The 2025 college football season will forever be etched in the annals of Kennesaw State University history as the year the Owls truly arrived on the national stage. After a challenging inaugural FBS season in 2024 that saw the team struggle to a 2-10 record, the transformation witnessed over the last twelve months has been nothing short of miraculous. From being picked near the bottom of the Conference USA preseason polls to standing atop the mountain as conference champions, Kennesaw State has become the definitive "Cinderella story" of the Group of Five. This meteoric rise culminated in a historic trip to the Myrtle Beach Bowl on December 19, 2025, marking the program’s first-ever appearance in a sanctioned NCAA bowl game. The excitement surrounding the team has reached a fever pitch, with the "Gold and Black" faithful celebrating a double-digit win season that very few experts saw coming back in August. As the dust settles on this historic campaign, it is clear that head coach Jerry Mack has not only built a winning team but has also established a culture of resilience and excellence that promises to keep the Owls competitive for years to come.

The Architect of Success: Jerry Mack and a New Culture

The catalyst for this unprecedented turnaround was undoubtedly the leadership of Jerry Mack in his first full season at the helm. Following the departure of long-time coach Brian Bohannon, there were questions about whether the program could maintain its identity while transitioning away from the traditional triple-option offense that defined its FCS years. Mack, however, managed to blend the gritty, physical culture of the program with a modern, explosive offensive scheme that took the league by storm. His ability to hit the transfer portal effectively while developing the existing talent on the roster earned him the Conference USA Coach of the Year honors and a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Eddie Robinson Award. The most impressive aspect of Mack’s tenure so far has been his poise during high-pressure moments, a trait that trickled down to his players throughout the season. By securing a contract extension through 2031, the university has signaled its full confidence in Mack as the long-term face of Kennesaw State athletics.

A Season of Dramatic Turnarounds and Resilience

Kennesaw State’s journey to 10 wins was far from easy and began with significant adversity. The season opened with two narrow losses that could have easily derailed a less confident squad, including a heart-wrenching 10-9 defeat at the hands of Wake Forest and a tough outing against Indiana. Sitting at 0-2, many skeptics believed the Owls were destined for another long season of growing pains in the FBS. Instead, that early struggle served as the forge that tempered the team’s resolve. The Owls went on to win 10 of their next 11 games, displaying a knack for winning close contests that earned them the nickname "The Cardiac Owls." This resilience was most evident in their ability to win six one-possession games, a stat that led the entire FBS this year. Whether it was a last-minute defensive stand or a late scoring drive, the Owls proved time and again that they were never out of a fight regardless of the opponent or the venue.

Offensive Fireworks: The Amari Odom and Gabriel Benyard Connection

At the heart of the Owls' offensive resurgence was the breakout performance of sophomore quarterback Amari Odom. A transfer from Wofford, Odom brought a level of dynamic playmaking that the program had never seen at the quarterback position. Finishing the regular season with 2,385 passing yards and 18 touchdowns through the air, he added another seven scores on the ground, making him one of the most versatile threats in the conference. His primary target, senior wide receiver Gabriel Benyard, emerged as one of the elite pass-catchers in the country. Benyard led Conference USA with 898 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, often serving as the safety valve for Odom during critical third-down situations. The synergy between Odom’s arm and Benyard’s route-running became the backbone of an offense that averaged over 34 points per game during conference play. This duo’s ability to stretch the field forced opposing defenses to pick their poison, opening up lanes for a physical rushing attack led by Coleman Bennett.

A Defensive Identity Built on Grit

While the offense garnered the headlines, the Kennesaw State defense was the unsung hero of the 2025 championship run. Led by linebacker Baron Hopson, who recorded 105 total tackles, the unit developed a reputation for being one of the best "bend-but-don't-break" groups in the nation. The Owls particularly excelled in red-zone defense, ranking 27th nationally by allowing scores on only 77.6% of opponent trips inside the 20-yard line. This defensive toughness was on full display during the Conference USA Championship Game against Jacksonville State. In a gritty, low-scoring affair, the defense held the Gamecocks to just 15 points and forced several key turnovers that allowed the offense to stay within striking distance. Defensive end Elijah Hill also played a pivotal role, leading the team with 9 sacks and providing the consistent pressure needed to disrupt the timing of high-powered conference offenses throughout the year.

The CUSA Championship: Glory in the Deep South

The crowning achievement of the season occurred on December 5, 2025, when Kennesaw State traveled to Jacksonville, Alabama, for a rematch with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Having lost to them earlier in the regular season, the Owls were considered underdogs going into the title game. However, the "Cardiac Owls" saved their best performance for the biggest stage. In a defensive struggle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Kennesaw State secured a 19-15 victory to claim their first-ever FBS conference title. The win was a poetic moment for a program that had only been in the FBS for two years. Celebrating on the field as confetti fell, the players and coaching staff realized they had achieved something historic. The victory not only secured a trophy for the display case but also guaranteed the program’s first-ever bowl berth, a milestone that significantly raised the school's profile in the national collegiate landscape.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl: A New Chapter Begins

The reward for their conference dominance was a trip to the Myrtle Beach Bowl in Conway, South Carolina, to face the Western Michigan Broncos. Played on December 19, the matchup was unique as it featured two conference champions facing off outside of the College Football Playoff structure. The atmosphere at Brooks Stadium was electric, with thousands of Kennesaw State fans making the trip to witness history. Facing a tough MAC champion in Western Michigan, the Owls brought their signature physical style to the coast. This bowl appearance was more than just a single game; it was a validation of the hard work put in by the administration, the coaching staff, and the players over the last few years. It served as a massive recruiting tool and a source of pride for the Kennesaw community, signaling that the Owls are no longer just "happy to be here" but are a force to be reckoned with in the Group of Five.

The Future of Owls Football

As Kennesaw State looks toward the 2026 season, the foundation appears stronger than ever. With a young, talented core returning and a head coach who is fully committed to the long-term vision of the university, the future is incredibly bright. The transition to the FBS is now complete, and the Owls have proven they belong among the top tier of collegiate programs. The success of 2025 has already begun to pay dividends in recruiting, with several high-profile prospects expressing interest in the program. Furthermore, the increased revenue from the bowl appearance and conference championship will likely lead to further facility upgrades, ensuring that the athletic department can keep pace with the elite programs in the region. The journey from a startup program to a conference champion has been swift and spectacular, and if this season is any indication, the best is yet to come for the Owls.

Conclusion

The 2025 Kennesaw State football season will be remembered as the moment the program transcended its "startup" status and became a legitimate power in Conference USA. Through the tactical brilliance of Jerry Mack, the playmaking ability of Amari Odom, and a defense that refused to back down, the Owls captured the hearts of football fans across the country. Their 10-win season and CUSA title are testaments to what can be achieved with a clear vision and unwavering belief. As they move forward, the Owls carry the momentum of a historic bowl appearance and the knowledge that they have established a new standard of excellence for Kennesaw State athletics. The "Flight 29" era has officially taken off, and the horizon looks limitless for this remarkable team.

FAQs

Who is the head coach of Kennesaw State football?

Jerry Mack is the current head coach of Kennesaw State. He was hired for the 2025 season and recently signed a contract extension through 2031 after leading the team to a Conference USA championship.

Did Kennesaw State win a conference championship in 2025?

Yes, Kennesaw State won the 2025 Conference USA Championship by defeating Jacksonville State with a score of 19-15 on December 5.

What was Kennesaw State's record in the 2025 regular season?

The Owls finished the 2025 regular season and conference championship game with an impressive 10-3 record before heading into their bowl game.

Who are the key players for the Kennesaw State Owls?

The primary stars of the 2025 team include quarterback Amari Odom, wide receiver Gabriel Benyard, and linebacker Baron Hopson.

Which bowl game did Kennesaw State play in for the 2025 season?

Kennesaw State made its first-ever bowl appearance in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl against the Western Michigan Broncos on December 19.