Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University will celebrate the 1975 Hilltopper football team during halftime of their upcoming season opener against Sam Houston. The team, coached by WKU legend Jimmy Feix, achieved an impressive 11-2 record and became co-champions of the Ohio Valley Conference. Notable victories included playoff wins and a national runner-up finish in the NCAA D-II playoffs. As WKU honors its past, the team looks forward to the future with current star quarterback Maverick McIvor making headlines.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is set to honor its 1975 Hilltopper football team during halftime at the 2025 season opener against Sam Houston. This game is scheduled for Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium, with kickoff at 6 p.m. CT.
The 1975 Hilltoppers, coached by WKU legend Jimmy Feix, completed the season with an impressive overall record of 11-2 and a conference record of 6-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). They achieved co-championship honors within the OVC and made a significant impact in the NCAA D-II national championship playoffs, where they scored 44 points and brought home a national runner-up trophy.
Notable Games and Achievements
During their playoff journey, the 1975 team recorded several memorable victories, including:
- A 14-12 win over Northern Iowa, famously dubbed the “Mud Bowl.”
- A 14-3 triumph against New Hampshire in the Grantland Rice Bowl held at Tiger Stadium, LSU.
- A narrow loss to Northern Michigan in the Camellia Bowl, where a last-minute field goal attempt fell short.
The team featured standout players, including All-America linebacker Rick Green and several All-OVC selections such as Sheroid Barrett (OT), Chip Carpenter (G), Walt Herod (P), John Leathers (DB), and Keith Tandy (LB). Additionally, third-string quarterback Steve Larimore significantly contributed to the team’s success after filling in during the Homecoming game.
Lasting Legacy
The 1975 Hilltoppers are celebrated for holding records in over 30 statistical categories in the WKU football record book, marking the 50th anniversary of that remarkable season.
Current Developments in WKU Football
As WKU prepares to honor its past, there is also current excitement surrounding the football program. Quarterback Maverick McIvor has been named to the 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 Watch List, making him the only player from Conference USA included on the list and one of just 19 Group of Five players represented. His previous accolades include being placed on both the Maxwell Award Watch List and the Conference USA Preseason Watch List.
After transferring to WKU following three successful seasons at Abilene Christian, McIvor has demonstrated impressive performance stats, including throwing for 3,828 yards and scoring 30 touchdowns with only seven interceptions in the 2024 season.
Furthermore, the WKU coaching staff recently welcomed Kali James as the new Defensive Tackles Coach. James, recognized as a 30Under30 top young coach by 247Sports, joined WKU after a successful stint at Jackson State, where he played a key role in enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities.
The 2025 season opener against Sam Houston will be broadcasted nationally on CBS Sports Network, ensuring that fans can participate in celebrating both the historic achievements of the 1975 Hilltoppers and the current momentum of WKU football.
FAQ Section
When will WKU honor the 1975 Hilltopper football team?
WKU will honor the 1975 Hilltopper football team during halftime of the 2025 season opener against Sam Houston on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.
What was the record of the 1975 Hilltopper football team?
The 1975 Hilltoppers finished the season with an overall record of 11-2 and a conference record of 6-1.
What championships did the 1975 team achieve?
The team achieved co-championship honors in the Ohio Valley Conference and was a national runner-up in the NCAA D-II playoffs.
Who are some notable players from the 1975 team?
Notable players include All-America linebacker Rick Green, along with All-OVC selections Sheroid Barrett, Chip Carpenter, Walt Herod, John Leathers, and Keith Tandy.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | WKU honoring 1975 Hilltopper football team |
| Date & Time | 2025 season opener, Saturday at 6 p.m. CT |
| Opponent | Sam Houston |
| Coaching Legend | Jimmy Feix |
| 1975 Record | Overall: 11-2, Conference: 6-1 |
| Championships | OVC Co-Champions, NCAA D-II Runner-Up |
| Broadcast | CBS Sports Network |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: WKU Football Update
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- WKU Sports: Honor 1975 Team
- Google Search: WKU Football
- WKU Sports: McIvor Senior Bowl Watch List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- BG Daily News: WKU Football News
- Google Scholar: WKU Football 1975 Team
- WKU Sports: Kali James 30Under30
- Google News: WKU Sports
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