Liltony9144, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Team History
The Bearkats won their first FCS national championship in 2020, and then made the jump to FBS in 2023. After a rough first year, they won 10 games including their bowl in year 2. Led by a top 25 scoring defense nationally. This year Phil Longo is starting his tenure as head coach, we'll see if offense is their calling card moving forward.
Recent Coverage
Optimistic & Pessimistic Outlooks for Each Team
2025-08-19 • Why each team's 2025 season could be great, and why each team's season could turn into a trainwreck....
Biggest G5 Games of Week 0/1
2025-07-29 • The seasons just around the corner, which games from the opening week should be on your radar?...
Quick Facts
Peak of Program
A good chance its right now. In the last 5 years they had their best season ever at the FCS level and then broke out in a big way in year 2 in the FBS.
Rock Bottom
In the late 70's they had two 1 win seasons in three years under two different coaches.
Best Ever Player
Josh McCown (QB, 2001): In his solo season he set school records for passing yards and touchdowns. Was selected as the conference player of the year.
Best Ever Coach
Willie Fritz (2010-2014): Set them on their current trajectory. Was the American Football Coaches Association national coach of the year in 2011.
Stadium
Bowers Stadium
First Season
1912
Enrollment
21,000