The Sam Houston Bearkats are in just their second season of FBS football, turning heads in Year 2 of Conference USA play. With their up-and-coming status in the FBS, our Sam Houston Football Hub guides you through everything you need to know about the Bearkats.
Sam Houston Score vs. FIU
Third Quarter Score: 7-7
The Panthers followed up Sam Houston’s first scoring drive of the game with one of their own, an impressive 12-play, 65-yard drive that saw them convert on three different fourth-down conversion attempts. In the end, Eric Rivers took a pass from Chayden Peery 28 yards for the game-tying score.
It was more of the same in the opening minutes of the second half, but an abomination of a punt by FIU set up Sam Houston for the first points of the game. Jaylon Jimmerson blocked and recovered a Daton Montiel punt attempt, returning it to the 3-yard line, setting up Sam Houston true freshman RB DJ McKinney to punch it in from a yard out for the first score.
Second Quarter Score: 0-0
The scoring couldn’t even get started in the second quarter, following a 17-play, 61-yard drive from the Bearkats that was capped by an FIU stuff on a QB keeper at the 1-yard line that kept Sam Houston out of the end zone.
First Quarter Score: 0-0
It took some time for FIU and Sam Houston to get out of their own way in this one as each exchanged multiple miscues in the opening stages. Sam Houston missed field goals on their opening two drives, while Keyone Jenkins threw an interception to Kavian Gaither on the second play of the game.
Check out the full Sam Houston vs. FIU prediction that predicted a low-scoring, sluggish affair on Tuesday night. In fact, the CFN Football Playoff Meter projected a final score of:
Prediction: Sam Houston 24, FIU 20
Sam Houston Injury Report: Latest Hunter Watson Update
The latest news on Sam Houston QB Hunter Watson is not good for Bearkats fans. According to Dave Campbell’s Mike Craven, Watson was not warming up with the team during pre-game warm-ups against FIU. It appears that Central Michigan transfer Jase Bauer will get the start.
Watson left Sam Houston’s game last week in the first half and emerged after halftime not in uniform. He watched the game from the sidelines against WKU in the second half last week and no immediate injury timeline was given for his return from the program.
During the week of practice, head coach K.C. Keeler said that Watson was seeing a chiropractor, but no update on whether or not he was to start was given. Bauer played in Watson’s place a week ago and was immediately in place to start Week 9.
Watson, at this time, should be viewed as a game-time decision.
Sam Houston Week 9 Depth Chart
Offensive 2-Deep
- QB
#10 Hunter Watson, R-Jr.
#8 Jase Bauer, Jr. - RB
#9 Jay Ducker, Gr.
#21 DJ McKinney, R-Fr. - WR-X
#2 Ife Adeyi, R-Sr.
#14 Jyzaiah Rockwell, R-So. - WR-X
#7 Qua’Vez Humphreys, R-Jr.
#4 Michael Phoenix II, R-Jr. - WR-Y
#6 Noah Smith, R-Sr.
#80 Fatu Mukuba, Fr. - WR-H
#3 Simeon Evans, R-Jr.
#15 Shane Johnson, R-Jr. - TE
#19 Elijah Sohn, R-Sr.
#89 Fernando Garza III, R-Jr. - LT
#56 Luke Eckardt, R-Jr.
#79 Kolt Dieterich, R-Fr. - LG
#73 MarKendrick Beall, Sr.
#70 Rhett Larson, R-So. - C
#57 Ethan Hagler, R-Sr.
#69 Seth Kohlscheen, R-Sr. - RG
#71 James Dawn II, Jr.
#75 William McCollum, Sr. - RT
#70 Rhett Larson, R-So.
#78 Orion Irving, R-So.
Defensive 2-Deep
- DE
#0 Chris Murray, R-Jr.
#1 Jevon Leon, R-Sr. - NT
#93 Seth Mason, Gr.
#99 Quincy Wright, R-So. - DT
#90 Richard Outland Jr., R-Jr.
#11 Denver Warren, R-Jr. - JACK
#18 Issiah Nixon, Sr.
#33 Kendrick DuJour, R-So. - WLB
#14 Kavian Gaither, Sr.
#10 Jaylen Phillips, Sr. - MLB
#6 Trey Fields, R-Jr.
#28 CJ Johnson, R-Jr. - SLB
#8 Sincere Jackson, R-Jr.
#26 S’Maje Burrell, R-Fr. - LCB
#2 Da’Veawn Armstead, R-Jr.
#7 Emon Allen, R-Jr. - RCB
#5 David Fisher, R-Jr.
#20 Chantson Prox, So. - SS
#3 Caleb Weaver, R-Jr.
#24 Elias Excobar, R-Sr. - FS
#19 Isaiah Cash, Gr.
#22 Jaidan Scott, R-So. - NB
#4 Jaylon Jimmerson, Gr.
#13 Ny’Quee Hawkins, Gr.
Special Teams 2-Deep
- Punter
#43 Jadon Cardell, R-Jr. - Placekicker
#49 Christian Pavon, R-Jr.
#48 Joe Nelson, Fr. - Kickoff Specialist
#49 Christian Pavon, R-Jr.
#48 Joe Nelson, Fr. - Long Snapper
#41 Zach Stricker, R-Jr.
#46 Carson Whitington, R-So. - Holder
#43 Jadon Cardell, R-Jr. - Punt Returner
#7 Emon Allen, R-Jr.
#2 Ife Adeyi, R-Sr. - Kick Returner
#0 Zach Hrbacek, R-Jr.
#3 Simeon Evans, R-Jr.
Sam Houston Football Record and Remaining Schedule
- Saturday, August 31 @ Rice
Win, 34-14 (1-0) - Saturday, September 7 @ UCF
Loss, 45-14 (1-1) - Saturday, September 14 vs. Hawaii
Win, 31-13 (2-1) - Saturday, September 21 vs. New Mexico State
Win, 31-11 (3-1) - Saturday, September 28 @ Texas State (NRG Stadium)
Win, 40-39 (4-1) - Thursday, October 3 @ UTEP
Win, 41-21 (5-1) - Wednesday, October 16 vs. Western Kentucky
Loss, 31-14 (5-2)
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
- Tuesday, October 22 @ FIU
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET - Tuesday, October 29 vs. Louisiana Tech
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET - Saturday, November 16 @ Kennesaw State
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET - Saturday, November 23 @ Jacksonville State
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET - Friday, November 29 vs. Liberty
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Sam Houston Football Draft Prospects
WR Ife Adeyi 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Longtime Bearkat Ife Adeyi has been on the NFL Draft radar since a 10-touchdown season back in 2021. However, injuries and subsequent inconsistency in seeing the field has tanked his draft stock.
However, at his best, there is a future for Adeyi in the NFL as a slot weapon. He’ll likely end up as an undrafted free agent, but his dominance on the inside as the 2024 season has gone along has shown that 2021 form is still around.
Projection: UDFA
RB Jay Ducker 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Former Northern Illinois and Memphis running back Jay Ducker has seemingly reached his peak in college, but the big back has once again found his footing with the Bearkats. Ducker once ran for nearly 1,200 yards at NIU in 2021 but struggled to find the field at Memphis consistently.
There’s far less wear on his tires than a redshirt senior would indicate, and when he’s healthy, Ducker is an elusive back with surprising strength. He’s a priority undrafted free agent for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projection: Priority UDFA
DE Chris Murray 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Chris Murray has exploded onto the scene in 2024, already playing career-highs in snaps. He’s got a great first step and is a dominant pass-rusher against any type of tackle in front of him.
Murray will find himself in the NFL at some point, likely as a situational pass rusher, but he has positional versatility that can be deployed over a bevy of alignments. At 6’4″, 255 pounds, Murray has great size and better speed at that size to make an impact at the next level.
Projection: Round 6-7
DE Jevon Leon 2025 NFL Draft Profile
A sixth-year dominant edge defender, Jevon Leon has caused his fair share of havoc for the Bearkats over the years. Leon has great size and great versatility, playing all over the defensive front.
With his strength and pass-rush moves, he’s likely limited to a handful of defensive fronts in the NFL, but he has shown he can be productive both against the run and with his pass-rushing.
Projection: UDFA
LB Kavian Gaither 2025 NFL Draft Profile
The star on the Bearkats’ defense, Kavian Gaither makes an impact literally all over the field. He’s on pace for a career year in every single defensive metric and has made his impact felt in every game this season.
Gaither has great sideline-to-sideline ability and terrific top speed, as well as a good quick twitch and solid fundamentals in every facet. What separates Gaither from most Group of Five linebackers is his coverage abilities. He’ll cover backs out of the backfield or bigger tight ends from the line of scrimmage just as easily.
He’s a name to know as a 2025 NFL Draft sleeper and know him now.
Projection: Rounds 4-7
LB Trey Fields 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Making his own name known in 2024, Trey Fields has shined brightly next to Gaither in the middle. Fields has been a tackling machine this year, ripping off multiple double-digit outings this year.
Fields doesn’t have the coverage abilities as Gaither, but his tracking skills and ability to run the alley in run defense is among the best in the CUSA. In a career year for Fields, he’s made himself a potential draft prospect at the same time.
Projection: Priority UDFA
CB David Fisher 2025 NFL Draft Profile
For the most part, David Fisher has played a brand of lockdown coverage on the outside for Sam Houston in 2024. He’s played very well against a variety of receivers and does a great job of sticking with his receivers in man coverage.
Fisher doesn’t have the top play speed, but he certainly has a quickness to his game that allows him to make up ground in a hurry. He’ll likely not hear his name called high, but he can continue to elevate his platform through the end of the year.
Projection: UDFA
SS Caleb Weaver 2025 NFL Draft Profile
A true thumper, Caleb Weaver presents a unique player for his position. He essentially plays like another off-ball linebacker for the Bearkats, playing very well at or around the line of scrimmage.
In coverage, Weaver has had his moments through his Sam Houston career. He’ll patrol the flats and intermediate level of the field in zone and has shown he can also cover slot receivers or tight ends in coverage.
Though a bit undersized, he should absolutely get a shot in the NFL.
Projection: Round 7/UDFA
FS Isaiah Cash 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Isaiah Cash has put his talents on display at the FBS level after four years of dominance at Houston Christian. Cash has great size and better ball skills at the intended target, showing off with four career interceptions and over a dozen career pass breakups.
He patrols the center of the field well but has shown he can be a better defender in space against any type of ball carrier. Just like his teammates here, he likely gets a shot at the NFL, but as a free agent.
Projection: UDFA
RB DJ McKinney 2027 NFL Draft Profile
It will be a while before we hear DJ McKinney’s name from most NFL Draft pundits, but read it here first: McKinney is absolutely a draft prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft and a good one at that.
McKinney has flashed his top-end abilities in Year 1 as a true freshman with Sam Houston, and it will be a serious coup if the Bearkats are able to keep him in Huntsville for the next two-plus seasons.
McKinney stands 5’9″ and 180 pounds, with great vision and better balance through contact. As he’s become more comfortable in the offense, McKinney has also flashed an ability out of the backfield, making him a well-rounded, every-down back.
Projection: Round 4-7
OT Kolt Dieterich 2027 NFL Draft Profile
Sam Houston left tackle Kolt Dieterich will find himself firmly planted as a potential draft sleeper once he’s draft-eligible and more seasoned in all facets. But at this time, Dieterich has blossomed right in front of our eyes.
He’s shown he can be solid in pass protection and moves very well laterally, but his run-blocking prowess has been incredibly dominant beyond his years.
At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Dieterich has the strength to go along with his size and frame of an NFL tackle.
Projection: Round 3-4
K.C. Keeler Leads Sam Houston Football Coaching Staff
Head Coach: K.C. Keeler
Assistant Head Coach – Running Backs: John Johnson
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Cornelsen
Defensive Coordinator: Skyler Cassity
Offensive Line: Mike Bangtson
Passing Game Coordinator / Wide Receivers: Chris Buckner
Defensive Line: Ike Eguae
Linebackers: Reggie Johnson
Tight Ends: Matt Merkens
Defensive Ends: Greg Richmond
Defensive Backs: Julian Wilson
General Manager for Football: Clayton Barnes
Special Teams Analyst: Zach Milliet
Offensive Grad Assistant: Keaton Altman
Offensive Grad Assistant: Knox Kadum
Defensive Grad Assistant: Ryan Roberts
Defensive Grad Assistant: Jacob Surdy
Where Does Sam Houston Rank in the CUSA Standings?
Prior to their Week 9 game against FIU, Sam Houston ranked 4th in the Conference USA. Here are the up-to-date standings in the CUSA ahead of Week 9.
1) Liberty: 5-0 (3-0, CUSA)
2) Western Kentucky: 5-2 (3-0)
3) Jacksonville State 3-3 (2-0)
4) Sam Houston: 5-2 (2-1)
5) FIU: 2-5 (1-2)
6) Louisiana Tech: 2-4 (1-2)
7) Middle Tennessee: 2-5 (1-3)
8) New Mexico State: 2-5 (1-3)
9) UTEP: 1-6 (1-3)
10) Kennesaw State: 0-6 (0-2)
Welcome to the FBS, Sam Houston
Latest Sam Houston Bowl Projections
As of right now, College Football Network has the Sam Houston Bearkats as a top-three finisher in the Conference USA. That would tie them into the Bahamas Bowl against the MAC’s Bowling Green.
For every bowl: 2024 College Football Bowl Projections
FREE: Sign up for the College Football Network Newsletter to receive unique stories from the world of college football directly to your inbox!
Sam Houston Bearkats Roster
The full Sam Houston football roster can be found below, broken down by position.
Sam Houston Stats & Team Leaders
Find the full breakdown of Sam Houston’s up-to-date stats for 2024, but the team leaders are listed below for each major category.
Sam Houston Passing Yards Leaders
Hunter Watson: 84-141, 987 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT
Jase Bauer: 22-39, 217 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Sam Houston Rushing Yards Leaders
Hunter Watson: 91 carries, 407 yards, 4 TD
DJ McKinney: 67 carries, 392 yards, 2 TD
Jay Ducker: 72 carries, 365 yards, 5 TD
Sam Houston Receiving Yards Leaders
Qua’Vez Humphreys: 14 receptions, 298 yards, 4 TD
Simeon Evans: 19 receptions, 233 yards, 3 TD
Ife Adeyi: 17 receptions, 177 yards, 1 TD
Michael Phoenix II: 6 receptions, 130 yards, 3 TD
Sam Houston Defensive Leaders
Total Tackles: 47, Caleb Weaver
Sacks: 3.5, Chris Murray
PBU: 7, Isaiah Cash
INT: 3, Caleb Weaver
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.