Bowling Green, KY, August 25, 2025
News Summary
WKU Football celebrated a strong start to their season with a 41-24 victory against Sam Houston. Quarterback Maverick McIvor excelled in his debut, throwing for over 400 yards and totaling four touchdowns, earning the CUSA Offensive Player of the Week title. The game showcased WKU’s offensive strength, accumulating 506 yards. Notable performances from players like Marvis Parrish and Jaylen Lewis further highlighted the win. With this victory, WKU kicks off their Conference USA season on a high note, looking ahead to their next game against North Alabama.
Bowling Green, KY – WKU Football kicked off their 2025 season with a decisive 41-24 victory over Sam Houston on August 23, 2025, at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The win not only improved WKU’s record to 1-0 for the season, but it also marked the team’s first victory in Conference USA play for the year.
The standout player of the game was quarterback Maverick McIvor, who impressed fans and analysts alike in his debut with WKU. McIvor threw for over 400 yards with three touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown. His performance has earned him the title of CUSA Offensive Player of the Week.
The game’s scoring included several pivotal plays. McIvor connected with Matthew Henry for a 26-yard touchdown, and later hit K.D. Hutchinson and Marvis Parrish for additional touchdown passes. Parrish’s touchdown was particularly critical, contributing significantly in the third quarter. WKU’s La’Vell Wright also rushed for a touchdown, while John Cannon boosted the scoreboard with two field goals of 49 and 42 yards.
Sam Houston managed to stay competitive with a mix of offensive efforts, including a 40-yard field goal from RJ Lopez and a 55-yard run by Hunter Watson. Alton McCaskill added a 2-yard rushing score, while Jamair Diaz scored a defensive touchdown with a 43-yard fumble recovery. Overall, Sam Houston recorded 24 points, but it was not enough to overcome WKU’s explosive offense.
In total, WKU amassed 506 offensive yards throughout the game, illustrating their dominance on the field. McIvor completed 33 of 51 passes without any interceptions, firmly establishing himself as a valuable asset for the team. Freshman Marvis Parrish also had a notable debut, accumulating 110 all-purpose yards, a combination of rushing and receiving yards, which included a touchdown reception.
WKUs impressive performance did not go unnoticed, with several players receiving accolades in the Conference USA weekly awards. Alongside McIvor’s honor, Jaylen Lewis was named CUSA Defensive Player of the Week, and Cole Maynard earned CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week for a remarkable 71-yard punt, the longest for WKU since 2012. Laurence Seymore also earned recognition as the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week, while freshman Marvis Parrish was designated as CUSA Freshman of the Week.
As WKU looks forward, they will face North Alabama next on August 30, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the matchup live via streaming on ESPN+. For ongoing updates, followers can check out WKU Football’s profiles on various social media platforms.
Key Game Statistics:
– Final Score: WKU 41, Sam Houston 24
– WKU Total Offensive Yards: 506
– Maverick McIvor: 401 passing yards, 4 total touchdowns
– Field Goals: John Cannon (49, 42 yards), RJ Lopez (40 yards)
– Notable Performances: Marvis Parrish (110 all-purpose yards), La’Vell Wright (1 rushing TD)
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the WKU vs. Sam Houston game?
WKU defeated Sam Houston 41-24 in their season opener.
Who was the standout player in the game?
Quarterback Maverick McIvor had an outstanding debut, throwing for over 400 yards and recording four total touchdowns.
When is WKU’s next game?
WKU’s next game is against North Alabama on August 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. CT.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | WKU 41, Sam Houston 24 |
| Notable Players | Maverick McIvor, Marvis Parrish, Jaylen Lewis, Cole Maynard, Laurence Seymore |
| Total Offensive Yards (WKU) | 506 yards |
| Passing Yards (McIvor) | 401 yards |
| Next Game | August 30, 2025, vs. North Alabama |
