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Fox Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 WKU Football Predictions: Hilltoppers Ranked 83rd in RJ Young's Ultimate 136
College Football 2025 WKU Football Predictions: Hilltoppers Ranked 83rd in RJ Young's Ultimate 136 Published Aug. 10, 2025 9:44 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link This isn't your average college football ranking. My Ultimate 136 is a set of rankings that is fluid, but it's my job to look ahead and make a claim for all FBS teams based on what I know and why I know it. Here are the three pressing questions I started by asking when putting together this list: Who do I think is good? Why do I think they're good? What are the chances they will finish above or below my expectations? Here is a look at where Western Kentucky lands in my Ultimate 136. Western Kentucky ranking: 83 Last year's ranking: 59 Top player: WR Matthew Henry: Recorded 1,211 receiving yards at Western Illinois last season, leading the Big South-OVC; had five games last season with 100+ yards receiving. [ Western Kentucky's 2025 schedule ] RJ's take: Tyson Helton continues to pick the best of the rest at offensive coordinator and quarterback and put an offense on the field that's built on a gunslinging attitude. ADVERTISEMENT This year, that means former Abilene Christian OC and QB Rick Bowie and Maverick McIvor will lead the Hilltoppers. McIvor threw for 506 yards last year against Texas Tech and turns 25 during Week 0 when WKU begins the 2025 season against Sam Houston. [ Check out RJ Young's Ultimate 136 College Football Rankings here ] Western Kentucky Win Total Odds: Over 7.5 (-110) Under (-110) Have an issue with my rankings? Think your alma mater is too low, or your school's rival is too high? Get at me on X, @RJ_Young , and I'll select my favorite tweets and respond to them in a future article. RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports. Follow him at @RJ_Young. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience College Football Western Kentucky Hilltoppers share
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Western Kentucky Preview 2025: Even in a Rebuild, the Hilltoppers Will Be Dangerous
Another year, another great run. It's coming, but Tyson Helton's Hilltoppers have to get that offensive groove back Kentucky has settled in with 34 wins over the last four seasons and six bowl appearances in six years. It's hard to argue too much with an eight-win year, a spot in the Conference USA Championship, and a bowl game. But … The offense died down the stretch, the defense didn't make up for it, and a 7-2 season turned into 8-6 with the Hilltoppers scoring 21 point or fewer in the last five yet, WKU lost to a bad Louisiana Tech. The win over Jacksonville State to end the regular season was a mirage - Rich Rodriguez's team was resting up for the rematch a week later, and it showed in a 52-12 take out the everyone-gets-a-pass 2020, and Helton has eight wins or more in five of his six seasons, this year's team should be a favorite to win the conference title, and it should be another great run if … Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Preview 2025: Offense X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN- The offense has to kick it back in from the start, and do it with a wholesale change at the skill spots. The passing game was okay under Caden Veltkamp, but he left for Florida Atlantic. In comes veteran quarterback Maverick McIvor. After bombing away for over 8,000 yards and 63 scores over the last three years at Abilene Christian.- The top four pass catchers are gone, but KD Hutchinson is back after averaging over 15 yards per grab. The stars - led by deep threat Matthew Henry (Western Illinois) - are almost all coming in through the portal. - The offensive line that struggled in pass protection and didn't generate enough of a push for the ground game replaces four starters, but Marshall Jackson is a decent veteran at left tackle. The new starters from the transfer portal are just okay - Devon Smith (ULM) should be okay at one tackle, but the interior being pieced Wright (Austin Peay) should be the main man for the ground game, along with WKU's No. 2 rusher last year, George Hart III - he ran for 206 yards. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Preview 2025: Defense - The defense was way too pass defense finished ninth in the nation, but that's because everyone was too busy running at will on the front six. On the plus side, the entire line and most of the linebacking corps is being replaced - Kennon Loftin (JUCO) should be the team's leading tackler in the middle.- The line has experience from other spots, but the proven production isn't quite there. It's a strength-in-numbers thing with seven new players from the portal forming rotation. The pass rush has to come from somewhere. - The secondary will be tested a little more this season. Jaylen Lewis (Temple) was a nice get at safety coming off a 43-tackle season, and Demarko Williams is a veteran who came up 37 stops and two picks last year. The corners will work around Kent Robinson, one of WKU's most experienced returning defenders. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Key to the Season Don't be awful against the Hilltoppers went 2-5 when allowing teams to run for over 190 yards - and one of those teams was Jacksonville State the first time around when it was playing at half speed - and 6-1 when allowing that many yards or fewer. That's why … Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Key Player Mackavelli Malotumau, DT former Nevada tackle isn't massive - he's a 6-1, 290-pound anchor - but he's got the leverage to hold up on the nose. That's the hope after making 25 tackles with a sack in two years for the Wolf Pack. If he and 305-pound Norfolk State transfer Eric Etienne can hold up, the WKU D will quickly change. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Top Transfer, Biggest Transfer Loss Top Transfer In: Maverick McIvor, QB would be nice if he was a bit more of a runner, but over his three years at Abilene Christian, McIvor grew into a whale of a passer throwing for over 3,800 yards and 30 scores last year. He's ready right out of the box to take over the attack and start pushing it down the Transfer Out: Hosea Wheeler, DT might be more talented players gone through the portal - Rodney Newsom should be a whale of a guard for South Carolina - but Wheeler is exactly who this year's team could've used for the defensive interior. The CUSA all-star is now at Indiana after making 75 tackles last year. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Key Game Sam Houston, Aug. 23If you really and truly want to dream big, the biggest game might be at Toledo on September 6th. Win that, and with a freakishly light schedule, 11-1 in the regular season isn't an insane goal. But Sam Houston will be dangerous, it's the Conference USA opener, and it's a home game that has to show the team is back up to speed right out of the gate.- 2025 WKU Hilltoppers Schedule Breakdown Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Top 10 Players 1. Marshall Jackson, OT Sr.2. Maverick McIvor, QB Sr.3. Jaylen Lewis, S Jr.4. Kent Robinson, CB Sr.5. Kennon Loftin, LB Jr.6. Matthew Henry, WR Sr.7. Anthony Breckenridge, LB Sr.8. La'Vell Wright, RB Sr.9. Cole Maynard, P Sr.10. Mackavelli Malotumau, DT Sr. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 2024 Fun Stats - Rushing Yards: Opponents 3,097, WKU 1,524- Fumbles: WKU 22 (lost 12), Opponents 17 (lost 10) - Time of Possession: Opponents 32:10, WKU 27:50 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 2025 Season Prediction, Win Total, What Will Happen This isn't one of Tyson Helton's best teams, but it might have the best about the paycheck game at LSU, and going to Toledo is dangerous, but that's it. Jacksonville State is in a total rebuilding mode, a road game at Louisiana Tech could be interesting, but whatever. This is one of the easiest schedules in college football, and WKU has to take full advantage of it. There are too many new parts to expect any sort of consistency over the first half of the campaign, and there will be a few blown tires - like, maybe against Middle Tennessee or in the opener against Sam Houston - but it'll be another season with eight more more wins, and another season in the mix for the Conference USA The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Win Total At … 8Likely Wins: FIU, North Alabama50/50 Games: at Delaware, at Jacksonville State, at Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, at Missouri State, Nevada, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, at ToledoLikely Losses: at LSU © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What one might not know about the 2025 Division II Elite Eight teams
EVANSVILLE, Ind (WEHT) – The Ford Center will play host of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Elite Eight once again, but the remaining eight looks very different compared to last year. So, who are the eight teams that will look to keep their tournament runs alive? Before tipoff Tuesday afternoon, here is some information about each team vying to advance to the Final Four and possibly the championship. Nova Southeastern (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) – Enrollment: 6,971 Nickname – Sharks Head Coach – Jim Crutchfield (6th season) This year will be the Shark's second Elite Eight appearance, making it to this point in back-to-back seasons. Some famous alumni include actor Seth Gabel, former baseball player Carlos Asuaje and retired military officer Michelle Fraley. West Liberty (West Liberty, West Virginia) – Enrollment: 1,964 Nickname – Hilltoppers Head Coach – Ben Howlett (8th season) This year marks the eighth time in the last 15 years the Hilltoppers are one of the final eight. Some famous alumni include broadcaster Chris Booker, pastor and writer Chip Ingram and producer and comic book writer David Campiti. Dallas Baptist (Dallas, Texas) – Enrollment: 3,361 Nickname – Patriots Head Coach – Blake Flickner (19th season) 2025 will mark the first time the Patriots have made the Elite Eight in program history. Famous alumni include former professional baseball players Brandon Harper and Vic Black along with businessman and Kansas City Mavericks hockey team owner Lamar Hunt Jr. Washburn (Topeka, Kansas) – Enrollment: 3,732 Nickname – Ichabods Head Coach – Brett Ballard (8th season) 2025 will be the Ichabods first Elite Eight appearance in over 20 years, last making it in 2001. Famous alumni include former U.S. Senator and one-time presidential candidate Bob Dole, science fiction writer Larry Niven and professional golfer Gary Woodland. Lenoir-Rhyne (Hickory, North Carolina) – Enrollment: 2,038 Nickname – Bears Head Coach – Brent Owen (1st season) The Bears are making their first appearance in the Elite Eight in program history, knocking off UNC Pembroke 76-74 in overtime. Famous alumni include comedian, writer and podcaster Tom Segura, University of Tennessee men's head basketball coach Rick Barnes and football player Kyle Dugger. Lake Superior State (Sault S Marie, Michigan) – Enrollment: 1,384 Nickname – Lakers Head Coach – Steve Hettinga (18th season) The Lakers are playing their first Elite Eight game in program history. Lake Superior State has its fair share of former hockey alumni including Doug Weight, Steven Olesky, Brian Rolston and Jim Dowd. Politician Pete Stauber also graduated from the university with a criminology degree. Cal State Dominguez Hills (Carson, California) – Enrollment: 13,120 Nickname – Toros Head Coach – Steve Becker (12th season) The Toros are also making their first appearance in the Elite Eight after beating Point Loma. Famous alumni include Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, baseball player Kevin Pillar and actor Clarence Gilyard. Assumption (Worcester, Massachusetts) – Enrollment: 2,140 Nickname – Greyhounds Head Coach – Scott Faucher (6th season) The Greyhounds are returning to the Elite Eight for the first time in 50 years. Famous alumni include retired U.S. Army major general Robert Catalanotti, LSU head football coach Brian Kelly and Rhode Island governor Dan McKee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Western Kentucky plays in CUSA Tournament against the Florida International
Florida International Panthers (11-18, 7-11 CUSA) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-8, 13-5 CUSA) Huntsville, Alabama; Thursday, 3 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Western Kentucky and Florida International meet in the CUSA Tournament. The Hilltoppers are 13-5 against CUSA opponents and 9-3 in non-conference play. Western Kentucky is fourth in the CUSA with 30.8 points per game in the paint led by Acacia Hayes averaging 10.0. The Panthers are 7-11 in CUSA play. Florida International ranks fifth in the CUSA with 12.4 assists per game led by Lucia Fleta Robles averaging 2.9. Western Kentucky is shooting 44.9% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 43.9% Florida International allows to opponents. Florida International has shot at a 44.5% rate from the field this season, 2.9 percentage points above the 41.6% shooting opponents of Western Kentucky have averaged. The teams meet for the third time this season. The Hilltoppers won 83-48 in the last matchup on March 7. Destiny Salary led the Hilltoppers with 26 points, and Judit Valero Rodriquez led the Panthers with 12 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Alexis Mead averages 1.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Hilltoppers, scoring 13.2 points while shooting 33.6% from beyond the arc. Josie Gilvin is shooting 63.7% and averaging 18.2 points over the last 10 games. Fleta Robles is shooting 32.5% from beyond the arc with 1.4 made 3-pointers per game for the Panthers, while averaging 7.8 points. Isnelle Natabou is averaging 17.4 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Hilltoppers: 7-3, averaging 72.2 points, 29.0 rebounds, 16.2 assists, 9.8 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.4 points per game. Panthers: 3-7, averaging 58.9 points, 27.7 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 7.3 steals and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 42.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.6 points. ___
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Western Kentucky meets Florida International in CUSA Tournament
Florida International Panthers (9-22, 3-15 CUSA) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (17-14, 8-10 CUSA) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Hilltoppers -4.5; over/under is 143.5 BOTTOM LINE: Western Kentucky and Florida International meet in the CUSA Tournament. The Hilltoppers have gone 8-10 against CUSA opponents, with a 9-4 record in non-conference play. Western Kentucky is 2-2 in games decided by less than 4 points. The Panthers are 3-15 against CUSA opponents. Florida International has a 4-19 record against opponents over .500. Western Kentucky's average of 8.4 made 3-pointers per game this season is just 0.7 more made shots on average than the 7.7 per game Florida International gives up. Florida International averages 5.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.5 fewer made shots on average than the 8.5 per game Western Kentucky gives up. The teams meet for the third time this season. The Hilltoppers won 76-67 in the last matchup on March 7. Don McHenry led the Hilltoppers with 20 points, and Vianney Salatchoum led the Panthers with 21 points. TOP PERFORMERS: McHenry is averaging 17.3 points and 1.5 steals for the Hilltoppers. Khristian Lander is averaging 13 points over the last 10 games. Ashton Williamson is shooting 36.0% from beyond the arc with 0.9 made 3-pointers per game for the Panthers, while averaging 7.4 points and 1.5 steals. Jayden Brewer is shooting 50.9% and averaging 14.9 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Hilltoppers: 4-6, averaging 72.0 points, 31.6 rebounds, 12.1 assists, 6.8 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 41.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 75.3 points per game. Panthers: 2-8, averaging 65.7 points, 30.4 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 9.2 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 39.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.7 points.
