By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Kennesaw State enters the 2025 football season refreshed and hopeful, kicking off its second full year in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with plenty of changes and promise. The Owls bring in new head coach Jerry Mack, formerly head man at North Carolina Central and most recently as running backs coach in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, known for his track record of success and fresh perspective. Mack has assembled an innovative coaching staff and a roster blending returning talent with a substantial class of newcomers, aiming to steer the program toward competitiveness in Conference USA (CUSA).
Key Storylines
New Leadership: Jerry Mack’s arrival has generated optimism after a challenging FBS debut in 2024. Mack’s history of turning around programs and his coordinator choices are expected to infuse new energy into the team.
Defensive Focus: Six of the top seven tacklers from last year return, including linebackers Donelius Johnson and Garland Benyard. Johnson led the team with 89 tackles in 2024; Benyard started all 12 games. The secondary brings back Milon Jones (CUSA All-Freshman) and Isaac Paul, joined by Purdue transfer Antonio Stevens, creating depth and experience.
Offensive Questions: Quarterback Dexter Williams II, a Georgia Southern transfer, is poised to lead a passing attack that struggled last season. Receivers Christian Moss and Gabriel Benyard showed flashes of potential, and the hope is that improved QB play will unlock their abilities. However, nearly all rushing production departed, with Alexander Diggs (29 yards in 2024) the only significant returnee in the backfield. The offensive line rebuilds around lone returning starter JT Pennington.
Roster Infusion: KSU added 33 newcomers in its 2025 signing class, bringing a mix of transfers and high school talent to many skill positions.
Schedule Highlights
The Owls face a challenging schedule, opening at Wake Forest (ACC) on Aug. 29, followed by a trip to Indiana (Big Ten) Sept. 6, and then return home for a winnable contest against FCS opponent Merrimack (Sept. 13) and Arkansas State (Sept. 20). Their Conference USA slate begins with Middle Tennessee on Sept. 27 and features home games against LA Tech, UTEP, and newcomer Missouri State. Road matchups include FIU, New Mexico State, Jax State, and a tough season finale at Liberty.
Projected Outlook
Kennesaw State enters 2025 unlikely to be favored in many FBS matchups, with early projections suggesting a four-win season would be a notable success. The defense should take a measurable step forward, possibly keeping games close. The real question is whether the Owls’ overhauled offense can generate enough production for breakthrough moments under Mack.
The Owls are striving for improvement, aiming to establish themselves as a competitive CUSA program and to lay the foundation for future FBS stability and growth.
Players to Watch
Dexter Williams II (QB, Georgia Southern transfer)
Donelius Johnson (LB)
Garland Benyard (LB)
Milon Jones (S)
Christian Moss (WR)
Gabriel Benyard (WR)
JT Pennington (OL)
Kennesaw State fans can look forward to seeing a reenergized program take the field with a new identity, defensive backbone, and the hope of making strides in a tough but opportunistic 2025 season.