By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
At the 2025 Conference USA Football Kickoff held in Frisco, Texas, the Kennesaw State Owls were prominently represented by Head Coach Jerry Mack alongside star players – wide receiver Christian Moss and defensive back JeRico Washington Jr. Coach Mack captured the spirit of the event and the team’s vision succinctly, stating, “It’s more than just football,” highlighting the Owls’ commitment beyond the field.
This season marks Coach Mack’s inaugural year leading the Owls, who continue to build on a strong legacy since their 2015 launch. Moss and Washington, key contributors entering their second and third years respectively, bring excitement and leadership to the team as Kennesaw State navigates its second full FBS season within Conference USA.
Christian Moss, known for his explosive plays and being the team’s top touchdown scorer in 2024, reflected the energy around the kickoff, embracing the opportunity to spotlight KSU’s football program on a national stage. Defensive standout JeRico Washington Jr. expressed pride in representing Kennesaw State among the league’s best, signaling confidence in the Owls’ forthcoming season competitiveness.
The event itself included a traditional press conference and a live ESPN+ broadcast hosted by Mike Corey, positioning the Owls alongside 36 Conference USA student-athletes and coaches in previewing the 2025 football season. This exposure is pivotal as KSU aims to solidify its standing in CUSA after transitioning just a year earlier from FCS to FBS play.
The Owls also engaged in leadership and personal development sessions at the Conference USA headquarters prior to the kickoff, underscoring the holistic development the program fosters for its student-athletes. Kennesaw State’s schedule for 2025, featuring significant games against Power Four conference teams and multiple home dates at Fifth Third Stadium, sets the stage for an exciting campaign under the new leadership.
In summarizing the momentum and optimism, Coach Mack said, “The stage is set. #NoLimitsOnUs,” capturing the Owls’ ambitious stance ahead of their 2025 season launch.
Key quotes:
Coach Jerry Mack: “It’s more than just football.”
Coach Jerry Mack: “The stage is set. #NoLimitsOnUs.”
WR Christian Moss and DB JeRico Washington Jr.: Proudly representing KSU at the kickoff and prepared for a competitive 2025 season.
The 2025 CUSA Football Kickoff was a defining moment for Kennesaw State’s Owls as they continue to soar within Conference USA, fueled by a strong blend of leadership, talent, and determination.
The 2025 season gets under way on Friday, August 29 in Winston-Salem, NC for the first ever meeting with the ACC’s Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACCN). After a road trip to the Big 10’s Indiana Hoosiers (FS1), the Owls play their first home game at Fifth Third Stadium hosting the Merrimack College Warriors from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) on Saturday, September 13 (ESPN+.