The Owls have set their sights on new heights leading up to the 2023-24 season with athletic director Milton Overton envisioning an FCS title in the university’s final season before joining Conference USA.
Football coach Brian Bohannon is preparing his squad for what he hopes will be a bounce-back season before the team ultimately joins Conference USA in July 2024.
Kennesaw State finished 5-6 and 5th place (1-4) in the ASUN during the 2022-23 campaign, and fans can expect a new offense this season as offensive coordinator Chris Klenakis could stray from their prior triple-option playbook following off-season shake-ups to the depth chart.
It is still unclear who will be named KSU’s week one starter. As the season approaches, quarterbacks compete to earn the starting job following the departure of Xavier Shepherd, who led the team in passing (1,130) and rushing yards (589) in 2022.
Defensive coordinator Nathan Burton retained big contributors to the Owls’ defense, including the defensive back, Markeith Montgomery, who led the team in 60 tackles and five interceptions last season.
“Our defense looks good and I’m excited for a potential change on offense,” KSU student, Tyson Giles, said. “I think this will be a great finish to KSU’s ASUN days, and we’ll get a strong season under our belt before moving to the FBS.”
The team was excited to announce its 19 December signings plus the seven high school athletes and two Division-1 transfers added to the roster this past February. Of KSU’s 28 new players, 12 are from Georgia.
While the Owls’ transition to Conference USA surely has fans excited, the team remains dedicated and focused on the upcoming season.
There is a lot to be excited about at the nest as fans, players and coaches alike prepare to kick off and finish strong in FCS play.
2023-24 season schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 31 – Tusculum
Saturday, Sep. 9 – @Chattanooga
Saturday, Sep. 16 – Furman
Saturday, Sep. 23 – @Tennessee Tech
Saturday, Sep. 30 – @Charleston Southern
Saturday, Oct. 7 – Tennessee State (HC)
Saturday, Oct. 28 – Lincoln (CA)
Saturday, Nov. 4 – @Sam Houston
Saturday, Nov. 11 – Virginia-Lynchburg
