadium in . Under head coach K.C. Keeler, the Bearkats completed an undefeated 15–0 campaign, marking the program's first national title at the FCS level and highlighting a dominant defensive performance that limited opponents to an average of 17.7 points per game throughout the season. The championship game featured a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, with Eric Schmid connecting with Ife Adeyi on a 10-yard pass with 16 seconds remaining to secure the win, underscoring the team's resilience after the season was postponed from fall 2020 due to the . This triumph represented a significant milestone for the , as it was the first FCS national championship for any member since McNeese State's victory in 1979. The Bearkats' success elevated the program's profile, earning widespread recognition for their balanced offense led by Schmid, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, and a stout defense anchored by All-American linebacker Jesula Zvinavashe. The victory also avenged prior near-misses, as had reached FCS title games in 2011 and 2012 but fell short both times, solidifying Keeler's legacy with his seventh season at the helm. Prior to the NCAA era, the Bearkats claimed a co-national championship in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1964, tying Concordia College (Minnesota) 7–7 in the title game held in Augusta, Georgia, on December 12. Coached by Bo Hembree, the team advanced by defeating Findlay College 31–21 in the semifinals, sharing the honor as both schools were declared champions in the first NAIA title for each program. This NAIA achievement remains the only other claimed national title in program history, predating the transition to NCAA Division II in 1968 and eventual FCS status in 1984.

Conference championships

The Sam Houston Bearkats football team captured 9 Southland Conference championships during their membership in the league from 1987 to 2021. These titles came in 1991, 2001, 2004, 2011, 2012 (co-champion), 2013 (co-champion), 2014 (co-champion), 2016, and 2020 (co-champion). Several of these victories involved shared titles, with criteria such as head-to-head results or records against common opponents used to determine postseason representation when necessary. For instance, in 2021, secured co-champion status over Nicholls via a head-to-head win earlier in the season. The team's performance in championship seasons varied, exemplified by their overall record and undefeated 7–0 conference mark in 2013. In 2021, following their departure from the , the Bearkats won the (WAC) football championship with an undefeated 5–0 conference record. Upon transitioning to FBS and joining in 2024, the Bearkats have yet to win a conference title as of November 19, 2025. Their combined conference record over the 2024 and 2025 seasons stands at 7–7 (6–2 in 2024; 1–5 in 2025, with games remaining). The 2020 title notably positioned Sam Houston for their ensuing run.

Postseason history

NAIA playoff appearances

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program had limited participation in the NAIA national playoffs during its time as an NAIA member from 1956 to 1981, with only one appearance in the official tournament. This postseason structure, smaller in scale than later NCAA formats, often involved regional qualifiers and a bracket of four to eight teams, but funding and travel constraints limited opportunities for many programs, including . In 1964, the Bearkats qualified for the NAIA playoffs as Lone Star Conference champions with a 9-1 regular-season record under head coach Paul Pierce. They advanced to the semifinals, defeating Findlay College 32-21 on November 28 in Findlay, Ohio. In the national championship game on December 12 in Augusta, Georgia, Sam Houston tied Concordia-Moorhead 7-7, resulting in a shared NAIA Division I national title—the program's first and only national championship at the NAIA level. Prior to the formal NAIA playoff system, the Bearkats competed in four bowl games during the , posting a 3-1 record: victories in the 1952 Shrimp Bowl (41-20 over Northeastern State), 1953 Refrigerator Bowl (14-12 over ), and 1956 Refrigerator Bowl (27-13 over Middle Tennessee State), followed by a 1958 Christmas Bowl loss (18-11 to Northwestern State). These independent bowls provided early postseason exposure but were distinct from the NAIA's structured playoff. Overall, Sam Houston's NAIA-era postseason play reflected the era's challenges for small-college programs, with just five total appearances before transitioning to in 1982.

NCAA Division I-AA/FCS playoff appearances

The Sam Houston State Bearkats football program has made 13 appearances in the Subdivision (FCS) playoffs from 1986 to 2021, achieving an overall postseason record of 24–12. These appearances were primarily secured through automatic bids earned by winning or co-winning the championship, with the team hosting multiple first-round and subsequent games at in . The Bearkats' playoff success under head coach K.C. Keeler, who led the program from 2014 to 2021, elevated their profile, including a and multiple deep tournament runs. The Bearkats' deepest postseason advancement came in the 2020–21 season (delayed due to the ), where they went undefeated at 10–0 in the and captured the program's first FCS national title with a 23–21 victory over South Dakota State in the championship game at . This run included home wins over Monmouth (21–15 in the first round), State (24–20 in the quarterfinals), and (38–35 in the semifinals). Prior to that, Sam Houston reached the national championship game twice under in 2011 and 2012, falling to State each time (17–6 and 39–13, respectively), after navigating challenging brackets that featured semifinal victories over in both years. Other notable deep runs include semifinals appearances in 2004 (loss to Montana, 34–13, after upsets over Western Kentucky and Eastern Washington), 2014 (loss to North Dakota State, 35–3, following wins over Southeastern Louisiana, Jacksonville State, and Villanova), 2015 (loss to Jacksonville State, 62–10, after victories over Southern Utah, McNeese State, and Colgate), and 2017 (loss to North Dakota State, 55–13, with home wins over South Dakota and Kennesaw State). Earlier efforts were more modest, with first-round exits in 1986 (48–7 loss at Arkansas State) and 1991 (20–19 loss at Middle Tennessee State), and a quarterfinal berth in 2001 (49–24 loss at after a 34–31 home win over ). The 2013 and 2016 seasons saw second-round exits, while 2021 ended in the quarterfinals with a 42–19 home loss to Montana State after defeating Incarnate Word.
YearSeedRoundOpponentResultLocation
1986-First RoundArkansas StateL 7–48Away
1991-First RoundL 19–20Away
200112First RoundW 34–31Home
200112QuarterfinalsL 24–49Away
20048First RoundWestern KentuckyW 54–24Home
20048QuarterfinalsW 35–34Away
20048SemifinalsL 13–34Away
20114Second RoundStony BrookW 34–27Home
20114QuarterfinalsMontana StateW 49–13Home
20114SemifinalsW 31–28Home
20114North Dakota StateL 6–17Neutral (Frisco, TX)
20125Second RoundCal PolyW 18–16Home
20125QuarterfinalsMontana StateW 34–16Away
20125SemifinalsW 45–42Away
20125North Dakota StateL 13–39Neutral (Frisco, TX)
201312First RoundSouthern UtahW 51–20Home
201312Second RoundSoutheastern LouisianaL 29–30Away
20145First RoundSoutheastern LouisianaW 21–17Home
20145Second RoundJacksonville StateW 37–26Away
20145QuarterfinalsVillanovaW 34–31Away
20145SemifinalsNorth Dakota StateL 3–35Away
20157First RoundSouthern UtahW 42–39Home
20157Second RoundMcNeese StateW 34–29Away
20157QuarterfinalsColgateW 48–21Home
20157SemifinalsJacksonville StateL 10–62Away
20169Second RoundChattanoogaW 41–36Home
20169QuarterfinalsL 7–65Away
20177Second RoundW 54–42Home
20177QuarterfinalsKennesaw StateW 34–27Home
20177SemifinalsNorth Dakota StateL 13–55Away
2020–21*1First RoundMonmouthW 21–15Home
2020–21*1QuarterfinalsNorth Dakota StateW 24–20Home
2020–21*1SemifinalsW 38–35Home
2020–21*1South Dakota StateW 23–21Neutral (Frisco, TX)
20213Second RoundIncarnate WordW 49–42Home
20213QuarterfinalsMontana StateL 19–42Home
*2020 season played in spring 2021 due to COVID-19.

NCAA Division I FBS bowl appearances

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program made its transition to Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) play in 2023 as a member of (C-USA), marking the end of its long in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). In its inaugural FBS season, the team finished with a 3–9 overall record and 2–6 mark in conference play, falling short of the six wins required for bowl eligibility. The Bearkats achieved their first FBS bowl appearance in 2024, concluding a breakthrough 9–3 regular season (6–2 in C-USA) that included a pivotal road victory over Florida International on October 22, securing bowl eligibility in just the program's second FBS year. Selected for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Sam Houston faced the Georgia Southern Eagles on December 19, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Quarterback Hunter Watson threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score, leading the Bearkats to a 31–26 victory—the program's first-ever FBS postseason win and an overall finish of 10–3. The defensive effort, anchored by interceptions from Caleb Baskville and Jayden Johnson, held Georgia Southern to 26 points despite a late comeback attempt.
DateBowlOpponentResultHead CoachStadiumLocationAttendance
December 19, 2024Georgia SouthernW 31–26K.C. KeelerNew Orleans, LA15,262
In 2025, under first-year head coach , the Bearkats have struggled with a 2–8 overall record (1–5 in C-USA) through ten games as of November 19, rendering them ineligible for a postseason bowl and on track for a season without an appearance. Moving forward, as a conference member, Sam Houston's path to future FBS bowl requires at least six regular-season victories to qualify for one of C-USA's tie-in bowls, such as the or others in the postseason lineup.

Rivalries

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

The Battle of the Piney Woods is the between the and the Lumberjacks, two universities located in . The series began on November 17, 1923, when defeated 19–6 in Huntsville. Through the 2022 season, the teams have met 96 times, with holding a commanding lead of 60–34–2. The rivalry has been characterized by consistent annual matchups in recent decades, fostering a deep competitive balance that reflects the schools' proximity—approximately 90 miles apart—and their shared history as longtime members of the , where both competed from 1987 until conference realignments in the early 2020s. The intensity of the Battle of the Piney Woods stems from its regional significance in the Piney Woods region of , where the teams draw passionate support from nearby communities in Huntsville and Nacogdoches. Games often alternate between home fields—Bowers Stadium for Sam Houston and Homer Bryce Stadium for —or neutral sites like in , adding to the event's spectacle. Since 2007, the winner has claimed the Piney Woods Trophy, a 21-pound solid cedar award that symbolizes bragging rights and underscores the series' tradition. The rivalry's competitive edge has seen periods of dominance shift, but Sam Houston has controlled recent encounters, winning 11 straight games from 2011 to 2022. Notable games highlight the series' drama, including close finishes that exemplify the balanced competition. In the 96th and most recent meeting on October 1, 2022, at , rallied for a 17–16 victory on a 1-yard run by Dezmon Jackson with 31 seconds left, securing the Bearkats' streak and the . Earlier thrillers include the 2010 contest, a 31–28 win, and the 2015 matchup, decided 34–28 in . The annual tradition paused after 2022 due to 's transition to FBS and in 2023, while remained at the FCS level, initially in the before returning to the Southland in 2024.

Texas State Bobcats

The Sam Houston–Texas State football , often associated with the schools' positions along , originated in 1915 with a scoreless 0–0 tie between the two programs in their inaugural matchup. The series quickly became a staple of Texas college football, with games alternating between Huntsville and San Marcos, reflecting the institutions' roles in the state's higher education landscape as teacher-training schools that evolved into universities. Over nearly a century, the rivalry fostered regional pride without an official , emphasizing historical ties rather than symbolic hardware. Through , the teams met frequently, compiling 90 games in total, during which the series remained competitive, particularly when both competed at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Texas State held a narrow all-time edge entering the pause, but the matchup showcased balanced play, with neither team dominating extended stretches. The rivalry was suspended from 2012 to 2023 after Texas State transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and joined the (WAC), creating scheduling disparities as Sam Houston remained in the FCS . This hiatus marked a significant evolution, shifting the series from annual tradition to occasional renewal amid changing conference alignments. The series resumed in , now with both programs at the FBS level—Sam Houston in and Texas State in the Sun Belt Conference—resulting in a thrilling 40–39 upset victory for the Bearkats at in , where Sam Houston overcame a 22-point first-quarter deficit on a last-second . Updating the all-time record to 50–39–5 in favor of Texas State, this game demonstrated the rivalry's enduring intensity despite the level disparity, as Sam Houston's resilience challenged perceptions of a FBS mismatch. No further meetings occurred in 2025, leaving the post-resumption record at 0–1 for Texas State, though future non-conference scheduling could revive the series and test its competitiveness in the modern FBS era.

Head coaches

List of head coaches

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program has had 16 es since its establishment in 1912, with an interim coach serving in 2024 following K.C. Keeler's departure after the regular season. The longest-tenured was Ron Randleman, who held the position for 23 seasons from 1982 to 2004. The program has secured two national championships: a co-championship in the 1964 NAIA under Paul and the 2020 FCS title under K.C. Keeler.
NameYearsSeasonsRecord (W–L–T)Win %National titles
S.R. Warner1912–191325–3–1.6110
1914–1917, 1919514–15–1.4830
James Gee1920–192236–7–4.4710
J.W. Jones1923–19351354–52–10.5090
H.O. Crawford1936–193727–12–0.3680
T.F. Wilson1938–1942, 1946–19511150–49–6.5050
1952–19671694–52–7.6371 (1964 NAIA co-champion)
Tom Page1968–1971420–19–3.5120
Allen Boren1972–197327–14–0.3330
Billy Tidwell1974–1977411–30–1.2740
Melvin Brown1978–1981412–29–0.2930
Ron Randleman1982–200423131–125–3.5120
Todd Whitten2005–2009525–28–0.4720
2010–2013440–15–0.7270
K.C. Keeler2014–20241197–39–0.7131 (2020 FCS)
2025–present12–8–0.2000
Note: Brad Cornelsen served as interim head coach for the 2024 New Orleans Bowl, recording a 1–0 mark, but is not listed as a full head coach. The program's all-time record through the 2025 season stands at 575–497–36 (.535 winning percentage).

Head coaching records

The head coaching records for the Sam Houston Bearkats football program illustrate its growth and varying success across over a century, with 16 coaches leading the team since 1912. The all-time overall record stands at 575–497–36 (.535), encompassing independent play, conference affiliations, and transitions through NCAA divisions.
CoachYearsSeasonsOverall RecordWin %Conference RecordConf. Win %
2025–present12–8.2001–5.167
Brad Cornelsen2024 (interim)11–01.0000–0—
K.C. Keeler2014–20241197–39.71361–19.762
2010–2013440–15.72721–7.750
Todd Whitten2005–2009525–28.47216–17.485
Ron Randleman1982–200423131–125–3.51262–76–1.450
Melvin Brown1978–1981412–29.2938–20.286
Billy Tidwell1974–1977411–30–1.27410–22.312
Allen Boren1972–197327–14.3336–11.353
Tom Page1968–1971420–19–3.51217–15–2.529
1952–19671694–52–7.63754–40–5.571
T.F. Wilson1938–1942, 1946–19511150–49–6.50526–24–3.519
H.O. Crawford1936–193727–12.3684–7.364
J.W. Jones1923–19351354–52–10.50931–31–5.500
James Gee1920–192236–7–4.4710–0—
1914–1917, 1919514–15–1.4830–0—
S.R. Warner1912–191325–3–1.6110–0—
*Note: Records as of November 19, 2025; conference records reflect affiliations including Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association, , and . Brad Cornelsen's tenure covered the 2024 bowl game only. Source: https://gobearkats.com/sports/football/coaches/overall*[](https://gobearkats.com/sports/football/coaches/overall) Win percentages among modern coaches highlight periods of sustained excellence, with posting the program's highest at .727 over four seasons, leading to multiple titles and playoff appearances. K.C. Keeler ranks second at .713 across 11 years, marked by consistent winning campaigns that included five FCS playoff quarterfinals and three semifinals. Ron Randleman holds the mark for most victories with 131, establishing long-term stability during the program's early NCAA era. Conference success has been a hallmark under select coaches, particularly in the during the FCS years, where Keeler's .762 winning percentage (61–19) stands as the best, contributing to eight conference championships across his and prior tenures. achieved a .750 mark (21–7) in the same conference, fueling back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. In the FBS transition to , Keeler went 8–10 overall but secured a bowl victory in 2024 under interim coach Brad Cornelsen; the 2025 season under stands at 2–8 overall and 1–5 in conference amid adjustment challenges. Key milestones underscore coaching impact, including Keeler's leadership of the 2020 FCS national championship—the program's lone title—defeating South Dakota State 23–21 in the spring pandemic-delayed final. His tenure ended with a resignation in December 2024 to join after a 9–3 regular season campaign; the team achieved its first FBS bowl win in the 2024 under interim coach Brad Cornelsen. Earlier, Fritz's departure in 2013 for Tulane followed a 14–1 season and FCS semifinal run. Since joining NCAA Division I-AA in 1984, the program has trended upward, with coaches like and Keeler achieving .700+ winning percentages and elevating to 12 FCS playoff appearances, a stark improvement from pre-1984 .500-ish marks under longer-tenured predecessors. This era of .600+ success under multiple coaches positioned the Bearkats for their 2023 FBS move, though early CUSA results reflect ongoing adaptation.

Notable former players

Players in the NFL

Numerous alumni of the Sam Houston Bearkats football program have gone on to play in the , with a total of 30 players appearing in at least one regular-season game since the program's inception. These players span various positions, including quarterbacks, defensive backs, and linemen, contributing to teams across the league over multiple decades. The program's success in developing professional talent is evident in its draft history and the longevity of several players' careers. Since 1984, eight Bearkats have been selected in the NFL Draft, highlighting the program's ability to produce draft-eligible athletes despite competing at the FCS level for much of that period. The highest draft pick during this span was P.J. Hall, chosen in the second round (57th overall) by the in 2018. Other notable selections include quarterback Josh (third round, 81st overall, , 2002), cornerback Zyon (fifth round, 157th overall, , 2022), and punter Lac Edwards (seventh round, 235th overall, , 2016). Undrafted free agents have also succeeded, such as Keith Davis, who signed with the in 2004 and played through 2008. The following table summarizes key NFL alumni, focusing on drafted players since 1984 and select undrafted standouts with significant careers. It includes position, draft details, years played, and career highlights. Data is drawn from verified professional statistics.
Player NamePositionDraft Info (Round/Pick/Team/Year)Years in NFLCareer Highlights
P.J. HallDT2/57//20182018–2020Played 28 games with 1.5 sacks; started 2 games for Raiders.
Zyon McCollumCB5/157//20222022–presentActive as of 2025; 13 AV (through 2024); 38 starts; 2 interceptions (2024).
Josh McCownQB3/81//20022002–201918 seasons, 186 games; 15,895 passing yards, 80 TDs; played for 12 teams including Browns and Jets.
Lac EdwardsP7/235//20162016–202174 games; averaged 45.7 yards per punt; played for Jets and Panthers.
Keith HeinrichTE6/174//20022002–2004, 200722 games; 9 receptions for 65 yards; contributed on special teams for multiple teams.
Michael BankstonDE/DT4/100/Phoenix Cardinals/19921992–2000Highest AV among alumni at 57; 144 games, 121 starts; 27 sacks with Cardinals and Bengals.
Ricky RoyalDB7/177/Phoenix Cardinals/198919901 game; brief stint with Cardinals after college.
Garry KimbleDB11/304/Washington Redskins/198519872 games; appeared in preseason and limited regular-season action.
Keith DavisDBUndrafted (/2004)2004–2008, 200984 games, 16 AV; played for Cowboys and Raiders.
Odie HarrisDBUndrafted (/1988)1988–199671 games; 5 interceptions; played for Buccaneers, Browns, Cardinals, and Oilers.
Beyond these, other undrafted alumni with notable contributions include safety Jimmy Hill (1955–1965, undrafted; 11 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 36 interceptions across Cardinals and Lions) and defensive back Mike Nelms (1980–1984, seventh round 1977 by ; 1 selection, 3 Pro Bowls as with ). As of November 2025, two Bearkats remain active in the : Zyon McCollum with the and safety Tristin McCollum with the Las Vegas Raiders. Davion Davis transitioned to the UFL's , and long snapper Tucker Addington signed with the in June 2025. These players continue to represent the program, with Zyon McCollum emerging as a key defensive contributor, recording 68 tackles and 2 interceptions over his first three seasons. The collective impact of Bearkats alumni exceeds 5,000 regular-season games played, underscoring the program's lasting influence on professional football.

Other professional and notable alumni

Several Sam Houston Bearkats football alumni have pursued professional careers in leagues beyond the , including the Canadian Football League (CFL), , , and . These players often transitioned from standout college performances to contribute in diverse professional environments, showcasing the program's talent development. In the CFL, Timothy Flanders emerged as a key contributor after his time at Sam Houston, where he rushed for over 4,000 yards. He played for the from 2015 to 2016, accumulating 926 rushing yards and four touchdowns across multiple seasons with the (2017–2018) and (2021). Quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe, a two-time finalist during his Bearkats tenure, signed with the in 2019 before joining the Edmonton Eskimos (later Elks) in 2018, where he appeared in limited action over several years. Matt Dominguez, Sam Houston's all-time leader in receptions (211) and receiving yards (3,272), spent parts of seven seasons with the from 2001 to 2008, earning induction into the team's Plaza of Honor in 2016 for his contributions. The UFL has seen recent success from Bearkats alumni, particularly , the 2017 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year who tallied 226 receptions for 3,181 yards and 40 at . Davis joined the in 2024, recording 220 receiving yards and one in the 2025 regular season while adding versatility on special teams with 135 kick return yards. Earlier iterations of spring leagues also featured players like tight end Woody Brandom, who signed with the in the after his college career, and linebacker Stan Blinka, a 1980 NFL draftee who played for the Denver Gold in the original USFL in 1985. Arena Football League alumni include defensive back Jerrell Barron, who competed for the Bossier City BattleWings in 2002 following his senior season at , and wide receiver/defensive back Trey Woods, a walk-on who overcame the challenge of playing with one arm to set school records for blocked kicks (six). Woods suited up for the Texas Terror in 1996, embodying resilience that later led to his 2015 induction into the Athletics Hall of Honor and a coaching role at Samuel Clemens High School. Beyond professional play, notable non-playing alumni have made impacts in coaching and administration. Former Bearkat Patrick Robinson, a defensive standout, returned to as a coach in 2012, contributing to the program's FCS success before transitioning to high school roles. Similarly, Timothy Flanders now coaches running backs at , leveraging his pro experience to mentor young athletes. These figures highlight the Bearkats' legacy of producing leaders who extend the program's influence in football communities.

Individual awards and honors

National awards

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program has produced numerous FCS All-Americans, recognized by major organizations including the (AP), (formerly ), and the (AFCA). These selections highlight standout individual performances across positions, with the team earning multiple honors in several seasons during its FCS tenure from 1986 to 2022. During the 2020 season—played in spring 2021 amid the —the Bearkats' national championship squad featured five players who received consensus All-American recognition. Eric Schmid earned second-team honors from AFCA and , while Jequez Ezzard, Jahari Kay, linebacker Tre Freeman, and offensive lineman Avery McCall also garnered multiple second- and third-team selections from and HERO Sports. Earlier examples include Timothy and safety Darnell Taylor, both named to the 2012 STATS FCS Team, and four players—led by Jeremiah Briscoe and defensive lineman P.J. Hall—earning 2017 AP FCS honors. In major national awards, the Bearkats have achieved success in FCS equivalents, particularly the for outstanding offensive player. Quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe won the award in 2016 after leading the nation in passing efficiency and again in 2017, becoming the second repeat winner in its history (after in 2007 and 2008). Other Bearkats reached finalist status, including Schmid in 2021, running back Tim Flanders on the watch list in 2011, and earlier candidates like quarterback Chris Chaloupka (1999) and (2001). No Bearkats players have won the for top defensive player, though several, such as defensive lineman Jahari Kay and cornerback , appeared on its watch list in 2021. Since transitioning to FBS and Conference USA in 2023, the Bearkats have not received national All-American selections or major award nominations through the 2024 season, aligning with their 14-12 overall record in that period.

Conference awards

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program has earned numerous individual honors from the Southland Conference during its tenure from 1987 to 2022, particularly in offensive and defensive player of the year categories, reflecting the team's consistent success in the league with multiple conference championships. Running back Tim Flanders captured the Southland Offensive Player of the Year award in 2011 after rushing for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the Bearkats to a 14-1 record, and repeated as overall Player of the Year in 2012 with another 1,054 rushing yards. Similarly, quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe was named the 2016 Southland Player of the Year, passing for 4,421 yards and 36 touchdowns en route to a conference title, while defensive end P.J. Hall earned Defensive Player of the Year honors that season with 9.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. In 2017, wide receiver Davion Davis secured Offensive Player of the Year after recording 1,459 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Eric Schmid rounded out recent Southland accolades as the 2021 Player of the Year in the spring season, throwing for 3,998 yards and 39 touchdowns during a 10-3 campaign. Head coach K.C. Keeler received Southland Coach of the Year recognition three times, in 2014 for guiding the team to an 8-5 record in his debut season, in 2016 amid a 14-1 run to the FCS semifinals, and in 2020 following a Southland championship with a perfect 6-0 league mark. The Bearkats also amassed significant all-conference selections during peak years, such as 21 honorees in 2012 and 15 in 2014, highlighting depth across positions including quarterbacks like those who earned nods for leadership in high-output passing games. Since transitioning to in 2023, the Bearkats have not secured any major individual superlative awards like Player or Coach of the Year through the 2024 season, aligning with conference records of 2-6 in 2023 and 6-2 in 2024. However, DJ McKinney was named the 2024 C-USA of the Year after rushing for 672 yards and five touchdowns in his debut season. The program earned nine all-C-USA selections in 2024, including three first-team honors for offensive lineman Hunter Hagler, defensive lineman Jayden Peevy, and Adarian Green, contributing to the league's third-ranked rushing offense. In 2023, six players received all-conference recognition, with quarterback earning second-team honors for his 2,214 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
YearAwardRecipientPosition
2011Offensive Player of the YearTim FlandersRB
2012Player of the YearTim FlandersRB
2012Defensive Player of the YearDarnell TaylorS
2016Player of the YearJeremiah BriscoeQB
2016Defensive Player of the YearP.J. HallDE
2017Offensive Player of the YearWR
2021Player of the YearEric SchmidQB
2014, 2016, 2020Coach of the YearK.C. KeelerHC
2024Freshman of the YearDJ McKinneyRB

Program records

Rushing and scoring records

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program has produced several standout rushers during its time in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), with records emphasizing a strong ground game in conference play. Timothy Flanders holds the all-time career rushing yards record with 5,664 yards on 999 carries from 2010 to 2013, a mark that also includes 66 rushing touchdowns. Corey Avery ranks second in career rushing yards with 3,348 on 506 carries and 39 touchdowns from 2015 to 2017. For single-season records, Flanders again leads with 1,644 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in 2011, while his 2012 season produced 1,642 yards and 17 scores. The program has featured multiple seasons with rushers exceeding 30 games of production, contributing to high-volume rushing attacks in the era. Scoring records are dominated by rushers, with Flanders also the career leader in total points at 396, derived largely from his touchdown output. His 2011 single-season total of 132 points remains the benchmark. Since transitioning to Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) play in starting in 2023, no Bearkats rusher has approached these FCS-era marks, with the 2024 leader Jay Ducker totaling 745 yards and the 2025 leader Landan Brown at 415 yards as of November 19, 2025.

Career Rushing Leaders

Top 10 Rushing Yards

RankPlayerYearsYards
1Timothy Flanders2010–20135,664
2Corey Avery2015–20173,348
3Charles Harris1991–19942,688
4McNeil Moore1951–19532,578
5Keshawn Hill2011–20142,546
6Tony January1978–19822,376
7Curtis Thomas1988–19912,285
8Richard Sincere2010–20132,274
9James Oliphant1973–19762,263
10Joe Rauls1998–20012,255

Top 10 Rushing Attempts

RankPlayerYearsAttempts
1Timothy Flanders2010–2013999
2Charles Harris1991–1994587
3Curtis Thomas1988–1991562
4James Oliphant1973–1976571
5Tony January1978–1982537
6Joe Rauls1998–2001505
7Corey Avery2015–2017506
8Keshawn Hill2011–2014397
9McNeil Moore1951–1953384
10Richard Sincere2010–2013342

Top 10 Rushing Touchdowns

RankPlayerYearsTDs
1Timothy Flanders2010–201366
2Corey Avery2015–201739
3Keshawn Hill2011–201434
4McNeil Moore1951–195330
5Charles Harris1991–199426
6Richard Sincere2010–201321
7Curtis Thomas1988–199120
8Tony January1978–198219
9James Oliphant1973–197619
10Joe Rauls1998–200115

Single-Season Rushing Leaders

Top 10 Rushing Yards

RankPlayerYearYards
1Timothy Flanders20111,644
2Timothy Flanders20121,642
3Corey Avery20151,483
4Timothy Flanders20131,430
5D.D. Terry20061,327
6Keshawn Hill20141,150
7Corey Avery20171,110
8Charles Harris19931,142
9Fred Reese19701,115
10Luther Turner19871,085

Top 10 Rushing Touchdowns

RankPlayerYearTDs
1Timothy Flanders201122
2Luther Turner198720
3Timothy Flanders201217
4Keshawn Hill201418
5Corey Avery201515
6D.D. Terry200615
7Timothy Flanders201314
8Corey Avery201714
9Charles Harris199312
10MultipleVarious12+

Scoring Leaders

Career Total Points

RankPlayerYearsPoints
1Timothy Flanders2010–2013396
2Corey Avery2015–2017234
3Keshawn Hill2011–2014204
4Luther Turner1985–1987210
5McNeil Moore1951–1953180
6Charles Harris1991–1994156
72010–2013138
8Richard Sincere2010–2013126
9Curtis Thomas1988–1991120
10Joe Vickers1971–1974114

Single-Season Total Points

RankPlayerYearPoints
1Timothy Flanders2011132
2Luther Turner1987120
3Timothy Flanders2012102
4Keshawn Hill2014108
5Corey Avery201590
6D.D. Terry200690
7Timothy Flanders201384
8Corey Avery201784
9Charles Harris199372
10201372

Passing and receiving records

The passing game has been a cornerstone of the Sam Houston Bearkats football program's offensive identity, particularly during their FCS era in the , where s consistently posted high-volume numbers. Jeremiah Briscoe established program benchmarks from 2015 to 2017, amassing 11,488 career passing yards and 116 touchdowns while completing 57.8% of his passes. His efficiency peaked in 2016 with a 65.4% completion rate across 503 attempts, contributing to an FCS-high 57 touchdown passes that season. Since transitioning to FBS and in 2023, passing outputs have been more modest, with no exceeding 3,000 yards in a season; for instance, Hunter Watson led the 2025 team with 1,108 yards as of November 19, 2025. Briscoe also owns the single-season passing yards record with 5,003 yards in 2017, a mark that underscored the Bearkats' explosive aerial attack en route to an undefeated regular season. Earlier benchmarks, like Brian Bell's 8,655 career yards from 2010 to 2013, reflect the program's evolution toward pass-heavy schemes under coaches like . These records complement the rushing emphasis in total offense but highlight the air game's role in playoff success. Receiving records similarly trace back to the FCS period, with wideouts thriving alongside prolific quarterbacks. Nathan Stewart set the single-season receiving yards standard with 1,648 in 2018, earning All-American honors and leading the FCS in that category. Career receiving touchdowns are led by multiple players surpassing 20, including Stewart with 26 over four seasons (2016–2019) and Yedidiah Louis with 24 from 2014 to 2017; Stewart's output included three 1,000-yard seasons, emphasizing deep-threat efficiency averaging over 17 yards per catch. In the FBS era, receivers have posted modest seasons but have not approached FCS highs.

Career Passing Leaders (Yards)

RankPlayerYearsYards
1Jeremiah Briscoe2015–201711,488
22010–20138,655
3Eric Schmid2007–20107,401

Single-Season Passing Leaders (Yards)

RankPlayerYearYards
1Jeremiah Briscoe20175,003
2Jeremiah Briscoe20164,602

Career Receiving Leaders (Yards)

RankPlayerYearsYards
1Nathan Stewart2016–20194,494 (aggregated from seasons)
2Yedidiah Louis2014–20173,942

Single-Season Receiving Leaders (Yards)

RankPlayerYearYards
1Nathan Stewart20181,648
2Nathan Stewart20171,260

Defensive and special teams records

The defensive prowess of the has been anchored by standout performers in tackles, sacks, and interceptions throughout the program's history, particularly during its FCS era before transitioning to FBS in 2023. Career tackles leader Stan Blinka set the standard with 538 total tackles from 1975 to 1978, including a single-season record of 211 in 1978 and a game-high of 24 against that year. Other top tacklers include Lish Adams with 383 from 1986 to 1988 and Pete Garner with 353 from 1981 to 1984.
RankPlayerTacklesYears
1Stan Blinka5381975–1978
2Lish Adams3831986–1988
3Pete Garner3531981–1984
4Keith Davis3391998–2001
5Darnell Taylor3382009–2012
Sacks records highlight the program's pass-rushing tradition, led by P.J. Hall's 42 career sacks from 2014 to 2017, followed by Andre Finley's 36 from 1986 to 1989. Finley also holds the single-season mark with 15 in 1988. In the early FBS years, players like Chris Stewart recorded 13 sacks in 2017 (FCS), providing context for the defensive intensity carried into play. For 2024, sack production was led by players such as with 11.5 sacks.
RankPlayerSacksYears
1P.J. Hall42.02014–2017
2Andre Finley36.01986–1989
3Michael Bankston19.01988–1991
Interceptions leaders emphasize the secondary's role in generating turnovers, with Daxton Swanson holding the career record at 14 from 2009 to 2012, including 8 in the 2011 season. Ronnie Choate recorded 13 from 1955 to 1959, while recent defensive backs like Alonzo Edwards Jr. contributed 1 in 2025, aiding field position in CUSA games. Forced fumbles data is less comprehensively tracked in historical records, but players like those in the 2010s defenses, including Hall, contributed multiple across careers through aggressive play.
RankPlayerInterceptionsYears
1Daxton Swanson14–2012
2Ronnie Choate131955–1959
3Gary Kimble121981–1984
Special teams records reflect reliability in field position battles, with Miguel Antonio leading field goals made at 51 (approximately 80% accuracy on 64 attempts) from to 2012. Tre Honshtein followed with 46 made from 2015 to 2018, exemplifying consistency in clutch situations. Punting leaders are measured by total yards, topped by Bart Bradley's 10,880 over 1986 to 1989, ahead of Ryan Klaus's 10,747 from 1995 to 1998. Lachlan Edwards added 7,910 yards from 2013 to 2015, with a average of 42.9 yards per punt, transitioning successfully to the .
RankPlayerField Goals MadeYears
1Miguel Antonio512009–2012
2Billy Hayes471985–1988
3Tre Honshtein462015–2018
These records underscore the Bearkats' defensive and special teams foundations, contributing to postseason appearances in the FCS era and adaptation to FBS competition.

Seasons and schedules

All-time season records

The Sam Houston Bearkats football program holds an all-time record of 584–507–34 (.534) through the first ten games of the 2025 season. This includes more than 348 home victories across program history, primarily at Bowers Stadium. The team's performance has varied across divisions, with notable success in the FCS ranks contributing to the overall balance. The longest in program history is 22 consecutive victories, achieved from November 23, 2019, to December 4, 2021, culminating in the FCS . The longest is 10 games, spanning November 12, 2022, to October 25, 2023. As of November 19, 2025, the Bearkats have a 2–8 record through the first ten games of the season, including a two-game . Team scoring highlights include a program-high 644 points in the 2016 season, reflecting a potent FCS-era offense. In contrast, the early featured low-scoring games typical of the era, with the team totaling just 35 points across five contests. Era-specific records underscore the program's evolution, as detailed below. Note that due to renovations at , the 2025 home games were played at in Houston, Texas.
EraYearsRecord (W–L–T)Winning Pct.Notes
NAIA1912–1981284–282–32.500Included 215–222–22 in ; two national co-championships (1964).
DII1982–198523–21–0.522Lone Star and Gulf Star Conferences.
FCS1986–2022265–149–3.639Featured 233–166–3 in (1987–2020); 2020 national champions; 13 playoff appearances (24–12).
FBS2023–present15–20–0.429 member; one bowl win (2024 ).

Future non-conference opponents

The have announced a series of non-conference football opponents for the 2026 through 2030 seasons, featuring a mix of road trips to Power Four programs, home-and-home series with fellow teams, and matchups against FCS opponents to balance their schedule and build competitiveness for postseason eligibility. These games often include buyouts or contractual agreements typical for mid-major programs seeking to bolster while maintaining winnable opportunities. In 2026, the Bearkats open non-conference play with a road game at on September 5, followed by a home contest against Tulsa on September 12 as part of a home-and-home series (the teams have no prior meetings). They host FCS opponent Nicholls State on September 19, renewing a rivalry where leads the all-time series 10-3, and travel to Texas Tech on September 26 for their first-ever matchup against the Big 12 program. For 2027, travels to on September 4 to kick off a home-and-home series ( leads the all-time series 6-2), hosts Nicholls State on September 11 in another FCS matchup, and visits TCU on September 18 for the programs' inaugural meeting. The 2028 slate includes a home game against on September 23 to complete their series, a road trip to Colorado State on September 9 (first meeting between the teams), and another road contest at on September 16, where the Cougars hold a 4-2 all-time edge dating back to the Bearkats' FCS era. In 2029, the Bearkats travel to Georgia Southern on September 8 to begin a home-and-home series between the former FCS powers, marking their first gridiron meetings. The series with Georgia Southern concludes in 2030 with a home game on September 21 at in .

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