The chase for the 2025 Conference USA crown kicks off in Week Zero, as Western Kentucky welcomes Sam Houston to Bowling Green.
The Hilltoppers are eyeing a return trip to the C-USA title game after posting a 6-2 league record in 2024, a run that included a key Week 8 victory over the Bearkats.
For Sam Houston, the story is all about momentum. After stumbling to a 3-9 mark in 2023, the Bearkats roared back with a 10-3 breakout season last fall, a remarkable turnaround for a program still settling into the FBS ranks just three years after its move up from the FCS.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston: Date and kick-off time
Western Kentucky will take on Sam Houston in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
How to watch Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: CBSSN
- Streaming service: Fubo
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Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston team newsWestern Kentucky team news
The headliner for Western Kentucky is quarterback Maverick McIvor, widely regarded as the top impact transfer in the league this year. The former Texas Tech signal-caller lit up the stat sheet at Abilene Christian, tossing 61 touchdown passes over three seasons, including a dazzling 3,847-yard, 30-touchdown campaign in 2024. Adding fuel to the fire, McIvor reunites with his ACU offensive coordinator, Rick Bowie, and inherits one of C-USA’s most explosive receiving groups. Against a reshaped Sam Houston defense, the stage is set for him to hit the ground running on Saturday.
Sam Houston team news
On the other hand, Sam Houston’s recent success was built on defense. That unit carried the Bearkats to 10 wins a year ago, but with significant roster turnover and the arrival of new head coach Phil Longo, the team may be shifting its identity. On offense, quarterback Hunter Watson returns after averaging more than 200 total yards per game in 2024, though Wisconsin transfer Mabrey Mettauer is making a strong case for the starting gig. Whoever emerges under center will have a solid supporting cast, a veteran line, versatile backs, and a capable group of receivers.