kennesaw state football

Kennesaw State Football’s Historic Bowl Game: What to Know Ahead of the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl

For the first time in program history, the Kennesaw State Owls are headed to a postseason bowl game—and they’re doing it on one of college football’s brightest stages. On Friday, December 19, 2025, Kennesaw State will face off against the Western Michigan Broncos in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, marking a watershed moment for a team that only launched its FBS transition just a few years ago. With national attention now focused on this upstart program from Georgia, fans and analysts alike are asking: Can the Owls pull off an upset and cement their place in college football’s evolving landscape?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Kennesaw State’s improbable rise, the stakes of their upcoming bowl matchup, and what this moment means for the future of the program.

A Cinderella Story in the Making

Kennesaw State University, located just northwest of Atlanta, has long been known for its strong academic programs and growing athletic presence. But until recently, its football team competed in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision), far from the spotlight of major college football. That changed in 2022, when the university announced its move to the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision)—the highest level of collegiate play—and joined Conference USA.

The transition wasn’t easy. Early seasons were marked by growing pains, tough losses, and skepticism from traditional powerhouses. Yet under head coach Brian Bohannon—who has led the program since its inception in 2015—the Owls steadily built a culture of resilience and discipline. By 2024, they had posted their first winning season at the FBS level. And now, in 2025, they’ve clinched a bowl berth, a feat that seemed unimaginable just a decade ago.

“This isn’t just a win for our team—it’s a win for every program trying to prove that size doesn’t define success,” said Coach Bohannon in a post-season press conference (as reported by local media). While official statements from the university haven’t been widely published yet, the sentiment echoes across fan forums and social media: Kennesaw State’s journey is resonating far beyond Georgia.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl matchup against Western Michigan—a seasoned Group of Five program with multiple bowl appearances—represents both a challenge and an opportunity. For Kennesaw State, it’s a chance to validate their rapid ascent. For college football observers, it’s a test case: Can a relatively new FBS program compete with established mid-major contenders?

Recent Updates: Odds, Predictions, and Expert Takes

As bowl season approaches, sports analysts and betting platforms are weighing in on the Kennesaw State–Western Michigan showdown. According to verified reports from CBS Sports, DraftKings Network, and SportsLine, the game is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle—but Western Michigan enters as the favorite.

CBS Sports’ predictive model gives Western Michigan a slight edge, citing their more experienced roster and stronger track record in high-pressure games. However, the same model notes that Kennesaw State’s aggressive defense and disciplined special teams could level the playing field. “Don’t sleep on the Owls,” wrote CBS Sports analyst Barrett Sallee. “They’ve shown they can hang with better-known teams when it matters.”

DraftKings Network echoes this cautious optimism, highlighting Kennesaw State’s +7.5 point spread as a potential value bet for underdog enthusiasts. Meanwhile, SportsLine’s advanced analytics suggest the total score will likely fall under 52 points, pointing to a defensive-minded contest.

Game details are confirmed: kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Friday, December 19, at Brooks Stadium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ensuring maximum visibility for both programs.

Notably, all three major sports outlets—CBS Sports, DraftKings, and SportsLine—emphasize that while Western Michigan holds statistical advantages, Kennesaw State’s intangibles—team cohesion, coaching stability, and home-state momentum—could tip the scales. As one SportsLine insider put it: “Upsets happen in bowls. And Kennesaw State has the heart to make it happen.”

Contextual Background: From Startup to Showtime

To understand why this bowl game matters so much, it helps to look at how far Kennesaw State has come—and what it took to get here.

The Owls launched their football program in 2015 with zero prior history. In just over a decade, they’ve gone from playing in front of a few hundred fans at Fifth Third Stadium to competing for national recognition. Their move to the FBS in 2023 was part of a broader trend among mid-sized universities seeking greater exposure, revenue, and recruiting opportunities.

Conference USA, though often overshadowed by the Power Five leagues (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC), has become a launchpad for ambitious programs. Schools like UAB, FAU, and now Kennesaw State have used the conference as a springboard to national relevance. The Owls’ bowl eligibility in 2025 places them among an elite group of programs that have successfully navigated the FBS transition within five years.

Western Michigan, by contrast, has been a consistent presence in the MAC (Mid-American Conference) since the 1940s. The Broncos have appeared in six bowl games since 2014, including a famous 2017 upset over Syracuse in the Quick Lane Bowl. Their quarterback, senior Jake Johnson, is a Heisman dark horse candidate, and their offense ranks in the top 30 nationally in scoring.

This contrast—newcomer versus veteran—adds narrative depth to the matchup. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about legacy, identity, and the evolving definition of “major” college football in the modern era.

Moreover, the game carries symbolic weight for the state of Georgia. While the Peach State is dominated by SEC giants like Georgia and Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State represents a new wave of athletic ambition outside the traditional power structure. A strong bowl performance could accelerate investment in facilities, boost enrollment applications, and attract higher-caliber recruits.

Immediate Effects: Ripple Effects Across College Sports

The Kennesaw State–Western Michigan bowl game isn’t just significant for the teams involved—it has broader implications for college athletics.

First, it underscores the growing competitiveness of Group of Five programs. In recent years, teams like Cincinnati, UCF, and Appalachian State have proven they can compete with—and even beat—Power Five opponents. Kennesaw State’s inclusion in a marquee bowl signals that the gap is narrowing faster than many expected.

Second, the game highlights the importance of strategic conference realignment. By joining Conference USA, Kennesaw State gained access to better scheduling, increased media exposure, and bowl tie-ins that weren’t available in the FCS. This model is being watched closely by other aspiring programs, including those in the Sun Belt and American Athletic Conference.

Third, from a financial standpoint, bowl participation brings tangible benefits. According to NCAA data, FBS bowl teams typically receive payouts between $500,000 and $1 million, plus travel reimbursements and merchandise revenue. For a program like Kennesaw State—which operates on a fraction of the budget of Power Five schools—this infusion can fund facility upgrades, scholarships, and staff expansion.

Socially, the Owls’ success is galvanizing their fanbase. Student attendance at home games has surged by 40% since the FBS move, and social media engagement has tripled. Local businesses in Kennesaw are already planning watch parties for the bowl game, and the city council has declared December 19 “Owls Pride Day.”

Even recruiting is feeling the impact. High school coaches in Georgia report increased interest from prospects asking about Kennesaw State’s trajectory. “Kids see that you don’t need to go to Alabama to play meaningful football,” said one Atlanta-area recruiter. “You can build something special somewhere else.”

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Kennesaw State Football?

Win or lose in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, Kennesaw State’s future looks brighter than ever. But the path forward isn’t without challenges.

If the Owls pull off the upset, they’ll likely enter the