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Team Information
| Ground | Elliot T. Bowers Stadium |
| City | Huntsville, Texas |
| Conference | Conference USA, |
| Nickname | Bearkats |
Sam Houston State Bearkats Football Bio
The 2023 Sam Houston Bearkats football team, coached by K. C. Keeler, played in Conference USA. Despite a strong season, they couldn't compete in bowl games or for the conference championship due to FCS to FBS transition rules.
| Name of Team | Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team |
| First season | 1912 |
| Athletic director | Bobby Williams |
| Head coach | K. C. Keeler8th season, 80–23 (.777) |
| Stadium | Bowers Stadium(capacity: 12,593) |
| Location | Huntsville, Texas |
| Conference | Conference USA |
| Field surface | Real Grass Pro Artificial Surface |
| Conference titles | 15 |
| Fight song | Bearkat Fight Song |
| Mascot | Sammy Bearkat |
| Rivals | Stephen F. Austin (rivalry)Texas State Bobcats |
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Introduction
The Sam Houston Bearkats football team, representing Sam Houston State University in Texas, plays in NCAA Division I FBS within Conference USA. Established in 1912, they call Bowers Stadium home. K. C. Keeler took the reins as head coach in 2014. After moving from the Southland Conference to the Western Athletic Conference in 2021, they transitioned to Conference USA at the FBS level in 2023–24. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Bearkats strive for success on the gridiron, drawing support from their loyal fanbase in Huntsville and beyond.
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team History
Since 1912, Sam Houston's football journey has endured wars and pandemics, forging a resilient legacy. Their path has been diverse, from independent play to NAIA, NCAA Division II, and the Southland Conference. Their recent triumphs include claiming the FCS National Championship in 2020–21 and securing 15 conference titles. With a rich playoff history, highlighted by consecutive NCAA Division I Championship game appearances in 2011–2012, the Bearkats continue to make their mark in collegiate football.
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Coaches
Head Coach Profile:
Kurt Charles Keeler, born July 26, 1959, is a renowned American football coach and former player. He has been head coach at Sam Houston State University since 2014 and previously led the University of Delaware and Rowan University. Keeler boasts historic achievements, including winning national championships with two different institutions.
| Name | From | To | Record | ||
| W | L | T | |||
| S. R. Warner | 1912 | 1913 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Gene Berry | 1914 | 1919 | 14 | 15 | 1 |
| Mutt Gee | 1920 | 1922 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| J. W. Jones | 1923 | 1935 | 54 | 53 | 9 |
| Henry O. Crawford | 1936 | 1937 | 7 | 12 | 0 |
| Puny Wilson | 1937 | 1951 | 50 | 49 | 6 |
| Paul Pierce | 1952 | 1967 | 94 | 52 | 7 |
| Tom Page | 1968 | 1971 | 20 | 19 | 3 |
| Allen Boren | 1972 | 1973 | 7 | 14 | 0 |
| Billy Tidwell | 1974 | 1977 | 11 | 30 | 1 |
| Melvin Brown | 1978 | 1981 | 12 | 29 | 0 |
| Ron Randleman | 1982 | 2004 | 131 | 125 | 3 |
| Todd Whitten | 2005 | 2009 | 25 | 28 | 0 |
| Willie Fritz | 2010 | 2014 | 40 | 15 | 0 |
| K. C. Keeler | 2014 | present | 80 | 23 | 0 |
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Stadium
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, seating 14,000, is the home of Sam Houston State University Bearkats football since 1986. Named after former university president Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, it stands proudly on campus at 620 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, Texas. Renovations in 2012 introduced orange chairbacks and updated locker rooms, while April 2013 saw the addition of a video replay system scoreboard, elevator to the press box, and guest suites. The upcoming Ron Mafridge field house, due for completion in October 2021, promises state-of-the-art facilities, concluding a 15-year planning process and boasting 27,000 square feet of interior and exterior renovations.
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Rivals
Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Lumberjacks: Battle of the Piney Woods
This rivalry, known as the Battle of the Piney Woods, is held annually at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Bearkats and the Lumberjacks have faced each other 91 times, with Sam Houston leading the series 60–34–2. It's the second-longest FCS rivalry in Texas. The most recent meeting saw the Bearkats triumph over the Lumberjacks 21–20, marking their 10th consecutive victory. However, the future of this rivalry is uncertain since Sam Houston left the Western Athletic Conference for Conference USA in 2023.
Texas State University Bobcats
Sam Houston's second-longest rivalry dates back to 1915 and is with Texas State University. These two teams competed annually in football and basketball. Texas State holds a 50–37–5 advantage in football, and men's basketball has a 64–51 advantage. Both universities share many similarities and were in the same athletic conferences until Texas State's conference realignment. The football rivalry was renewed starting in the 2024 season.
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Record and Stats
The Sam Houston Bearkats football team boasts an impressive record and stats, including:
FCS National Championship (2020–21):
The Bearkats clinched their first FCS National Championship in the 2020–21 season, defeating South Dakota State 23–21.
| Season | Coach | Selector | Record | Result | Opponent |
| 1964 | Paul Pierce | National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics | 9–1–1 | T 7–7 | Concordia College |
| 2020 | K. C. Keeler | NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision | 10–0 | W 23–21 | South Dakota State |
Conference Championships:
Sam Houston has secured 15 conference championships, demonstrating their consistent excellence in collegiate football.
| Year | Conference | Coach | Overall Record | Conference Record |
| 1930 | Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association | J. W. Jones | 9–1 | 5–0 |
| 1955 | Lone Star Conference | Paul Pierce | 6–1–2 | 5–1–1 |
| 1956 | 10–0 | 7–0 | ||
| 1961 | 8–1 | 7–0 | ||
| 1964 | 9–1–1 | 5–1 | ||
| 1985 | Gulf Star Conference | Ron Randleman | 8–3 | 4–1 |
| 1986 | 9–3 | 4–1 | ||
| 2001 | Southland Conference | 10–3 | 5–1 | |
| 2004 | 8–3 | 4–1 | ||
| 2011 | Willie Fritz | 14–1 | 7–0 | |
| 2012 | 11–4 | 6–1 | ||
| 2014 | K. C. Keeler | 11–5 | 7–1 | |
| 2016 | 12–1 | 9–0 | ||
| 2020 | 10–0 | 6–0 | ||
| 2021 | Western Athletic Conference | 11–1 | 5–0 |
Battle of the Piney Woods:
The annual rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin, known as the Battle of the Piney Woods, has seen Sam Houston lead the series with 60 wins, 34 losses, and 2 ties.
Bearkats-Bobcats Trophy:
In their rivalry with Texas State University, the Bearkats have competed for the Bearkats-Bobcats Trophy in football and basketball, adding extra significance to their matchups.
Overall, Sam Houston's football program boasts a rich history of victories, championships, and memorable performances, solidifying its reputation as a formidable force in collegiate football.
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Roster
Here is a list of the current players on the Sam Houston Bearkats football team:
Jevon Leon
Ife Adeyi
Da'Veawn Armstead
Michael Phoenix II
David Fisher
Grant Gunnell
Trey Fields
Noah Smith
Emon Allen
Qua'Vez Humphreys
Jase Bauer
Sincere Jackson
Simeon Evans
Jaylen Phillips
Hunter Watson
Ysidro Mascorro
Malik Phillips
Tyler Bailey
Austin Smith
Sylas Gomez
Jaylon Jimmerson
Kavian Gaither
Shane Johnson
Jyzaiah Rockwell
KeSean Raven
Issiah Nixon
Elijah Sohn
Chantson Prox
DJ McKinney
Jaidan Scott
Adrian Murdaugh
Elias Escobar
Dax Horany
Garret Hagler
Darien Flynn
Jadarius Brown
Zach Stricker
Ca'lub Holloway
Jadon Cardell
Briceon Hayes
Eli Wallace
Carson Whitington
Colby Sessums
Braeden Howell
Jacquis Ishmeal Jr.
Christian Pavon
Sam Houston Bearkats Football Team Schedule
Here's the Sam Houston Bearkats football team's regular season schedule:
Sunday, September 1
Opponent: Rice
Location: Away
Time: 3:30 AM
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $31
Saturday, September 7
Opponent: UCF
Location: Away
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $15
Saturday, September 14
Opponent: Hawai'i
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $41
Saturday, September 21
Opponent: New Mexico State
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $35
Saturday, September 28
Opponent: Texas State
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $32
Thursday, October 3
Opponent: UTEP
Location: Away
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $22
Wednesday, October 16
Opponent: Western Kentucky
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $29
Tuesday, October 22
Opponent: Florida International
Location: Away
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $17
Tuesday, October 29
Opponent: Louisiana Tech
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $33
Saturday, November 16
Opponent: Kennesaw State
Location: Away
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $85
Saturday, November 23
Opponent: Jacksonville State
Location: Away
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $35
Saturday, November 30
Opponent: Liberty
Location: Home
Time: TBD
TV: Not specified
Tickets: As low as $36
FAQ's On Sam Houston State Bearkats Football
A. The season begins on August 31 with an away game against Rice.
A. Tickets for home games can be purchased online or at the stadium box office.
A. Key opponents include UCF, Hawai'i, Texas State, and Liberty.
A. Game times vary, but most kickoff times are announced closer to the date.
A. TV schedules for games are usually announced closer to the season start, and many games are broadcast nationally or regionally.
