As I sit here reflecting on the Kennesaw State University football program, I can't help but feel a genuine sense of admiration for what this relatively young program has accomplished in such a short time. Having followed college football for over two decades, I've seen countless programs struggle to find their footing, but the Owls have defied expectations from day one. When the university announced it would field its first football team in 2015, many skeptics questioned whether Kennesaw State could compete at the FCS level. Yet here we are, less than a decade later, and the Owls have already established themselves as a formidable force in the Big South Conference.
What strikes me most about Kennesaw State's approach is their commitment to building a program that reflects the university's identity while creating immediate competitive success. The Owls play their home games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, a 8,318-seat facility that consistently sells out and creates one of the most electric atmospheres in FCS football. I remember attending their inaugural game in 2015 against East Tennessee State, where despite being a first-year program, they demonstrated remarkable poise and organization. The coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Bohannon, has implemented an option-based offensive system that has proven incredibly effective against more established programs. In just their third season, the Owls achieved what many thought impossible—they reached the FCS playoff quarterfinals, finishing with an impressive 11-2 record that included victories over traditional powerhouses like Jacksonville State.
The program's rapid ascent reminds me of the kind of determination and strategic planning I've seen in other successful athletic programs. There's something special happening at Kennesaw State that transcends typical expansion team narratives. The Owls have developed a distinct identity centered around disciplined football, strong community engagement, and innovative recruiting strategies that target underrated talent across Georgia and neighboring states. Their roster typically features around 110 players, with scholarship numbers carefully managed to maximize depth and specialization across positions. What's particularly impressive is how they've managed to build competitive depth so quickly—something that usually takes programs at least five years to accomplish.
Looking at their performance metrics reveals a program that understands exactly what it takes to win at this level. The Owls have consistently ranked among FCS leaders in rushing offense, often averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground. Their defensive units have shown remarkable improvement year over year, with the 2019 squad allowing just 18.2 points per game—a dramatic improvement from their inaugural season when they surrendered nearly 28 points per contest. These aren't just random improvements; they reflect a coaching staff that knows how to develop talent and implement systems that play to their players' strengths. I've spoken with several former players who credit the program's success to its culture of accountability and the staff's ability to teach fundamental football at an exceptionally high level.
The community embrace of Owl football has been nothing short of remarkable. Attendance figures tell part of the story—the program regularly ranks among FCS attendance leaders, with average crowds exceeding 8,000 fans per game. But numbers don't fully capture the transformation I've witnessed on campus and throughout Cobb County on game days. There's a palpable energy that extends beyond the stadium, with local businesses embracing the team and students displaying unprecedented school spirit for a program so young. This community connection has become a significant recruiting advantage, allowing Kennesaw State to compete for talent that might otherwise have chosen more established programs.
When I think about what makes Kennesaw State's football story compelling, it's the combination of strategic vision and execution that stands out. The administration made calculated decisions about conference affiliation, scheduling, and facility investments that positioned the program for sustainable success rather than quick fixes. Their approach to scheduling non-conference games demonstrates this perfectly—they've been strategic about mixing winnable games against peer institutions with occasional contests against FBS opponents that provide financial benefits and exposure without overwhelming the team. This balanced approach has allowed the program to build confidence while gradually increasing its competitive ambitions.
The future looks exceptionally bright for Owl football. With plans to potentially expand stadium capacity and ongoing discussions about conference realignment opportunities, the program appears poised for continued growth. Having watched numerous FCS programs navigate the challenges of building and sustaining success, I believe Kennesaw State has all the ingredients to become a perennial playoff contender and potentially make the jump to FBS football within the next decade. Their geographic location in a talent-rich area, combined with strong institutional support and growing fan engagement, creates a foundation that many established programs would envy. While nothing in college football is guaranteed, I'd bet on the Owls continuing to exceed expectations and write new chapters in their already impressive story.
- Nursing
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Technology
- Business Management