Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 21, 2025

News Summary

The Sam Houston Bearkats will begin their college football season against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. With a new head coach, Phil Longo, at the helm, the Bearkats aim to improve on their strong previous season, while Western Kentucky hopes to bounce back after a disappointing championship game. This matchup is critical for both teams as they look to establish momentum early in the season.

Bowling Green, Kentucky—Sam Houston Bearkats to Face Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in 2025 Season Opener

The Sam Houston Bearkats are set to kick off their 2025 college football season against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the debut of Phil Longo as the Bearkats’ first-year head coach. The team enters the game following a successful 2024 season in which they compiled a record of 10-3 and achieved a 6-2 standing in the Conference USA (CUSA).

Both teams finished with identical 6-2 records in CUSA during the last season, with Western Kentucky holding an overall record of 8-6. However, the Hilltoppers faced a disappointing end to their season, suffering a 52-12 defeat in the CUSA Championship Game against Jacksonville State.

In terms of historical performance, Western Kentucky has a definitive edge, leading the all-time series against Sam Houston 2-0. The latest betting line has Western Kentucky favored by 10.5 points, and the over/under set at 61.5 total points.

Defensively, the Bearkats exhibited strong performances last year, ranking 13th nationally in passing yards allowed (177.0) and 22nd in total defense (321.5). Meanwhile, Western Kentucky averaged 24.9 points per game, closely trailing Sam Houston’s average of 23.8 points.

In their last encounter in 2024, Western Kentucky secured victory over Sam Houston with a score of 31-14. The Bearkats’ defense proved crucial throughout the previous season, where they ranked 21st in scoring defense and 7th in turnovers forced.

This season poses challenges for Sam Houston as they deal with significant roster turnover, losing key players and former head coach K.C. Keeler. Phil Longo brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Ole Miss, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, and he will implement his offensive strategies featuring several transfers, including quarterback Hunter Watson along with new running backs and receivers.

On the other side, Western Kentucky is adjusting to a new offensive coordinator, Rick Bowie, and will rely on Maverick McIvor, a quarterback who previously excelled at the FCS level. The Hilltoppers return only one offensive starter and will need to adapt to substantial roster changes while focusing on a fast-paced offensive style.

As part of special teams, Cole Maynard has been included in the Ray Guy Award watchlist for the top punters in the nation, indicating a pivotal role for him in the game.

This opening matchup is critical for both teams, as they begin conference play from the outset, potentially setting the tone for their respective seasons.

Key Matchup Highlights

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
• Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Last Season’s Records: Sam Houston (10-3, CUSA 6-2) vs. Western Kentucky (8-6, CUSA 6-2)
• All-Time Series: Western Kentucky leads 2-0
• Betting Line: Western Kentucky favored by 10.5 points
• Over/Under: 61.5 points

Background Information

College football serves as a cornerstone of American sports culture, with teams across the country competing fiercely in pursuit of glory and ranking. Both Sam Houston and Western Kentucky have storied programs, and their upcoming matchup promises to excite fans and set the stage for what is to come in the 2025 season.

Key Features Chart

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Bowling Green Set for 80’s Night with WKU vs FIU Basketball
Bowling Green Students Show Artistic Talent in Competition
Western Kentucky University Athletics Gear Up for Action
WKU Hilltoppers Host Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Showdown
Sam Houston Bearkats Suffer Loss to Western Kentucky
Sam Houston Men’s Basketball Team Faces Tough Loss
MTSU Blue Raiders Triumph Over WKU in Landmark Game

Additional Resources

• CBS Sports
• Wikipedia: College Football
• Underdog Dynasty
• Google Search: Sam Houston Bearkats vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
• USA Today Sportsbook Wire
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Western Kentucky University
• Sports Chat Place
• Google News: Western Kentucky football
• Action Network
• Google Scholar: Sam Houston Bearkats

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.