Sam Houston State Bearkats Football

The 2023 Sam Houston Bearkats football team, coached by K. C. Keeler, played in Conference USA. Despite a strong season, they couldn't compete in bowl games or for the conference championship due to FCS to FBS transition rules.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Introduction

The Sam Houston Bearkats football team, representing Sam Houston State University in Texas, plays in NCAA Division I FBS within Conference USA. Established in 1912, they call Bowers Stadium home. K. C. Keeler took the reins as head coach in 2014. After moving from the Southland Conference to the Western Athletic Conference in 2021, they transitioned to Conference USA at the FBS level in 2023–24. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Bearkats strive for success on the gridiron, drawing support from their loyal fanbase in Huntsville and beyond.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team History

Since 1912, Sam Houston's football journey has endured wars and pandemics, forging a resilient legacy. Their path has been diverse, from independent play to NAIA, NCAA Division II, and the Southland Conference. Their recent triumphs include claiming the FCS National Championship in 2020–21 and securing 15 conference titles. With a rich playoff history, highlighted by consecutive NCAA Division I Championship game appearances in 2011–2012, the Bearkats continue to make their mark in collegiate football.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Coaches

Head Coach Profile:

Kurt Charles Keeler, born July 26, 1959, is a renowned American football coach and former player. He has been head coach at Sam Houston State University since 2014 and previously led the University of Delaware and Rowan University. Keeler boasts historic achievements, including winning national championships with two different institutions.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Stadium

Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, seating 14,000, is the home of Sam Houston State University Bearkats football since 1986. Named after former university president Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, it stands proudly on campus at 620 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, Texas. Renovations in 2012 introduced orange chairbacks and updated locker rooms, while April 2013 saw the addition of a video replay system scoreboard, elevator to the press box, and guest suites. The upcoming Ron Mafridge field house, due for completion in October 2021, promises state-of-the-art facilities, concluding a 15-year planning process and boasting 27,000 square feet of interior and exterior renovations.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Rivals

Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Lumberjacks: Battle of the Piney Woods

This rivalry, known as the Battle of the Piney Woods, is held annually at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Bearkats and the Lumberjacks have faced each other 91 times, with Sam Houston leading the series 60–34–2. It's the second-longest FCS rivalry in Texas. The most recent meeting saw the Bearkats triumph over the Lumberjacks 21–20, marking their 10th consecutive victory. However, the future of this rivalry is uncertain since Sam Houston left the Western Athletic Conference for Conference USA in 2023.

Texas State University Bobcats

Sam Houston's second-longest rivalry dates back to 1915 and is with Texas State University. These two teams competed annually in football and basketball. Texas State holds a 50–37–5 advantage in football, and men's basketball has a 64–51 advantage. Both universities share many similarities and were in the same athletic conferences until Texas State's conference realignment. The football rivalry was renewed starting in the 2024 season.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Record and Stats

The Sam Houston Bearkats football team boasts an impressive record and stats, including:

FCS National Championship (2020–21):

The Bearkats clinched their first FCS National Championship in the 2020–21 season, defeating South Dakota State 23–21.

Conference Championships:

Sam Houston has secured 15 conference championships, demonstrating their consistent excellence in collegiate football.

Battle of the Piney Woods:

The annual rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin, known as the Battle of the Piney Woods, has seen Sam Houston lead the series with 60 wins, 34 losses, and 2 ties.

Bearkats-Bobcats Trophy:

In their rivalry with Texas State University, the Bearkats have competed for the Bearkats-Bobcats Trophy in football and basketball, adding extra significance to their matchups.

Overall, Sam Houston's football program boasts a rich history of victories, championships, and memorable performances, solidifying its reputation as a formidable force in collegiate football.

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Roster

Here is a list of the current players on the Sam Houston Bearkats football team:

Zach Hrbacek

Chris Murray

John Gentry

Jevon Leon

Ife Adeyi

Da'Veawn Armstead

Caleb Weaver

Michael Phoenix II

David Fisher

Grant Gunnell

Trey Fields

Noah Smith

Emon Allen

Qua'Vez Humphreys

Jase Bauer

Sincere Jackson

Simeon Evans

Jaylen Phillips

Hunter Watson

Ysidro Mascorro

Malik Phillips

Tyler Bailey

Austin Smith

Sylas Gomez

Jaylon Jimmerson

Kavian Gaither

Shane Johnson

Jyzaiah Rockwell

KeSean Raven

Issiah Nixon

Elijah Sohn

Chantson Prox

DJ McKinney

Jaidan Scott

Adrian Murdaugh

Elias Escobar

Dax Horany

Garret Hagler

Darien Flynn

Jadarius Brown

Zach Stricker

Ca'lub Holloway

Jadon Cardell

Briceon Hayes

Eli Wallace

Carson Whitington

Colby Sessums

Braeden Howell

Jacquis Ishmeal Jr.

Christian Pavon

Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Schedule

Here's the Sam Houston Bearkats football team's regular season schedule:

Sunday, September 1

Opponent: Rice

Location: Away

Time: 3:30 AM

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $31

Saturday, September 7

Opponent: UCF

Location: Away

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $15

Saturday, September 14

Opponent: Hawai'i

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $41

Saturday, September 21

Opponent: New Mexico State

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $35

Saturday, September 28

Opponent: Texas State

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $32

Thursday, October 3

Opponent: UTEP

Location: Away

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $22

Wednesday, October 16

Opponent: Western Kentucky

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $29

Tuesday, October 22

Opponent: Florida International

Location: Away

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $17

Tuesday, October 29

Opponent: Louisiana Tech

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $33

Saturday, November 16

Opponent: Kennesaw State

Location: Away

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $85

Saturday, November 23

Opponent: Jacksonville State

Location: Away

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $35

Saturday, November 30

Opponent: Liberty

Location: Home

Time: TBD

TV: Not specified

Tickets: As low as $36