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2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
New Orleans Bowl champion
New Orleans Bowl, W 27–16 vs. Southern Miss
Conference	Conference USA
Record	9–4 (6–2 CUSA)
Head coach	Tyson Helton (7th season);
Offensive coordinator	Rick Bowie (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Air raid
Defensive coordinator	Da'Von Brown (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinator	Davis Merritt (1st season)
Base defense	3–3–5
Home stadium	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
	Seasons ← 2024 2026 →

2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

Last updated January 19, 2026

2025 Conference USA football standings
v t e
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
Missouri State	5	–	3	7	–	6
FIU	5	–	3	7	–	6
Louisiana Tech	5	–	3	8	–	5
Delaware	4	–	4	7	–	6
Liberty	3	–	5	4	–	8
Middle Tennessee	2	–	6	3	–	9
New Mexico State	2	–	6	4	–	8
UTEP	1	–	7	2	–	10
Sam Houston	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

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 23	6:00 p.m.	Sam Houston	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY	CBSSN	W 41–24	15,312
August 30	6:00 p.m.	North Alabama *	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY	ESPN+	W 55–6	12,226
September 6	6:00 p.m.	at Toledo *	Glass Bowl Toledo, OH	ESPN+	L 21–45	24,138
September 20	6:00 p.m.	Nevada *	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY	ESPN+	W 31–16	17,247
September 27	6:00 p.m.	at Missouri State	Robert W. Plaster Stadium Springfield, MO	ESPN+	W 27–22	10,068
October 3	6:00 p.m.	at Delaware	Delaware Stadium Newark, DE	CBSSN	W 27–24	19,176
October 14	7:00 p.m.	FIU	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY	ESPNU	L 6–25	12,276
October 21	6:30 p.m.	at Louisiana Tech	Joe Aillet Stadium Ruston, LA	CBSSN	W 28–27 ^OT	10,928
November 1	2:30 p.m.	New Mexico State	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY	ESPN+	W 35–16	15,023
November 15	2:30 p.m.	Middle Tennessee	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY (100 Miles of Hate)	ESPN+	W 42–26	16,547
November 22	6:45 p.m.	at LSU *	Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA	SECN	L 10–13	100,923
November 29	1:00 p.m.	at Jacksonville State	AmFirst Stadium Jacksonville, AL	ESPN+	L 34–37	16,733
December 23	4:30 p.m.	vs. Southern Miss *	Caesars Superdome New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Bowl)	ESPN	W 27–16	16,693
*Non-conference game Homecoming All times are in Central time

^[4]

Game summaries

vs. Sam Houston

Game One – Sam Houston Bearkats (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	3	7	14	0	24
Hilltoppers	7	13	14	7	41

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)

Game Two – North Alabama Lions (FCS) (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	6	0	0	0	6
Hilltoppers (FBS)	14	28	3	10	55

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

Game Three – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–0) at Toledo Rockets (0–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	7	0	0	14	21
Rockets	21	10	14	0	45

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

Game Four – Nevada Wolf Pack (1–2) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Wolf Pack	3	7	3	3	16
Hilltoppers	3	0	7	21	31

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

Game Five – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–1) at Missouri State Bears (2–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	0	10	14	3	27
Bears	0	9	7	6	22

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

Game Six – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–1) at Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (3–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	0	10	17	0	27
Fightin' Blue Hens	7	10	0	7	24

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

Game Seven – FIU Panthers (2–3) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	6	13	6	0	25
Hilltoppers	3	3	0	0	6

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

Game Eight – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–2) at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Hilltoppers	10	10	0	0	8	28
Bulldogs	7	0	7	6	7	27

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

Game Nine – New Mexico State Aggies (3–4) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Aggies	0	0	0	0	0
Hilltoppers	0	0	0	0	0

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)

Game Ten – Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Blue Raiders	0	0	0	0	0
Hilltoppers	0	0	0	0	0

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

Game Eleven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) at LSU Tigers (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	3	0	0	7	10
Tigers	0	7	3	3	13

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

Game Twelve – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	0	0	0	0	0
Gamecocks	0	0	0	0	0

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)

Game Thirteen – 2025 New Orleans Bowl - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8–4) vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7–5) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	3	3	7	14	27
Golden Eagles	7	6	3	0	16

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

Tyson Helton

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

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

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

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[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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[2]

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v t e Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
Venues	Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium (1968–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games Eastern Kentucky: Battle of the Bluegrass Middle Tennessee: 100 Miles of Hate Murray State: Battle for the Red Belt
Culture & lore	Big Red "Stand Up and Cheer"
People	Head coaches NFL draftees Statistical leaders
Seasons	1913 1914 1915 1916 1917–1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943–1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
National championship seasons in bold

英文互译镜像站

2025 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

Contents

Offseason

Transfers

Outgoing

Incoming

Schedule

Game summaries

vs. Sam Houston

vs. North Alabama (FCS)

at Toledo

vs. Nevada

at Missouri State

at Delaware

vs. FIU

at Louisiana Tech

vs. New Mexico State

vs. Middle Tennessee (100 Miles of Hate)

at LSU

at Jacksonville State

vs. Southern Miss (New Orleans Bowl)

Roster

References