2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
New Orleans Bowl champion
ConferenceConference USA
Record9–4 (6–2 CUSA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorRick Bowie (1st season)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorDa'Von Brown (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorDavis Merritt (1st season)
Base defense3–3–5
Home stadiumHouchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
2025 Conference USA football standings
Conf. Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Kennesaw State y$   7 – 1     10 – 4  
Jacksonville State y   7 – 1     9 – 5  
Western Kentucky   6 – 2     9 – 4  
Louisiana Tech   5 – 3     8 – 5  
FIU   5 – 3     7 – 6  
Missouri State   5 – 3     7 – 6  
Delaware   4 – 4     7 – 6  
Liberty   3 – 5     4 – 8  
New Mexico State   2 – 6     4 – 8  
Middle Tennessee   2 – 6     3 – 9  
Sam Houston   1 – 7     2 – 10  
UTEP   1 – 7     2 – 10  
Championship: Kennesaw State 19, Jacksonville State 15
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant

The 2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represented Western Kentucky University as a member of Conference USA (CUSA) during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hilltoppers were led by Tyson Helton in his seventh year as the head coach. The Hilltoppers played home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Offseason

Transfers

Outgoing

Player Position Destination
Darrell Johnson Jr. OL Akron
Dallas Walker IV DL Auburn
Al Sandifer DL Austin Peay
Montreze Smith LB Austin Peay
Reginald Allen Jr. LB Bryant
Jaylen Hampton WR Charlotte
Ki'Shawn Harvey DL East Tennessee State
Wesley Horton DL East Tennessee State
Jalen Hand DL Eastern Kentucky
Gabriel Arnold OL Eastern Michigan
Easton Messer WR Florida Atlantic
Caden Veltkamp QB Florida Atlantic
Deante McCray DE Florida State
Elvin Fofanah TE Gardner–Webb
Jarvis Hayes WR Georgia Military
River Helms TE Georgia Southern
Turner Helton QB Georgia Southern
Trent Zappe LB Houston Christian
Hosea Wheeler DL Indiana
Alex Ford DB Kennesaw State
Marcus Patterson DE Kennesaw State
Evan Wibberley OL Kentucky
Brandon Buckhaulter WR Louisiana–Monroe
Darius Thomas LB Louisville
Jalil Rivera-Harvey DL Marshall
Reid Jamerson DE Minot State
LT Sanders RB North Alabama
Marvelous Owens DB Northeastern State
Jaymar Mundy DB Ohio
Lucas Carneiro K Ole Miss
Leavy Johnson OL South Alabama
Rodney Newsom Jr. OL South Carolina
T. J. Finley QB Tulane
Dallen Ponder WR Tulsa
Koy Moore WR UNLV
Mike Moment OL UT Martin
Demick Starling WR Utah State
Jayden Loving DL Wake Forest
Dave Herard DB Unknown
Ely George LB Unknown
Bryce Childress WR Unknown
Trace Patterson TE Unknown
Hayden Todd OL Unknown
Denzil Alleyne WR Unknown
Marshall Jackson OL Withdrawn
Moussa Berry WR Withdrawn
Kylan Guidry DL Withdrawn
Demarko Williams DB Withdrawn

Incoming

Player Position Previous school
Maverick McIvor QB Abilene Christian
Laurence Seymore OL Akron
Jakeem Fletcher DL Alabama State
Avarion Cole DB Appalachian State
La'Vell Wright RB Austin Peay
Nick Reimer OL Bowling Green
Bailey Sanders LS Buffalo
Kody Epps WR BYU
Jemeil Jackson OL Central Michigan
Jaavan Mack CB Charlotte
Jairus Mack WR Charlotte
Al-Ma'hi Ali DB Charlotte
Jaylen Wester LB Colorado
Montreze Smith LB Duke
Jackson West TE Florida State
Weston Wallace OL Georgia Southern
Jaden Hardy DL Grambling State
Jalen Emery DB Houston
Caleb McMickle QB Houston
Venson Sneed Jr. DE Indiana
Robby Harrison DL Indiana
Quincy Jenkins OL James Madison
Elin Jones DL Johnson C. Smith
Justin Wolf TE Kansas State
Elijah Williams OL Kent State
Devon Smith OL Louisiana–Monroe
Jayden Gray DE Louisiana Tech
Karsten Upchurch OL Mississippi State
Josaiah Knight DE Mississippi State
Mackavelli Malotumau DL Nevada
Eric Etienne DL Norfolk State
Kelby Williams WR Old Dominion
Markus Knight DB Old Dominion
Isaiah Myers WR Purdue
Dominic Oliver DE San Diego State
Zach Smith LB SMU
Braxton Myers DB Southern Miss
Rylen Su'a-Filo DL Southern Utah
Jaylen Lewis DB Temple
Jaden McGill RB Tennessee State
Brandon Buckhaulter WR UAB
Jack Cassidy K Ulster
John Cannon K USF
Caleb Nitta OL Virginia Tech
Matthew Henry WR Western Illinois
Quincy Burroughs WR Wisconsin

[1][2][3]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 236:00 p.m.Sam Houston
CBSSNW 41–2415,312
August 306:00 p.m.North Alabama*
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN+W 55–612,226
September 66:00 p.m.at Toledo*
ESPN+L 21–4524,138
September 206:00 p.m.Nevada*
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN+W 31–1617,247
September 276:00 p.m.at Missouri State
ESPN+W 27–2210,068
October 36:00 p.m.at Delaware
CBSSNW 27–2419,176
October 147:00 p.m.FIU
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPNUL 6–2512,276
October 216:30 p.m.at Louisiana Tech
CBSSNW 28–27 OT10,928
November 12:30 p.m.New Mexico State
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN+W 35–1615,023
November 152:30 p.m.Middle Tennessee
ESPN+W 42–2616,547
November 226:45 p.m.at LSU*
SECNL 10–13100,923
November 291:00 p.m.at Jacksonville State
ESPN+L 34–3716,733
December 234:30 p.m.vs. Southern Miss*
ESPNW 27–1616,693

[4]

Game summaries

vs. Sam Houston

See also: 2025 Sam Houston Bearkats football team
Game One – Sam Houston Bearkats (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 3 7 14024
Hilltoppers 7 13 14741

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday August 23, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 15,312
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Chris Lewis (play-by-play), Robert Turbin (analyst), and Lauren Green (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:31) WKU - Matthew Henry 26-yd pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 2:31; Western Kentucky 7–0)
  • (4:32) SHSU - RJ Lopez 40-yd field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:56; Western Kentucky 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (12:24) SHSU - Hunter Watson 55-yd run (RJ Lopez kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:31; Sam Houston 10–7)
  • (7:06) WKU - La'Vell Wright 1-yd run (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:18; Western Kentucky 14–10)
  • (4:57) WKU - John Cannon 49-yd field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:56; Western Kentucky 17–10)
  • (0:24) WKU - John Cannon 42-yd field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 2:26; Western Kentucky 20–10)
Third quarter
  • (13:29) SHSU - Alton McCaskill 2-yd run (RJ Lopez kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:31; Western Kentucky 20–17)
  • (11:58) SHSU - JaMair Diaz 43-yd fumble return (RJ Lopez kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:26; Sam Houston 24–20)
  • (8:10) WKU - K.D. Hutchinson 9-yd pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 3:41; Western Kentucky 27–24)
  • (4:47) WKU - Marvis Parrish 22-yd pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:20; Western Kentucky 34–24)
Fourth quarter
  • (10:17) WKU - Maverick McIvor 4-yd run (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:17; Western Kentucky 41–24)
Statistics SHSU WKU
First downs 14 26
Total yards 382 506
Rushing yards 173 105
Passing yards 209 401
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 19-30-1 33-51-0
Time of possession 27:04 32:56
Team Category Player Statistics
Sam Houston Passing Hunter Watson 19/30, 209 yards, INT
Rushing Hunter Watson 14 carries, 91 yards, TD
Receiving Elijah Green 7 receptions, 61 yards
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 33/51, 401 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing Marvis Parrish 12 carries, 52 yards
Receiving Matthew Henry 7 receptions, 148 yards, TD

vs. North Alabama (FCS)

See also: 2025 North Alabama Lions football team
Game Two – North Alabama Lions (FCS) (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 6 0 006
Hilltoppers (FBS) 14 28 31055

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday August 30, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Weather: Sunny • Temp: 78 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,226
  • Referee: Douglas Mercer
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jesse Ough (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:58) WKU – George Hart III 1-yard run (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:55; WKU 7–0)
  • (5:58) UNA – Ian Vachon 25-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 5:54; WKU 7–3)
  • (5:58) UNA – Ian Vachon 47-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:50; WKU 7–6)
  • (11:58) WKU – Quincy Burroughs 9-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:00; WKU 14–6)
Second Quarter
  • (8:24) WKU – Jairus Mack 20-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:01; WKU 21–6)
  • (5:34) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 78-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:12; WKU 28–6)
  • (2:25) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 12-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:46; WKU 35–6)
  • (0:48) WKU – Matthew Henry 14-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:59; WKU 42–6)
Third Quarter
  • (0:48) WKU – John Cannon 46-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:58; WKU 45–6)
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:50) WKU – Marvin Sims 14-yard pass from Rodney Tisdale Jr (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 0:18; WKU 52–6)
  • (6:30) WKU – John Cannon 43-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 5:18; WKU 55–6)
Statistics UNA WKU
First downs 17 26
Total yards 258 563
Rushing yards 153 164
Passing yards 105 399
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 16–37–0 30–39–0
Time of possession 32:21 27:39
Team Category Player Statistics
North Alabama Passing Ari Patu 11/20, 86 yards
Rushing Destin Wade 5 carries, 34 yards
Receiving Justin Pegues 5 receptions, 52 yards
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 24/31, 305 yards, 5 TD
Rushing Jaden McGill 9 carries, 46 yards
Receiving K.D. Hutchinson 5 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TD

at Toledo

See also: 2025 Toledo Rockets football team
Game Three – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–0) at Toledo Rockets (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 7 0 01421
Rockets 21 10 14045

at Glass Bowl • Toledo, OH

  • Date: Saturday September 6, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 PM CDT
  • Game attendance: 24,138
  • Referee: Jason Berg
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Je'Rod Cherry (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • TOL – Chip Trayanum 1-yard run (Dylan Cunanan kick), 12:57. Rockets 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:27.
  • TOL – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren 37-yard interception return (Dylan Cunanan kick), 11:52. Rockets 14–0.
  • WKU – Matthew Henry 7-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick), 6:48. Rockets 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 2:32.
  • TOL – Chip Trayanum 10-yard pas from Tucker Gleason (Dylan Cunanan kick), 2:34. Rockets 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:14.[
Second quarter
  • TOL – Dylan Cunanan 32-yard field goal, 11:50. Rockets 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:51.
  • TOL – Junior Vandeross III 71-yard pass from Tucker Gleason (Dylan Cunanan kick), 1:25. Rockets 31–7. Drive: 2 plays, 87 yards, 0:28.
Third quarter
  • TOL – Chip Trayanum 75-yard run (Dylan Cunanan kick), 14:49. Rockets 38–7. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11.
  • TOL – Connor Jones 5-yard pass from John Alan Richter (Dylan Cunanan kick), 5:30. Rockets 45–7. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 6:32.
Fourth quarter
  • WKU – Jaden McGill 1-yard run (John Cannon kick), 13:08. Rockets 45–14. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:27.
  • WKU – Cameron Flowers II 11-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick), 6:26. Rockets 45–21. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:32.
Statistics WKU TOL
First downs 18 21
Total yards 333 508
Rushes–yards 28–59 42–307
Passing yards 274 201
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 24–39–1 12–21–1
Turnovers 2 1
Time of possession 26:35 33:25
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 23/38, 235 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Marvis Parrish 7 carries, 22 yards
Receiving Moussa Barry 3 receptions, 110 yards
Toledo Passing Tucker Gleason 7/12, 155 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Chip Trayanum 14 carries, 163 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Junior Vandeross III 5 receptions, 122 yards, TD

vs. Nevada

See also: 2025 Nevada Wolf Pack football team
Game Four – Nevada Wolf Pack (1–2) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wolf Pack 3 7 3316
Hilltoppers 3 0 72131

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday September 20, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 17,247
  • Referee: Rodney Burnette
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Tyler Eaton (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (5:17) NEV - Joe McFadden 42-yd field goal Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:22; (Wolf Pack 3-0)
  • (2:16) WKU - John Cannon 40-yd field goal Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:01; (TIED 3-3)
Second quarter
  • (6:57) NEV - Chubba Purdy 6-yd run (Joe McFadden kick) Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 1:24; (Wolf Pack 10-3)
Third quarter
  • (11:08) WKU - La'Vell Wright 2-yd run (John Cannon kick) Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:52; (TIED 10-10)
  • (7:28) NEV - Joe McFadden 43-yd field goal Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:33; (Wolf Pack 13-10)
Fourth quarter
  • (11:23) WKU - George Hart III 8-yd run (John Cannon kick) Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 4:02; (Hilltoppers 17-13)
  • (1:49) WKU - La'Vell Wright 8-yd run (John Cannon kick) Drive: 14 plays, 87 yards, 5:34; (Hilltoppers 24-13)
  • (0:29) NEV - Joe McFadden 22-yd field goal Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 1:20; (Hilltoppers 24-16)
  • (0:23) WKU - Matthew Henry 48-yd kickoff return (John Cannon kick) (Hilltoppers 31-16)
Statistics NEV WKU
First downs 22 22
Total yards 372 361
Rushing yards 207 145
Passing yards 165 216
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 16–33–2 22–33–1
Time of possession 32:16 27:44
Team Category Player Statistics
Nevada Passing Chubba Purdy 16/30, 165 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Caleb Ramseur 9 carries, 66 yards
Receiving Jett Carpenter 6 receptions, 70 yards
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 22/33, 216 yards, INT
Rushing George Hart III 11 carries, 63 yards, TD
Receiving Noah Meyers 6 receptions, 81 yards

at Missouri State

See also: 2025 Missouri State Bears football team
Game Five – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–1) at Missouri State Bears (2–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 0 10 14327
Bears 0 9 7622

at Robert W. Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday September 27, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 82 °F (28 °C) • Wind: W 4 mph
  • Game attendance: 10,068
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West (play-by-play), Tom Mast (analyst) and Cierra Clark (sideline)
Game information
First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter
  • (14:55) MOST - Yousef Obeid 49-yd field goal Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 2:06; (Bears 3-0)
  • (13:56) WKU - Noah Meyers 39-yd pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick) Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:59; (Hilltoppers 7-3)
  • (8:43) WKU - John Cannon 26-yd field goal Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 3:48; (Hilltoppers 10-3)
  • (03:31) MOST - Yousef Obeid 22-yd field goal Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:12; (Hilltoppers 10-6)
  • (0:59) MOST - Yousef Obeid 19-yd field goal Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:12; (Hilltoppers 10-9)
Third quarter
  • (12:16) MOST - Shomari Lawrence 32-yd run (Yousef Obeid kick) Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:44; (Bears 16-10)
  • (6:29) WKU - La'Vell Wright 2-yd run (John Cannon kick) Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:47; (Hilltoppers 17-16)
  • (1:16) WKU - La'Vell Wright 17-yd run (John Cannon kick) Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:55; (Hilltoppers 24-16)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:21) WKU - John Cannon 19-yd field goal Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:27; (Hilltoppers 27-16)
  • (4:13) MOST - Tristian Gardner 9-yd pass from Deuce Bailey Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:30; (Hilltoppers 27-22)
Statistics WKU MOST
First downs 25 21
Total yards 476 414
Rushing yards 159 214
Passing yards 317 200
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 26–39–0 15–32–0
Time of possession 31:28 28:32
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 26/39, 317 yards, TD
Rushing La'Vell Wright 10 carries, 91 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Matthew Henry 5 receptions, 73 yards
Missouri State Passing Jacob Clark 8/15, 143 yards
Rushing Shomari Lawrence 16 carries, 78 yards, TD
Receiving Dash Luke 3 receptions, 71 yds

at Delaware

See also: 2025 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team
Game Six – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–1) at Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 0 10 17027
Fightin' Blue Hens 7 10 0724

at Delaware Stadium • Newark, DE

  • Date: Friday October 3, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game attendance: 19,179
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): John Sadak (play-by-play), Kyle Long (analyst) and Patrick Peterson (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:36) DEL – Nick Minicucci 2-yd run (Nate Reed kick). Fightin' Blue Hens 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 6:24.
Second quarter
  • (14:55) WKU – John Cannon 41-yard field goal. Fightin' Blue Hens 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:36.
  • (7:55) DEL – Nate Reed 23-yard field goal. Fightin' Blue Hens 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:52.
  • (1:55) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 5-yard run (John Cannon kick). Tied 10–10. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:00.
  • (0:00) DEL – Nick Minicucci 1-yd run (Nate Reed kick). Fightin' Blue Hens 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 1:47.
Third quarter
  • (8:01) WKU – John Cannon 43-yard field goal. Fightin' Blue Hens 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 2:57.
  • (7:20) WKU – Koron Hayward 25-yard interception return (John Cannon kick). Hilltoppers 20–17.
  • (0:38) WKU – George Hart III 5-yard pass from Maverick McIvor (John Cannon kick). Hilltoppers 27-17. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.
Fourth quarter
  • (9:54) DEL – Nick Minicucci 2-yard run (Nate Reed kick). Hilltoppers 27-24. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:44.
Statistics WKU DEL
First downs 16 27
Total yards 338 435
Rushing yards 108 121
Passing yards 230 314
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 23-31-0 28-46-1
Turnovers 1 2
Time of possession 27:26 32:34
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 23/31, 230 yds, TD
Rushing Maverick McIvor 6 rushes, 36 yards
Receiving Matthew Henry 4 receptions, 99 yards
Delaware Passing Nick Minicucci 28/45, 314 yds, INT
Rushing Nick Minicucci 12 rushes, 55 yards, 3 TD
Receiving 2 Tied 55 yards

vs. FIU

See also: 2025 FIU Panthers football team
Game Seven – FIU Panthers (2–3) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 6 13 6025
Hilltoppers 3 3 006

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Tuesday October 14, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,276
  • Referee: Douglas Mercer
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Chuckie Kempf (play-by-play) and Darius Walker (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:37) FIU – Noah Grant 37-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:23; FIU 3–0)
  • (7:37) FIU – Noah Grant 28-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 87 yards, 2:04; FIU 6–0)
  • (3:03) WKU – John Cannon 28-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:34; FIU 6–3)
Second quarter
  • (14:56) FIU – Noah Grant 37-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:59; FIU 9–3)
  • (7:57) FIU – Jackson Verdugo 8-yard pass from Keyone Jenkins, Noah Grant kick (Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 6:05; FIU 16–3)
  • (2:57) FIU – Noah Grant 51-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 5 yards, 3:15; FIU 19–3)
  • (0:00) WKU – Jack Cassidy 55-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 0:29; FIU 19–6)
Third quarter
  • (2:03) FIU – Kejon Owens 6-yard run (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:32; FIU 25–6)
Fourth quarter

No scoring plays

Statistics FIU WKU
First downs 21 18
Total yards 453 341
Rushing yards 249 116
Passing yards 204 225
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 20–31–0 27–41–3
Time of possession 34:38 25:22
Team Category Player Statistics
FIU Passing Keyone Jenkins 17/25, 184 yards, TD
Rushing Kejon Owens 22 carries, 195 yards, TD
Receiving Alex Perry 3 receptions, 86 yards
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 20/31, 159 yards, 3 INT
Rushing Mavis Parrish 9 carries, 74 yards
Receiving Matthew Henry 2 receptions, 58 yards

at Louisiana Tech

See also: 2025 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team
Game Eight – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–2) at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Hilltoppers 10 10 00828
Bulldogs 7 0 76727

at Joe Aillet Stadium • Ruston, LA

  • Date: Tuesday October 21, 2025
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Wind: SW 6 mph
  • Game attendance: 10,928
  • Referee: Reed Brotherton
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Jack Gordon (play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:26) WKU – John Cannon 47-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:34; Western Kentucky 3–0)
  • (6:46) LT – Tre Averhart 6-yard pass from Blake Baker, John Hoyet Chance kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:40; Louisiana Tech 7–3)
  • (1:09) WKU – La'Vell Wright 15-yard pass from Rodney Tisdale Jr., John Cannon kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:37; Western Kentucky 10–7)
Second quarter
  • (10:41) WKU – George Hart III 1-yard run, John Cannon kick (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:02; Western Kentucky 17–7)
  • (2:28) WKU – Jack Cassidy 53-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 3:44; Western Kentucky 20–7)
Third quarter
  • (14:45) LT – Devin Gandy 85-yard kickoff return, John Hoyet Chance kick (Western Kentucky 20–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:49) LT – John Hoyet Chance 24-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 4:36; Western Kentucky 20–17)
  • (6:20) LT – John Hoyet Chance 24-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 1:23; Tied 20–20)
Overtime
  • LT – Andrew Burnette 2-yard run, John Hoyet Chance kick (Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:00; Louisiana Tech 27–20)
  • WKU – George Hart III 4-yard run, Moussa Barry pass (Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 0:00; Western Kentucky 28–27)
Statistics WKU LT
First downs 21 24
Total yards 340 449
Rushing yards 113 109
Passing yards 227 340
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 21–34–1 31–46–1
Time of possession 31:20 28:40
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Rodney Tisdale Jr. 21/34, 227 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Rodney Tisdale Jr. 12 carries, 73 yards
Receiving K. D. Hutchinson 6 receptions, 77 yards
Louisiana Tech Passing Blake Baker 31/45, 340 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Blake Baker 10 carries, 49 yards
Receiving Marlion Jackson 6 receptions, 103 yards

vs. New Mexico State

See also: 2025 New Mexico State Aggies football team
Game Nine – New Mexico State Aggies (3–4) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Aggies 0 0 000
Hilltoppers 0 0 000

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday November 1, 2025
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CDT
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Tyler Eaton (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics NMSU WKU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
New Mexico State Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Western Kentucky Passing
Rushing
Receiving

vs. Middle Tennessee (100 Miles of Hate)

See also: 2025 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team and 100 Miles of Hate
Game Ten – Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Blue Raiders 0 0 000
Hilltoppers 0 0 000

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday November 15, 2025
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CST
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Tyler Eaton (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics MTSU WKU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Middle Tennessee Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Western Kentucky Passing
Rushing
Receiving

at LSU

See also: 2025 LSU Tigers football team
Game Eleven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) at LSU Tigers (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 3 0 0710
Tigers 0 7 3313

at Tiger Stadium • Baton Rouge, LA

  • Date: Saturday November 22, 2025
  • Game time: 6:45 p.m. CST
  • Game attendance: 100,923
  • Referee: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:43) WKU - John Cannon 36-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:17; Western Kentucky 3-0)
Second quarter
  • (1:32) LSU - Trey'Dez Green 11-yard pass from Michael Van Buren Jr. (Damian Ramos kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 1:43; LSU 7-3)
Third quarter
  • (5:55) LSU - Damian Ramos 18-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:30; LSU 10-3)
Fourth quarter
  • (11:15) LSU - Damian Ramos 29-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:55; LSU 13-3)
  • (1:05) WKU - Dylan Flowers 71-yard fumble return (John Cannon kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 1:25; LSU 13-10)
Statistics WKU LSU
First downs 14 20
Total yards 152 328
Rushing yards 22 126
Passing yards 130 202
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 21–42–2 25–42–1
Time of possession 24:06 35:54
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Rodney Tisdale Jr. 20/39, 128 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Marvis Parrish 7 carries, 32 yards
Receiving K. D. Hutchinson 8 receptions, 40 yards
LSU Passing Michael Van Buren Jr. 25/42, 202 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Harlem Berry 18 carries, 80 yards
Receiving Zavion Thomas 6 receptions, 47 yards

at Jacksonville State

See also: 2025 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team
Game Twelve – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 0 0 000
Gamecocks 0 0 000

at AmFirst Stadium • Jacksonville, AL

  • Date: Saturday November 29, 2025
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Eli Gold (play-by-play), Jeff Burger (analyst) and Taylor Korn (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics WKU JVST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Jacksonville State Passing
Rushing
Receiving

vs. Southern Miss (New Orleans Bowl)

See also: 2025 Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team and 2025 New Orleans Bowl
Game Thirteen – 2025 New Orleans Bowl - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8–4) vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7–5) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 3 3 71427
Golden Eagles 7 6 3016

at Caesars Superdome • New Orleans, LA

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 4:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 16,693
  • Referee: Christian Watson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Courtney Lyle (play-by-play), Rene Ingoglia (analyst) and Ian Fitzsimmons (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:38) WKU – John Cannon 31-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -1 yards, 1:16; Western Kentucky 3–0)
  • (4:06) USM – Tychaun Chapman 35-yard pass from Braylon Braxton, Creighton Wilbanks kick (Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:22; Southern Miss 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (11:09) WKU – John Cannon 30-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:08; Southern Miss 7–6)
  • (3:10) USM – Creighton Wilbanks 25-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:11; Southern Miss 10–6)
  • (0:00) USM – Creighton Wilbanks 29-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 1:10; Southern Miss 13–6)
Third quarter
  • (6:57) WKU – Maverick McIvor 11-yard run, John Cannon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:24; Tied 13–13)
  • (1:36) SMU – Creighton Wilbanks 41-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:15; Southern Miss 16–13)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:51) WKU – George Hart III 1-yard run, John Cannon kick (Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:12; Western Kentucky 20–16)
  • (3:38) WKU – Marvis Parrish 54-yard run, John Cannon kick (Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 2:39; Western Kentucky 27–16)
Statistics WKU USM
First downs 18 21
Total yards 422 377
Rushing yards 155 119
Passing yards 267 258
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 22-40-2 24-48-1
Time of possession 31:24 28:36
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing Maverick McIvor 12/19, 199 yards, INT
Rushing Marvis Parrish 7 carries, 65 yards, TD
Receiving Matthew Henry 7 receptions, 126 yards
Southern Miss Passing Braylon Braxton 24/47, 258 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Jeffery Pittman 10 carries, 55 yards
Receiving Tychaun Chapman 3 receptions, 50 yards, TD

Roster

2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 0 Matthew Henry  Sr
WR 2 K.D. Hutchinson  Jr
WR 3 Moussa Barry  Jr
WR 4 Cameron Flowers  Fr
WR 5 Jairus Mack  Sr
QB 7 Maverick McIvor GS
RB 9 George Hart III  Sr
QB 10 Caleb McMickle  So
QB 11 Tucker Parks  Fr
RB 11 La'Vell Wright GS
WR 12 Quincy Burroughs  Jr
WR 12 Damari Jefferson  Fr
WR 13 Kelby Williams Sr
QB 14 Owen Loy Fr
TE 15 Justin Wolf  Sr
QB 16 Rodney Tisdale Jr.  Fr
WR 18 Marvin Sims  Jr
TE 19 Lofton Howard  So
RB 21 Marvis Parrish Fr
WR 22 Justin Brown  So
RB 23 Jalen Hampton  Sr
WR 24 Fonzy Smith Fr
RB 25 Jaden McGill Sr
RB 26 Donovan Jones  Fr
RB 27 Corey Landers  So
RB 28 Javon McMahan  Fr
RB 29 Adrion Boyd Jr
OL 50 Laurence Seymore  Sr
OL 52 Isiah Stoudemire Fr
OL 53 Marshall Jackson  Sr
OL 55 Elijah Williams  Fr
OL 63 Quincy Jenkins  Sr
OL 64 Jackson Dialls Fr
OL 65 Devon Smith  Sr
OL 68 Gabe Claybrook  Fr
OL 70 Jemeil Jackson  Sr
OL 74 Karsten Upchurch  Jr
OL 76 Max Thurston So
OL 77 Melvin Collins Jr.  Jr
WR 80 Isaiah Myers  Jr
TE 81 Noah Meyers  So
WR 82 Jaleel Walker  Sr
TE 85 Jackson West  Sr
TE 88 Aiden Miller  So
TE 89 Cross Nimmo Fr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DL 0 Mackavelli Malotumau Sr
LB 3 Anthony Brackenridge Sr
DB 5 Jalen Emery  Sr
DB 6 Nazir Ward  So
DB 7 Jaylen Lewis  Jr
LB 8 Miller Malone So
LB 9 Dominic Oliver  Sr
DB 10 Dylan Flowers  Sr
DB 11 Kent Robinson  Jr
DB 12 Jaavan Mack Sr
DL 13 Robby Harrison  Jr
DB 14 Braxton Myers  So
DL 15 Jayden Gray  Sr
DB 16 Avarion Cole  Sr
DB 17 Dave Herard  Sr
LB 20 Zach Smith  Fr
LB 21 Jaylen Wester Sr
LB 22 Jordan Donald Fr
DB 23 Korbyn Green  Jr
DB 24 Lataj Wright  Sr
DB 25 Xavion "Tutu" Griffin  Fr
DB 26 Jai Eugene Jr.  So
DB 27 Jordan Bergeron Fr
LB 29 Joshua Mensah  Jr
DB 31 Jalen Jackson  Fr
LB 33 Eli Jones  Jr
LB 34 Koron Hayward  So
LB 35 Elijah Rumph Fr
DB 36 Khrystian Washington  So
LB 38 Kennon Loftin Jr
LB 41 Brandon Thomas Fr
DE 44 Harper Holloman So
LB 45 Josaiah Knight  Fr
LB 48 Zsacari Minnis  Fr
DL 50 Elin Jones Sr
DL 52 Jakeem Fletcher  Jr
DL 54 Sekou Peters Fr
DL 55 Venson Sneed  Jr
DL 59 Sharlandiin "Zaaq" Strange Fr
DL 91 Kai Micatrotto Fr
DL 93 Rylen Su'a-Filo Sr
DL 96 Brandon Tobias II  Fr
DL 98 Jaden Hardy  Sr
DL 99 Eric Etienne So
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
P 18 Cole Maynard  Sr
K 39 John Cannon  Sr
K 42 Jack Cassidy  Jr
K 43 Jackson Smith  Jr
LS 44 Bailey Sanders  Fr
K 49 Konner Olson GS
LS 55 Rex Robich  Sr
K 58 Michael Buck  Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Andy LaRussa (assistant head coach / special teams coordinator)
  • Rick Bowie (offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Da'Von Brown (co-defensive coordinator / defensive backs)
  • Davis Merritt (co-defensive coordinator / inside linebackers)
  • Jimmy Lindsey (run game coordinator / edges / defensive line)
  • Bryan Applewhite (running backs)
  • Jason Barnes (wide receivers)
  • Joe Bernardi (Offensive line)
  • Kali James (defensive tackle)
  • Jason Martin (cornerbacks)
  • Kevin O'Brien (tight ends)
  • Trevor Borland (quality control – tight ends)
  • Terrion Thompson (quality control – defensive line)
  • Devon Lynch (quality control – football strength & conditioning)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: January 2, 2026

References

  1. ^ "Western Kentucky Football Transfer Portal". ON3.
  2. ^ "Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 2025 College Football Transfer Portal". 247Sports.
  3. ^ "Hilltoppers Add 16 For 2025 Roster". ksuowls. May 23, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  4. ^ "2025 WKU Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
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