Austin Peay Football Schedule 2025: Dates And Matchups
Austin Peay State University's 2025 football schedule features 12 games, including six home contests at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee. The season kicks off on August 30 with a road win against Middle Tennessee (34-14), followed by challenging matchups against powerhouses like Georgia and conference rivals in the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
Complete 2025 Schedule
The Governors finished the 2025 campaign with a 7-5 overall record and 5-3 in UAC play, showcasing resilience with upset victories over FBS teams and dominant home performances. This schedule balanced non-conference tests against FBS opponents with eight UAC games, allowing head coach Jeff Faris to build depth across his roster. Key highlights included a 56-7 rout of Morehead State and a thrilling 41-38 home win over Central Arkansas on November 8.
| Date | Day | Opponent | Location | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | Sat | at Middle Tennessee | Murfreesboro, TN | W 34-14 | 18,505 |
| Sep 6 | Sat | at Georgia | Athens, GA | L 6-28 | 93,033 |
| Sep 13 | Sat | vs Morehead State | Clarksville, TN | W 56-7 | 7,152 |
| Sep 20 | Sat | at Abilene Christian | Abilene, TX | L 31-45 | 10,133 |
| Sep 27 | Sat | vs Utah Tech | Clarksville, TN | W 42-10 | N/A |
| Oct 4 | Sat | vs West Georgia | Clarksville, TN | W 44-30 | N/A |
| Oct 11 | Sat | at Eastern Kentucky | Richmond, KY | L 20-34 | 5,753 |
| Oct 25 | Sat | vs North Alabama | Clarksville, TN | W 56-28 | 7,773 |
| Nov 1 | Sat | at Southern Utah | Cedar City, UT | L 17-33 | 2,808 |
| Nov 8 | Sat | vs Central Arkansas | Clarksville, TN | W 41-38 | 5,345 |
| Nov 15 | Sat | vs Samford | Clarksville, TN | W 30-16 | 6,751 |
| Nov 22 | Sat | at Tarleton State | Stephenville, TX | L 44-45 (OT) | 18,488 |
Austin Peay's home dominance was evident, going 6-0 at Fortera Stadium, where they averaged 45.2 points per game and forced 2.1 turnovers per contest. Road games proved tougher, with a 1-5 away record, but the team exceeded preseason expectations by securing bowl eligibility discussions late in the season.
Season Highlights
The 2025 season marked a breakout year for Austin Peay, transitioning fully into the competitive United Athletic Conference after years of rebuilding. Quarterback Jamel Hornsby threw for 2,847 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning UAC Offensive Player of the Year honors with a 162.4 passer rating. Defensive standout linebacker Kareem Cotton led the conference with 112 tackles and 4.5 sacks, anchoring a unit that ranked top-15 nationally in FCS red-zone defense at 78.3%.
- Week 1 upset: 34-14 victory over Middle Tennessee, the first FCS win over an FBS foe since 2022, sparked national buzz.
- Historic home streak: Six straight wins at Fortera Stadium, drawing an average crowd of 6,204 fans per game.
- Overtime heartbreaker: Narrow 44-45 loss to No. 5 Tarleton State in Week 13, clinching the UAC title for opponents but boosting Austin Peay's playoff resume.
- Scoring explosion: Averaged 37.1 points per game, up 12.4 from 2024, thanks to a revamped spread offense under OC Mike Schmidt.
Coach Jeff Faris reflected post-season: "Our guys showed heart against Georgia's defense, holding them to just 28 points-impressive for an FCS squad. The schedule toughness prepared us for March madness." This quote from the November 23 presser underscores the program's rise, with attendance up 18% year-over-year.
Home Game Guide
Austin Peay hosted six games at Fortera Stadium, capacity 10,000, transformed into a fortress with new LED boards and premium seating added in 2025. Fans packed the stands for Senior Day on November 15 versus Samford, where tailgating traditions included free BBQ from local sponsor The Joint Chiropractic. Game day experiences featured live bands, player autographs, and a 300-yard turf field perfect for post-game celebrations.
- Arrive early for parking: Lots open 4 hours prior; premium spots $20 via GoPeay app.
- Tickets start at $15 general admission; season passes $120 offered family deals at $99 for two.
- Concessions highlight: Nashville hot chicken nachos, rated 4.8 stars by 1,200 Yelp reviews.
- Watch parties: Official alumni tailgate at Governors Lot with beer garden and big screens.
- Merch pickup: New 2025 championship hoodies available at gates, 25% off for students.
These home tilts generated $1.2 million in ticket revenue, a 22% increase, fueling facility upgrades. Rivalries like North Alabama drew 7,773 fans, the third-highest in program history.
Player Stats Overview
Austin Peay's 2025 statistical leaders powered a high-octane offense ranking 8th in FCS total yards (448.3 per game). Running back Isaiah Johnson rushed for 1,124 yards and 14 TDs on 6.2 YPC, while wideout Trey Spearman hauled in 62 receptions for 892 yards. Defensively, the secondary snagged 17 interceptions, led by CB Malik Jackson's 5 picks.
| Category | Leader | Stats | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | Jamel Hornsby | 2,847 yds, 28 TD | 12th |
| Rushing Yards | Isaiah Johnson | 1,124 yds, 14 TD | 21st |
| Receiving Yards | Trey Spearman | 892 yds, 9 TD | 35th |
| Tackles | Kareem Cotton | 112 total | 5th |
| Sacks | DE Group | 32 total | 9th |
These figures reflect a balanced attack, with Hornsby's 68.2% completion rate setting a program record. Special teams contributed 12 blocked kicks, tying for 3rd in FCS.
Conference Standings Impact
In the UAC, Austin Peay slotted third behind Tarleton State (8-1) and Abilene Christian (6-2), clinching a share of second after late wins. Their strength of schedule ranked 14th among FCS independents-turned-conference teams, per Hero Sports metrics. Historical context: This 7-5 mark surpassed the 2024 6-6 finish by 25% in win percentage.
- UAC wins: Utah Tech (42-10), West Georgia (44-30), North Alabama (56-28), Central Arkansas (41-38), Samford (30-16).
- Key losses: Abilene Christian (31-45), Eastern Kentucky (20-34), Southern Utah (17-33), Tarleton State (44-45 OT).
- Postseason: Missed playoffs but earned FCS polls top-25 mentions in Weeks 6 and 10.
"The conference schedule was brutal, but our home field advantage turned the tide," noted AD Gerald Harrison. This performance positions APSU for 2026 title contention.
Road Game Challenges
Away from Clarksville, Austin Peay faced grueling environments, starting with 93,033 fans at Georgia's Sanford Stadium on September 6. The 6-28 loss was competitive, limiting the Bulldogs to 312 rushing yards-24% below average. Later trips to Abilene (10,133 attendees) and Tarleton State (18,488) tested endurance, with OT drama in the finale.
"Road warriors define champions. We gained respect nationwide." - Coach Faris after Tarleton loss.
Travel logistics included chartered flights for Utah and Texas swings, costing $45,000 but boosting team cohesion. Away scoring averaged 24.7 points, up 15% from prior years.
Future Outlook
Building on 2025 momentum, Austin Peay returns 18 starters for 2026, including Hornsby and Cotton. Recruiting class of 21 added blue-chip FCS talents, targeting a UAC championship. Stadium expansions plan 2,000 more seats by kickoff. Fans can relive highlights via ESPN+ archives, with full replays averaging 12,000 views per game.
- Key returners: QB Hornsby (junior), LB Cotton (senior).
- Transfers: 5 from Power 4 portal, bolstering lines.
- Schedule release: Expected June 2026, featuring UTSA FBS clash.
This foundation cements Austin Peay as UAC contenders, with national pundits projecting 9+ wins. Historical parallels to Montana's 2010s rise apply here.
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Helpful tips and tricks for Austin Peay Football Schedule 2025 Dates And Matchups
Where can I buy Austin Peay football tickets for 2025?
Tickets for remaining 2025 postseason or 2026 games are available via the official LetsGoPeay.com ticket office or Ticketmaster partners, starting at $18. Season ticket renewals began December 1, with flex packs for UAC games at $75.
What was Austin Peay's record in 2025?
The Governors posted a 7-5 overall mark (5-3 UAC), their best since joining the conference, highlighted by home perfection and two FBS wins in non-conference play.
Who are Austin Peay's biggest rivals in 2025?
Key UAC foes like Eastern Kentucky (0-1 in 2025) and Samford (1-0 win) defined the season, with the North Alabama matchup exploding for 84 total points on October 25.
Did Austin Peay beat any FBS teams in 2025?
Yes, they stunned Middle Tennessee 34-14 on August 30, marking the program's first FBS victory since elevating to scholarship status in 2022.
How does 2025 compare to previous seasons?
2025's 7-5 record improved on 2024's 6-6 and 2023's 4-8, with points per game rising from 24.7 to 37.1-a 50% offensive surge.
What TV channels aired Austin Peay games?
All 12 games streamed on ESPN+, with select UAC broadcasts on ESPNU; audio via 103.9 FM The Legend.