Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football program represents Western Kentucky University. This team is known as the WKU football team. WKU football is a prominent member of NCAA Division I FBS football teams. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football program has an excellent roster team and well-experienced coach series throughout the football seasons. The team belonging to Bowling Green, Kentucky, they are competing in Conference USA. WKU had a rich football history on the grounds of Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, where the teams’ spirits mirrored the cheerleaders' presence on the stadium’s pavilion. Currently, the WKU football team is raw in achieving notable records under the guidance of head coach Tyson Helton. As the team continues their matches year by year, knowing their status details adds a significant layer to the team's legacy. So, let’s detail the history of records, stats, and team members of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football program.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Introduction

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team proudly represents Western Kentucky University, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Their first match was played in 1908, and they've built a rich legacy in college football. Their mascot, Big Red, brings enthusiasm to their games. Their home matches are played at the Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, equipped with a FieldTurf for top-notch play.

Under the guidance of head coach Tyson Helton, the team competes in Division I FBS of the Conference USA, showcasing their talent and skill on the national stage. Throughout their history, the Hilltoppers have clinched numerous conference titles, demonstrating their dominance on the field. Their fight song, "Stand Up and Cheer!", echoes through the stands as fans rally behind their beloved team.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football History

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team started in 1908. They began playing official games in 1913 with coaches M.A. Leiper and Roy Manchester. They play at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level and are part of Conference USA's Eastern division.

The Hilltoppers won the FCS national championship in 2002. They have 13 conference championships and have won 7 FBS-level bowl games. Their home field is Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

They have strong rivalries with Middle Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, Murray State, and Marshall University. Their overall record is 615 wins, 426 losses, and 30 ties, with an 11-5 record in bowl games. They have made 10 playoff appearances and have a history of success.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Coach

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team has had many dedicated coaches. Early coaches included M. A. Leiper and Roy C. Manchester. Edgar Diddle coached from 1922 to 1928 and had great success. Jimmy Feix coached from 1968 to 1983 with a record of 106 wins, 56 losses, and 6 ties.

Head Coach: Tyson Helton

Tyson Helton assumed the role of Western Kentucky University’s 21st head football coach on November 27, 2018. As of the 2024 season, he's led the Hilltoppers through five seasons, amassing a 40-26 record, including 28-11 in CUSA play. Under his leadership, the team has reached five consecutive bowl games, winning four of them.

In the 2023 season, Helton guided the team to an 8-5 record and a fifth straight bowl appearance. Notably, the team orchestrated an impressive comeback from a 28-0 deficit to defeat Old Dominion 38-35 in overtime in the Famous Toastery Bowl, marking one of the largest comebacks in bowl game history.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Stadium: Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium

Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, located at Jimmy Feix Field, has been home to the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers football team since 1968.

The stadium was built in 1968 and originally held 19,250 fans. To move to the highest level of NCAA football, Division I FBS, the stadium was expanded in 2008 to hold 22,000 fans. Even with this expansion, it is still one of the smaller stadiums in the FBS.

The stadium's history is tied to the growth and success of the Hilltoppers football team. Fans gather here to cheer on their team. With its modern design and features, Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium is a lively place for both players and fans on game days.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Rivals

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team has cultivated historic rivalries that add intensity and excitement to their matchups. These rivalries, rooted in their time in the Ohio Valley Conference, have continued to captivate fans despite changes in conference alignments.

Middle Tennessee State - 100 Miles of Hate

The rivalry with Middle Tennessee State, known as the "100 Miles of Hate," is the oldest for WKU. Dating back to their days in the Ohio Valley Conference, the rivalry intensified as both teams transitioned to the Sun Belt Conference and later to Conference USA. Named for the proximity of the two universities, separated by approximately 100 miles, this rivalry has seen 73 games played. WKU holds a slight edge with 37 wins to MTSU's 35, along with one tie. The most recent meeting in 2023 saw WKU triumph with a score of 38-10.

Eastern Kentucky - Battle of the Bluegrass

The Battle of the Bluegrass is a historic rivalry between WKU and Eastern Kentucky, featuring 85 games played since 1914. While the rivalry took a hiatus when WKU transitioned to FBS in 2009, a one-game matchup in 2017 reignited the competition, with WKU emerging victorious 31-17. WKU leads the series with 47 wins, compared to EKU's 35, with three ties.

Murray State - Battle for the Red Belt

The Battle for the Red Belt is another significant rivalry for WKU, facing nearby Murray State in a series that began in 1931. The introduction of the Red Belt trophy in 1978 added extra flair to this matchup, symbolizing the competitive spirit between the two teams. With 67 games played, WKU holds the advantage with 36 wins, while Murray State has 24 wins, and seven ties. WKU secured the most recent victory in 2008 with a commanding 50-9 win.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Record and stats

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team boasts an impressive record, highlighted by their championship victories and conference titles. In 2002, they clinched the NCAA Division 1AA football national championship and claimed the number 1 spot in both final 1AA national polls. Additionally, they were runners-up in the NCAA Division 2 national championship in 1973 and 1975. Over the years, they've secured a total of 13 conference titles, including ten outright wins and three shared titles. Moreover, the 1928 team achieved a remarkable feat by defeating all other Kentucky teams on their schedule, asserting their dominance as state champions.

National championships

Conference championships

Division championships

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Roster

In the 2024 season, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team is gearing up with a diverse roster of talented players across all positions. Here's a rundown of the squad:

• Quarterbacks: The team boasts a mix of experience and youth with Caden Veltkamp, Tucker Parks, Turner Helton, and TJ Finley ready to lead the offense.

• Running Backs: Elijah Young, L.T. Sanders, Ta'ron Keith, and Corey Landers form a formidable backfield with their speed and agility.

• Wide Receivers: Michael Mathison, Easton Messer, and Kisean Johnson provide reliable targets for the quarterbacks, capable of making big plays down the field.

• Tight Ends: With Noah Meyers, Elvin Fofanah, and Trevor Borland, the Hilltoppers have versatile options who can block and catch passes effectively.

• Defensive Backs: Jaymar Mundy, Anthony Johnson, Jr., and Demarko Williams lead the secondary, backed by a solid group including Virgil Marshall, Upton Stout, and Denzil Alleyne.

• Defensive Ends: Reid Jamerson, Harper Holloman, and Marcus Patterson anchor the defensive line, supported by Deante McCray.

• Defensive Linemen: The team features a strong rotation of linemen including Dallas Walker, Ryan Williams, and Jalil Rivera-Harvey, bolstering the run defense.

• Linebackers: Chandler Matthews, Lofton Howard, and Darius Thomas headline the linebacker corps, with a deep roster providing depth and versatility.

• Offensive Linemen: The offensive line is anchored by veterans like Wesley Horton, Marshall Jackson, and Darrell Johnson, Jr., providing protection and opening lanes for the running game.

• Special Teams: Lucas Carneiro, Nolan McCord, and Riley Stephens handle kicking duties with precision and reliability, ensuring the team's success on special teams plays.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Schedule

In the 2024 season, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football team faces an exciting lineup of opponents.