No. 8 Golden Eagles look to stay Undefeated in OVC-Big South Showdown with Southeast Missouri

By Jeff Bowe, TTU Media Relations

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – No. 8 Tennessee Tech is 7-0 for the third time in program history and the first time since 1977, and hosts Southeast Missouri (3-4, 2-1) at 12 p.m. at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tenn. The Golden Eagles are looking to become just the second team to start 5-0 in OVC-Big South Association games during the league's existence.

The Golden Eagles have won 12 straight games, which is the longest active winning streak in FCS, and the longest winning streak in program history. Tech has started 4-0 in conference play for the first time since 1999. Through seven games, the Golden Eagles have rushed for 26 touchdowns and thrown for 19, outscoring opponents 362 to 101.

Tech's defense is the best in the nation against the run, allowing just 46.3 rushing yards per game (324 total). Dating back to last season, the Golden Eagles have held their last 11 opponents to less than 100 rushing yards – a conference record.

The Golden Eagles are 16-17 all-time against SEMO, and have dropped the last three matchups. Tech's last victory in the series came on Oct. 2, 2021, a 28-17 victory at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tenn.

Tennessee Tech vs. Southeast Missouri | Game Notes

Tennessee Tech was held without a score on its first drive for the first time this season in the 52-28 victory over Lindenwood on the road last Saturday. The Golden Eagles were forced to punt on their first two drives for the first time this season. With the win over Lindenwood, Tech clinched back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2000-01.

Tech's offense leads the nation in points per game (51.7), in part due to the nation's third-best rushing attack that averages 260.1 yards per game on the ground. RB Quintell Quinn paces the rushing game and leads the conference with 544 total yards, averaging 77.7 yards per game. Quinn is tied for first with seven touchdowns, alongside teammate Q'Daryius Jennings (7), and Cole LaCrue (Eastern Illinois, 6). The Golden Eagles have the No. 31 passing attack with 245.9 yards per game through the air, led by QB Kekoa Visperas. Visperas is seventh in the nation with 17 touchdown passes this season, a mark that is the fourth-most in a single season in program history.

The Golden Eagles have been strong defensively, leading the OVC-Big South in sacks (24), interceptions (3), and third in the conference in fumbles recovered (6). Tech has led the nation in rush defense since the beginning of the season, allowing just 46.3 yards per game on the ground.

Tech hosts SEMO for OVC-Big South action at home with kickoff set for 12 p.m. CT on Saturday. Oct.25. The game can be watched on ESPN+ with Dylan Vazzano (PxP) and Sam Brooks (Analyst) on the call and listened to on 106.1 The Eagle with Noah McKay (PxP), Justin Matheney (Analyst), and Jacob Vinson (Sideline) on the broadcast.

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GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Matchup: No. 8/9 Tennessee Tech (7-0, 4-0) vs. Southeast Missouri (3-4, 2-1)  
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. CT
Venue: Tucker Stadium
Location: Cookeville, Tenn. 
TV: ESPN+ - Dylan Vazzano (PxP) and Sam Brooks (Analyst)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle – Noah McKay (PxP), Justin Matheney (Analyst), and Jacob Vinson (Sideline)

BY THE NUMBERS

• 1st – No. 1 scoring offense in the nation among FCS teams (51.7 ppg)
• 1st -  No. 1 rushing defense in FCS, allowing 46.3 yards per game. 
• 3rd – Averages 260.1 rushing yards per game, the 3rd most in FCS.
• 3rd – No. 3 total defense in the nation, allowing just 252.7 yards per game.
• 4th – No. 4 scoring defense in FCS, allowing 14.3 points per game.
• 7-0 - Opened a season 7-0 for the first time since 1977
• 7th – AFCA Coaches Poll ranking from a week ago is the highest in FCS/DI AA program history.
• 10th – Picked 10th in the first FCS Playoff Committee Rankings (10/15).
• 12 – Hold the longest active winning streak in FCS (12 games)
• 60 – Scored more than 60 points in three games this season (65, 72, 66)
• 72 – 72 points against Davidson marks the most points scored by Tech in the modern era (since 1928).

SERIES HISTORY: The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are 16-17 all-time against Southeast Missouri dating back to 1991. The Redhawks have won three in a row over the Golden Eagles, going back to 2022. Tech fell 34-3 at then #9 SEMO last season. Jordyn Potts completed 26-of-47 passes for 231 yards, but two costly interceptions hurt the Golden Eagles. D.J. Linkins led the Golden Eagles with 90 yards and seven receptions. The rushing game struggled for Tech, managing just 34 yards.

LAST GAME: #8/10 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles took down Lindenwood 52-28 to improve to 7-0, clinching back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2000-01. Tech and Lindenwood traded scores in a poor weather game, but the Golden Eagles, led by Kekoa Visperas' 173 passing yards and 86 rushing yards, pulled away late. Visperas threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more in the win. It marked the 12th consecutive win, the longest active winning streak in FCS, and a program record. Quintell Quinn led the team with 133 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown. Q'Daryius Jennings was right on his heels with 85 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. Tremel Jones led all receivers with five receptions and 73 yards, along with one touchdown reception. Noah Robinson made just two catches but pulled in a late touchdown for his lone TD of the game. Maury Sullivan caught four passes for 31 yards and one touchdown. Visperas, Quinn, and Jennings led a rushing attack that gained 311 yards on the ground, marking the most yards rushing this season. Linebacker Aaron Swafford led the team with six tackles, Theron Gaines was second with four tackles, and Maurice LaPierre, along with Tim Coutras made three tackles. The defense held Lindenwood to 17 yards rushing and continued to dominate in rush defense after entering the game as the nation's best run defense. Lindenwood's leading rusher only gained 22 yards.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Lindenwood struck first with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Nate Glantz to Jared Rhodes, giving the Golden Eagles their second deficit of the season. It was just the second time Tech has trailed an opponent this season (7-3; WIU, 10/4). The Golden Eagles did not score a touchdown on their first two offensive possessions for the first time this season but did cut the deficit to four with a 27-yard field goal by Dom LeBlanc. Tech blocked a punt and then responded with its first touchdown of the game. Kekoa Visperas rushed 11 yards up the middle and bowled over a defensive back into the end zone, 10-7. Lindenwood countered with an 11-play 90-yard drive over 5:55, capped by a touchdown pass from Nate Glantz to Darrin Fugitt, pushing the Lions back in front, 14-10. Q'Daryius Jennings capped a seven-play 75-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown rush, his first of the game, giving the Golden Eagles back the lead 17-14. A pair of weather delays made the game tough for both teams, and with halftime cut to three minutes in an attempt to get the game completed, Tech grabbed its first double-digit lead on a rushing TD by tight end Brian Courtney, 24-14 in the third quarter. Visperas threw his first touchdown pass of the game, connecting with Maury Sullivan for a three-yard score, putting Tennessee Tech up 31-14 with 7:18 left in the third. Lindenwood, led by Nate Glantz, connected with Jalen Smith for a 20-yard touchdown, closing a four-play 75-yard drive, cutting the lead to 31-20. Visperas threw his second touchdown pass, linking up with Tremel Jones for his first touchdown grab of the season, a 19-yard score putting the Golden Eagles up by their largest margin of the game, 38-21. Before the second weather delay, which stopped all action, Glantz completed a one-yard TD to offensive lineman Gavin Hulet. That touchdown made it a 38-28 Tech lead. Quintell Quinn broke away for a 58-yard touchdown rush, and Visperas connected with Noah Robinson for a 29-yard touchdown pass to put the game away, 52-28.

FCS PLAYOFF SELECTION COMMITTEE RANKINGS: The Golden Eagles were picked 10th in the first-ever FCS Playoff Selection Committee rankings last week. Eight weeks of the 2025 FCS football season are in the books, with five weeks of action remaining. That's about the halfway point, so there's no better time for the Division I Football Championship Committee to reveal its first in-season top-10 rankings of the FCS teams.  The rankings were announced shortly after 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 15, on ESPN2's College Football Live broadcast. The committee used results of games played through Oct. 11, and these in-season rankings serve as a snapshot of where the committee has teams ranked heading into the final six weeks of the regular season. The committee's top-10 rankings give insight into which teams are in contention for the first-round byes given to the eight seeded teams in the FCS playoff bracket. Like last year, teams are seeded Nos. 9-16 will also be seeded, increasing the importance of the last two teams ranked in the committee's rankings. Click or tap here for more on this year's FCS Championship. Here are the top 10 rankings, along with a breakdown of each team, as of games played on Oct. 11.

Rank    School                                    Rec.
1             North Dakota                        6-0
2             South Dakota                        6-0
3             Tarleton State                       7-0
4             Montana State                      5-2
5             Montana                              6-0
6             UC Davis                              5-1
7             Lehigh                                 7-0
8             North Dakota                       4-2
9             Monmouth                           5-1
10           Tennessee Tech                 6-0 

4-0 IN CONFERENCE: The Golden Eagles are 4-0 in conference play for the first time since 1999, when the team rattled off wins over UT Martin (45-9), Southeast Missouri (21-7), Western Kentucky (23-10), and Eastern Illinois (14-7). Tech has opened with wins over Tennessee State (W, 35-8), Western Illinois (W, 66-20), and Charleston Southern (W, 27-13).

2024 vs. 2025: The Golden Eagles have made a significant leap forward in major statistical categories from 2024 to 2025. QB Kekoa Visperas has already surpassed the passing leader for the Golden Eagles in 2024, throwing for 1,511 yards in seven games, while Jordyn Potts managed 965 yards in seven games and Dylan Laible threw for 912 yards in seven games last season. RB Quintell Quinn is right on the tail of last year's leading rusher, Jalen Mitchell (782 yards in 12 games), with 544 yards in seven games, and he has surpassed Mitchell with seven rushing touchdowns compared to Mitchell's five TD.

AIR RAID: QB Kekoa Visperas has thrown the seventh-most touchdown passes in the nation at the FCS level, a mark that is the fourth-most in program history during a single season. Visperas threw three touchdowns against Lindenwood, the second-most in a single game this year. After leading the nation in completion percentage a year ago, Visperas is 28th nationally (65.6) in that category this season.

Passing TD National Leaders (Top 10)
Rank    Name                                               Pass TD              Team                                   
1             Derek Robertson                            27                       Monmouth
2             Taron Dickens                                22                       Western Carolina
3             Tyler Riddell                                  19                        Duquesne
4             Collin Hurst                                   18                        Presbyterian
               Jerry Kaminski                               18                       North Dakota
               Tommy Rittenhouse                        18                      Illinois State
7             Kekoa Visperas                             17                      Tennessee Tech
8             Braden Atkinson                             16                      Mercer
               Eddie Lee Marburger                       16                      UTRGV
               Caden Pinnick                                16                      UC Davis
               Bryce Schondelmyer                       16                      Dayton

Single Season Program Passing TD
TD          Name                             Year                     
21           Bailey Fisher                   2019
19           Grant Swallows               2001
19           Jeremiah Oatsvall            2022
18           Mike Jones                     1993
17           Kekoa Visperas            2025
               Michael Birdsong            2016
               Tre Lamb                       2012
               Tre Lamb                       2011
               Lee Sweeney                 2006

MR. ROBINSON: WR Noah Robinson is tied for 11th nationally in touchdown receptions (6). Robinson leads the conference with his six touchdown receptions. He is 11th in the OVC-Big South with 366 receiving yards. Robinson made three touchdown grabs against Western Illinois, marking the most touchdown catches in a game since 2012 when Da'Rick Rogers caught three TD vs. SEMO. In that 2012 matchup with SEMO, Rogers went off for a school record 303 receiving yards. Robinson posted the first 100-plus-yard receiving game for the Golden Eagles this season. He recorded 122 of his 126 receiving yards in the first half, marking the most in a half and game this year. In the game against WIU, Robinson was one touchdown catch shy of a single-game school record.

GOLDEN MILESTONES: The Golden Eagles have started 7-0 for the third time in program history (1952, 1977, and 2025). Tech opened the 1977 campaign with eight straight wins and finished 9-2 overall and 5-2 in the OVC. Tech has won 12 straight games, marking the longest active winning streak in FCS and setting the longest winning streak in program history. Tennessee Tech enters today's contest ranked No. 8 by the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 8 by the StatsPerform Top 25. The No. 7 ranking is the highest in FCS/DI AA program history. The Golden Eagles were selected 10th by the first-ever FCS Playoff Committee.

Program Rankings All-Time
College Division Era (1958-1974)
1960: UPI (10/6, No. 14; 10/27, No. 20; 11/17, No. 19)
1963: UPI (10/2, No. 13; 10/9, No. 11)
1971: AP (9/22, No. 20) UPI (11/3, No. 19)
1972: UPI (Preseason, No. 21; 9/13, No. 11; 9/27, No. 18; 10/25, No. 16; 11/1, No. 11; 11/8, No. 8; 11/15, No. 8; 11/22, No. 8

Division II Era (1975-1977)
1976: AP (10/20, No. 9; 10/27, No. 6)
1977: AP (9/21, No. 10; 9/28, No. 7; 10/5, No. 11; 10/12, No. 9; 10/19, No. 7; 10/26, No. 6; 11/2, T-No. 3; 11/9, No. 7)

Division I-AA (1978-2005)
1990: 1-AA (10/16, No. 18; 10/23, No. 18)
1993: 1-AA (11/17, No. 24; 11/24, No. 22; 12/1, No. 22)
1994: TSN (Preseason, No. 18; 9/7, No. 16; 9/14, No. 18; 9/21, No. 16; 9/28, No. 11; 10/5, No. 20)
1999: TSN (10/26, No. 23)
2000: TSN (11/14, No. 24; 11/21, No. 22; Final, No. 22)
2001: TSN (11/20, No. 23; 11/27, No. 23; Final, No. 23)

Football Championship Subdivision (2006-present)
2011: TSN (10/3, No. 23; 10/10, No. 19; 10/24, No. 25; 10/31, No. 20; 11/14, No. 23) FCS Coaches (10/3, No. 23; 10/10, No. 19; 10/17, No. 23; 10/24, No. 19; 10/31, No. 15; 11/7, No. 20; 11/14, No. 21; 11/21, No. 20) 2020-21 STATS Perform (2/22, No. 23)
2025: StatsPerform (9/6; No. 17, 9/13; No. 15; 9/27; No. 13, 10/6; No. 10, 10/13; No. 8, 10/18; No. 9) AFCA Coaches Poll (9/6; No. 20, 9/13; No. 16, 9/27; No. 11, 10/6; No. 7, 10/13; No. 8, 10/18; No. 8) FCS Playoff Committee (10/15; No. 10)

SCOARING EAGLES: The Tennessee Tech offense has scored more points than any team in program history through the first seven games of a season (297 points). With 52 points at Western Illinois, the Golden Eagles have scored 297 total points, marking the most scored through seven games in DI history (since 1978). The Golden Eagles have scored over 60 points three times in seven games played this season, and 35-plus points in six of seven games. In seven wins to begin the season, Tech has scored 297 points, and during the 2024 season-ending five-game winning streak, the Golden Eagles scored 140 points. That's 450 total points over 12 consecutive wins (37.5 ppg), while allowing 155 total points during that run (12.9 ppg).

Scoring Offense National Leaders (Top 5)
Rk          Team                                               PPG     
1             Tennessee Tech                             51.7
2             Tarleton State                                 47.1
3             Monmouth                                      45.3
4             Harvard                                          44.8
5             UTRGV                                           44.7                      

Total Offense National Leaders (Top 5)
Rk          Team                                             YPG     
1             Monmouth                                     534.4
2             Tennessee Tech                           506.0
3             Jackson St.                                   496.0
4             North Dakota St.                           493.1
5             Delaware St.                                 490.0

LONGEST ACTIVE WINNING STREAK IN FCS (Per OptaStats FCS Football): Tech currently holds the longest active winning streak in FCS (12 games), marking the longest winning streak in program history (1972). For perspective, North Dakota State holds the longest winning streak in FCS history, 39 games from 2017 to 2020. The longest winning streak in OVC history was 18 wins by Eastern Kentucky from 1982-83.

FCS Longest Active Winning Streaks
Overall
12 – Tennessee Tech
11 – NDSU, Presbyterian
8 – Tarleton St
7 – Lehigh, Montana, SDSU

Home
33 – SDSU
19 – Villanova
16 – NDSU
12 – Rhode Island

Road
5 – Harvard, Presbyterian, Tennessee Tech
4 – NDSU, Tarleton St

DOMINANT DEFENSE: The 52-28 victory over Lindenwood was only the second time that the defense has allowed 20-plus points this season. The Golden Eagles' defense only allowed one touchdown to Charleston Southern, marking only the seventh TD allowed this season. Tech has held its opponents under 20 points in five of seven contests (20 vs. Western Illinois, 10/4, and 28 at Lindenwood, 10/18). The Golden Eagles are first nationally in yards allowed per play, surrendering just 3.83 yards on each play to the opposition. Tech is third nationally in total yards allowed per game, surrendering just 252.7 total yards.

Scoring Defense National Leaders (Top 5)
Rk          Team                                             Points Allowed Per Game   
1             North Dakota State                        10.0
2             Harvard                                        11.0
3             Presbyterian                                 13.9
4             Tennessee Tech                          14.3
5             South Dakota St.                          14.6

Defensive TDs Nationally Leaders
Rk          Team                                             TD         
1             Eastern Kentucky                            4
               Tarleton State                                 4
3             Furman                                          3
               Harvard                                         3
               Lamar                                            3
               SFA                                                3
               Tennessee Tech                             3

IN THE TOP 25: The Golden Eagles are No. 8 in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Poll and No. 9 in the StatsPerform FCS Top 25. The No. 7 ranking two weeks ago was the highest in the program's FCS/DI history, since joining the ranks in 1978. The last time the program was ranked in the Top 10 by any poll was during the DII era (1975-77).

Stats Perform FCS Top 25
Rk          School                           1sts       Rec        Pts
1             North Dakota State        55/56     7-0         1,399
2             South Dakota State       1/56       7-0         1,339
3             Tarleton State                             8-0         1,276
4             Montana                                     7-0         1,220
5             Montana State                            5-2         1,198
6             UC Davis                                    5-1         1,078
7             Lehigh                                        7-0         1,035
8             North Dakota                              5-2         995
9             Tennessee Tech                        7-0         987
10           Monmouth                                  6-1         909
11           Villanova                                    5-2         683
12           Jackson State                             5-1         638
13           Rhode Island                              6-2         631
14           Harvard                                     5-0         601
15           Lamar                                       6-1         585
16           Southern Illinois                        4-3         481
17           Mercer                                      5-1         475
18           Illinois State                              4-3         429
19           Presbyterian                              7-0         369
20           Northern Arizona                       4-3         342
21           South Dakota                            5-3         296
22           Youngstown State                      4-3         244
23           Abilene Christian                       4-4         227
24           Stephen F. Austin                      5-2         226
25           Austin Peay                               4-3         182

Dropped Out of Top 25: Idaho (24)

Others Receiving Votes (schools listed on two or more ballots): Southeastern Louisiana (5-2, 3-0 Southland), 176; Western Carolina (5-3, 4-0 SoCon), 61; Sacramento State (4-3, 2-1 Big Sky), 47; North Carolina Central (5-2, 0-0 MEAC), 36; Lafayette (5-3, 3-0 Patriot), 9; Penn (4-1, 2-0 Ivy), 8; Gardner-Webb (4-3, 2-1

AFCA FCS TOP 25
Rk          School                                1sts       Rec        Pts
1             North Dakota State             25/25    7-0         625
2             South Dakota State                         7-0         597
3             Tarleton State                                 8-0         587
4             Montana                                         7-0         547
5             Montana State                                5-2         501
6             UC Davis                                         5-1         487
7             Lehigh                                           7-0         465
8             Tennessee Tech                             7-0         431
9             Monmouth                                      6-1         417
10           North Dakota                                  5-2         398
11           Jackson State                                 5-1         345
12           Villanova                                        5-2         322
13           Rhode Island                                  6-2         314
14           Mercer                                           5-1         277
15           Lamar                                            6-1         268
16           Presbyterian                                   7-0         241
17           Harvard                                         5-0         198
18           Southern Illinois                             4-3         165
19           So. Louisiana                                  5-2         164
20           Illinois State                                   4-3         163
21           Youngstown State                           4-3         155
22           Northern Arizona                            4-3         124
23           Austin Peay                                    4-3         73
24           Stephen F. Austin                            5-2         64
25           Abilene Christian                             4-4         48

Others Receiving Votes:  South Dakota, 32; West Georgia, 29; Western Carolina, 23; North Carolina Central, 17; Lafayette, 13; Penn, 11; Sacramento State, 11; UT Rio Grande Valley, 7; Central Arkansas, 6; Gardner-Webb, 4; Alabama State, 3; Dartmouth, 1; Duquesne, 1.

GIVE HIM THE GAME BALL: Tennessee Tech quarterback Kekoa Visperas has been given a Walter Camp Game Ball following the 66-20 victory over Western Illinois, as announced by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Visperas led an offense that was clicking on all cylinders for 618 yards of total offense, the most in a game this season. Visperas threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns on 24-38 (63.2%) passing with no interceptions and was unstoppable all game. In all, Visperas went off for 431 yards of total offense (358 passing, 73 rushing). This is the first honor of its kind for Visperas since joining Tennessee Tech. Visperas also led the Golden Eagles in rushing yards with 73 on eight carries, averaging 9.1 yards per carry with a long of 29 yards. Aidan Littles (22 yards), Quintell Quinn (13 yards), and Obie Sanni (9 yards) accounted for three rushing touchdowns for an offense that scored eight touchdowns, the third most in a single game in program history.  The redshirt senior from Eatonville, Washington, completed the most passes (24) on the most attempts (38), for the most yards (358) and most touchdowns (4) in a single game this season. Visperas has been outstanding at the quarterback position for Tennessee Tech, throwing for 13 touchdowns with just one interception this year. Visperas' 13 passing touchdowns are tied for fourth nationally. He has thrown for 1,197 yards this season, marking the 22nd-most in FCS.

OVC-BIG SOUTH OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tennessee Tech has had three different players take home four OVC-Big South Player of the Week honors this season.

NEW EAGLES IN THE NEST: There are a lot of new faces on the Golden Eagle lineup as head coach Bobby Wilder has used the transfer portal to Tech's advantage, bringing in a lot of talent – not just on the field, but off with 32 total players on the roster with degrees – with experienced student-athletes. Behind center, quarterback Kekoa Visperas is an exciting addition to the lineup after a fantastic season at Eastern Washington last year, where he had the nation's best completion percentage at 74.3, throwing for 2,171 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for nine more scores. D.J. Linkins and Tremel Jones return for another tour of duty on the receivers core, but will be joined by Robert Morris transfer Noah Robinson, who was an All-OVC/Big South selection with the Colonials. Aidan Littles had a breakout season last year at running back and will be teamed with Murray State transfer Q'Daryius Jennings.  On defense, the Golden Eagles were dealt a blow with the departures of defensive lineman Daniel Rickert and cornerback Caldra Williford following the spring workouts, but Tech has incredible depth on defense with Tim Coutras, Omari Philyaw, Toby Bolton and Leon Thomas anchoring the secondary, Aaron Swafford and Theron Gaines at linebacker, Jalin Shephard at nickel and a strong defensive front with Xavier Randolph, Jeremiah Sandiford, Kanstin Brooks, Maurice LaPierre, A.J. Crawford, Tyler Swann, Chima Iwuagwu and Idris King. On special teams, Jones, who the OVC-Big South recognized as a punt returner, kick returner, and all-purpose player, will be a big weapon for the Golden Eagles on returns, while Dom LeBlanc returns as kicker and Spencer Ashby on punts.

STATE 16: The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles have 41 players on their roster from the great state of Tennessee. Clayton Harris (DL), Tayton Swift (DB), Timothy Jones (DB), Jay'un Smith (DB), Mason Goree (DB), Alex Delk (OL), Wes Delk (OL), Thomas Johnson (DB), Mason Taylor (DB), Branson Turnbow (WR), Aaron Swafford (LB), Kade Butler (QB), D.J. Curll (LB), Dom Reed (LB), Luke Meyer (DL), Torin Baker (RB), Tyler Nix (TE), Jameson Wharton (DB), Robbie Jacobs (WR), Seth Vaughn (DL), Keilan Harris (LB), Aja Jones (WR), Xavier Randolph (DL), Cameron Booker (WR), Theron Gaines (DL), Armaan Lehal (OL), Ethan McLaurin (DL), Eric Taylor (DB), Richard Bryant (DB), Derrick Burroughs (DB), D'Arious Reed (WR), Tim Coutras (DB), Zion Tamaska (RB), Coby Walton (QB), Xavier Hickman (DL), Nick Owns Jr. (WR), Aidan Littles (RB), Isaac Knowles (WR), Isaac Jackson (RB), C.J. Wyller (DL), Tucker Kyne (TE).

THE SERGEANT YORK TROPHY: The Golden Eagles began 1-0 in this year's Sr. York Trophy series with a 35-8 win over Tennessee State (9/27). This year marks the 19th year of the Sgt. York Championship presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee. The trophy (founded in 2007 by the Nashville Sports Council and OVC) goes to the winner of the season football series between the three OVC football-playing schools located in the state of Tennessee (Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and UT Martin). The award is only the second traveling trophy that involves more than two teams in college sports; the other is the Commander in Chief's Trophy, which has been contested between Air Force, Army, and Navy annually since 1972. The award is named in honor of Alvin C. York, the most noted Soldier of World War I. As a corporal in the 2nd battalion, 328th Infantry, in the Battle of the Meuse River-Argonne (Oct. 8, 1918), York and seven other soldiers captured 132 prisoners, was promoted to sergeant and received the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the French Legion of Honor, the Croce di Guerra of Italy and the War Medal of Montenegro. Upon his return to the United States in 1919, he was bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor. The trophy goes to the team with the best record against the other schools (in case of a tie there will be co-champions and the actual trophy will be retained by the defending champion if they are involved in the tie or if the defending champion is not involved in the tie it will go to the institution that has gone the most seasons without winning the trophy).

THE SERGEANT YORK TROPHY WINNERS
2007 - Tennessee State*, Austin Peay
2008 - Tennessee State
2009 - Tennessee Tech
2010 - UT Martin
2011 - Tennessee State*, Tennessee Tech
2012 - Tennessee State*, UT Martin
2013 - Tennessee State
2014 - UT Martin
2015 - UT Martin
2016 - UT Martin*, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State
2017 - Austin Peay
2018 - Austin Peay*, Tennessee State, UT Martin
2019 - Austin Peay*, Tennessee State, UT Martin
2020-21 - Tennessee Tech*, UT Martin
2021 - UT Martin 2022 - UT Martin
2023 - UT Martin
2024 - Tennessee Tech *Took home the trophy due to winning the tiebreaker

GOLDEN EAGLE FOOTBALL HOME TIMES ADJUSTED TO NOON: Progress is being made on the new Tucker Stadium on the Tennessee Tech campus, continuing the spirit of growth and renewal at the University. However, as the construction project continues, the start times for all Tennessee Tech home football games have been adjusted to 12 PM Central starts, with the first six home contests now scheduled to begin at earlier times. The season finale against UT Martin will remain at its originally scheduled noon kickoff. The reasoning is simple – with the construction project continuing and lights being taken down around the facility for the duration of the build, this will allow fans ample time to cheer on the Golden Eagle football team and exit the facility before sunset, keeping them safe as they enter and exit the stadium. Tech was picked first last week in the Ohio Valley Conference/Big South Conference Projected Order of Finish after ending the 2024 campaign in a tie for first place for their 11th league championship in program history. The Golden Eagles open the season on August 30 against Cumberland for the first of seven home games this season at Tucker Stadium as Tech looks to win the OVC-Big South title outright.