By Jyesha Nance
Kennesaw State is preparing for a significant change in 2024 as they shift from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The transition commenced after the 2022 football season and received approval from stakeholder groups.
The final authorization was granted by University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue, as approved by the Board of Regents on October 14, 2022. Effective July 1, 2024, the Owls will officially join Conference USA (C-USA) for all sports.
Since its establishment as an NAIA program in 1982, Kennesaw State's athletic program has witnessed remarkable growth. The football team, which began playing in 2015, is the most successful start-up program in college football history according to ESPN. Over their first five seasons, the Owls achieved 48 victories, becoming the first start-up program to win 11 games in three consecutive seasons. They have also made four appearances in the FCS Playoff and secured three conference titles in the last five seasons.
The Owls recently concluded one of their most successful athletic years in university history. In the 2021-22 season, KSU claimed conference championships in football, baseball, men's tennis, and women's track and field. Additionally, the co-ed cheerleading team secured its third consecutive national championship. Over the past decade, KSU has earned 43 conference championships and 11 regular season titles in both women's and men's sports. As an NAIA and NCAA DII program, Kennesaw State has amassed over 150 conference, district, and regional championships, along with six national titles.
With the transition to FBS, the Owls aim to replicate their past success in the future. Jackson Simpson, a scouting analyst for MET Agency, had the opportunity to interview Hunter Thompson, a second-year defensive student coach, and junior cornerback Tyriek Johnson. Both individuals provided valuable insights on the recent transition and expressed their excitement for the future.
Simpson asked about the experience of moving from FCS to FBS. "It's an amazing feeling to be moving up to FBS," Johnson said. "I've dreamed of playing D1 football since I was five and making it to the NFL. Playing Conference USA football is surreal, and I'm truly blessed to have made it this far. I thank God."
Johnson is eager for increased competition. "I'm pumped about seeing more competition," he said. "Moving up conferences will speed up the game, and it's exciting to face better talent and compete against more developed programs for a bowl game."
Looking ahead to the future, Johnson is excited about the new journey and hopes to win an FBS game and a bowl game. "I want to do what nobody in my family has done before and win a bowl game," he said. "It would be a lifelong memory that I could share with my kids and grandkids." He knows it won't be easy and believes that the entire team and staff need to have a "buy-in" mindset. Johnson is heading into the season without worry or fear, and he believes that hard work and dedication will make “Kennesaw State a respected team in the FBS.”
With the transition to FBS, KSU will be featured in the 2025 College Football video game. Johnson, who grew up playing the game, describes it as a "surreal feeling" and something he never could have imagined. He credits God for blessing him with this opportunity. His family was thrilled to hear the news, and it motivated him to work even harder and make them proud.
Defensive Student Coach Hunter Thompson is also excited to be a part of the move. He has been with the team since August 2022 and says everyone in the building is super excited about the transition too. While he's not sure how the move will impact his personal career, he considers it “a privilege to be a part of the team during this transition and has had many unique experiences and opportunities to learn from.”
When asked by Simpson if the improved competition excites him, Thompson said it does. "It's just the drive of wanting to be the best, and we hope to compete in C-USA," he said.
Simpson asked how the program will prepare for FBS opponents. Thompson said, "I don't really know how much we will change. We've always attacked games and practices with the goal to 'Win the Day' and demand elite effort, attitude, and toughness every day."
Conference USA has announced the 2024 matchups for Kennesaw State's debut in the FBS as the Owls enter their 10th year. They'll face Liberty, the defending champions, and Jacksonville State, among five new opponents. Head coach Brian Bohannon said, "The future of Kennesaw State football is here," and looks forward to a challenging schedule that brings high-level opponents to Fifth Third Stadium. "This is another historical moment for our program, and I am excited for Owl Nation to enter a new era," Bohannon said.
Sources: Jackson Simpson Kennesaw State University student and MET Agency Sports Scouting Analyst-Sports Intern
