Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 2025 Preview

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers

Head Coach: Tyson Helton- At School and Overall: (48-32) 6 years

OC : Rick Bowie; DC: Da’Von Brown, Davis Merritt

2024 Record: 8-6 (6-2)

Impact Players: QB Maverick McIvor, RB La’Vell Wright, WR Kody Epps, WR KD Hutchinson, WR Matthew Henry, LT Marshall Jackson, S Demarko Williams, CB Jaylin Lewis, LB Harper Holloman

Offense:

The Hilltoppers offense has developed a reputation of high scoring offense led by QBs who can put up big numbers. Last year was no different, but the Hilltoppers took a hit when QB Caden Veltkamp opted to transfer out of WKU. But Helton has been here before and he took a page out of his own book when he double dipped in the FCS bucket for both QB Maverick McIvor and OC Rick Bowie. McIvor put up over 3,000 yards and 30 TDs at Abilene Christian last year and will be throwing to fellow FCS transfer and All-American WR Matthew Henry. The o-line and running game is a concern but there should still be enough for Helton’s offense to not lose a step. 

Defense:

Although sometimes overshadowed by their offense, Western Kentucky’s defense has been a consistent unit under the Helton era, producing NFL talent and being among the nation’s best at creating turnovers. This year may be the biggest question mark in Helton’s tenure. In the secondary, CB Kent Robinson and DB Demarko Williams are the only returning starters on defense. The Hilltoppers will rely on transfer talent to keep the defense a float. LB Harper Holloman turned heads in the spring and will most likely be the anchor of the front seven.

Analysis:

The Hilltoppers can score points. They always have and this year shouldn’t be any different. The question is, how many points will be needed to feel comfortable with a defense that is going through some changes. McIvor could be a splash recruit, similar to Zappe a few years ago, and there are some pieces coming in on defense that, if they gel together, could keep the Hilltoppers defense strong. After getting blown out in the CUSA championship last year, WKU has retooled both sides of the ball and come into the year with fresh faces. The talent is there to maintain their stance as one of the conference’s top teams and compete again for the championship.

2025 Record Floor: 8-4

2025 Record Ceiling: 10-2

2025 Record Prediction: 9-3