Let’s be real for a second. If you aren't living in the Tennessee River valley, you might think a matchup between Austin Peay vs North Alabama is just another mid-major scuffle that flies under the radar. You’d be wrong. Dead wrong.
Honestly, what started as a regional convenience has spiraled into one of the most heated, physical, and occasionally "unprofessional" rivalries in the ASUN. We’re talking about post-game shoving matches involving Athletic Directors, 50-point offensive explosions on the football field, and soccer games that look more like MMA bouts.
The Night Things Boiled Over
To understand where we are in 2026, you have to look back at the chaos that unfolded in early 2025. It’s the kind of stuff you don't usually see in the "handshake line" era of college sports.
After a particularly brutal overtime loss in Florence, the Austin Peay men’s basketball team basically went on strike. No handshakes. No pleasantries. They just headed for the tunnel. When the North Alabama AD tried to intervene, things got physical. It wasn't just a "tough loss" frustration; it was a symptom of two programs that simply cannot stand losing to each other.
Since then, every time these two logos meet, the air in the arena changes. You can feel it.
Austin Peay vs North Alabama: The Football Power Shift
If the basketball court is where the drama lives, the football field is where the Governors have been making a statement. On October 25, 2025, Austin Peay walked into their homecoming game as the #23 ranked team in the nation and absolutely dismantled the Lions.
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It was 56-28. A blowout? Sure. But the score doesn't tell the whole story.
North Alabama’s Destin Wade was actually lighting it up early, throwing for a career-high 330 yards. But the Govs are just a different beast at Fortera Stadium. Javious Bond—who is basically a human highlight reel at this point—broke off a 60-yard TD run that felt like the moment the Lions' spirit finally broke.
- Final Score: Austin Peay 56, North Alabama 28.
- Total Yardage: Over 1,000 yards combined.
- The Trend: Austin Peay has now won four straight on the gridiron.
The Lions (2-6 at the time) showed flashes, but they’ve struggled to keep pace with an Austin Peay program that is currently chasing its winningest decade in school history. The Govs are 34-28 in the 2020s so far, and honestly, they look like they’re just getting started.
Hardwood Revenge and the 2026 Outlook
Now, switch back to the court. The 2024-25 season was a wild ride for both. North Alabama dominated the last major meeting in March 2025, winning 90-64. Jacari Lane went nuclear in that game, dropping 31 points and shooting 7-for-8 from deep. It was a clinic.
But as we move through January 2026, the script is flipping again.
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On January 3, 2026, Austin Peay went into Florence and took care of business with a 72-55 victory. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. They followed that up with an 82-71 win over FGCU where they drained 14 three-pointers.
What to Watch For in the Next Matchup
The two teams are scheduled to go at it again on January 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Clarksville. If you’re betting on this or just watching for the pure chaos of it, here is what actually matters:
- The Perimeter War: Austin Peay is currently living and dying by the three. In their win over FGCU, every single player who attempted a triple made at least two. If they’re hot, North Alabama’s zone defense is going to get shredded.
- The Glass: The Lions have been struggling on the boards lately. In their recent loss to Jacksonville (90-68), they looked gassed. If they can't control the offensive glass against the Govs, it’s going to be a long night.
- The "Vibe" Factor: Don't underestimate the bad blood. After the 2025 handshake incident, these refs are going to be on a short leash. Expect a lot of whistles early.
It’s Not Just the Big Sports
You want to see how deep this rivalry goes? Look at the soccer pitch.
In October 2025, the UNA women’s soccer team pulled off a 2-1 win over Austin Peay. It was described by people there as "intense" and "far from peaceful." There were 22 fouls. Twenty-two! In a soccer match. Bodies were flying, elbows were out, and the post-game quotes from players like Meg Welsh and Gracie Tyrrell made it clear: they view this as a legacy game.
North Alabama has been the "little brother" in the ASUN hierarchy for a bit, but they’ve started taking games off the Govs in soccer and baseball that used to be penciled-in wins for APSU.
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Why This Matters for the ASUN
The Atlantic Sun Conference is in a state of flux. With teams moving around and the "United Athletic Conference" handling the football side of things, stable rivalries are hard to find.
Austin Peay vs North Alabama provides exactly what the conference needs: geographic proximity (they’re only about 2 hours apart) and genuine dislike.
Austin Peay is currently the "gold standard" for the conference in terms of facilities and recent football success, but North Alabama is the scrappy challenger that refuses to go away quietly. They’ve got the 3,000-seat Flowers Hall, which is a nightmare for visiting teams when the students actually show up.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following this rivalry, stop looking at the historical "all-time" records. They don't matter because both programs have changed so much since the 1970s. Focus on these specifics instead:
- Watch the Home/Away Splits: Austin Peay is significantly better at Fortera Stadium and the F&M Bank Arena. If the game is in Clarksville, the Govs should be at least 4-5 point favorites regardless of the sport.
- Monitor Injury Reports on Key Guards: For North Alabama, everything flows through Jacari Lane. If he's limited, the Lions' offense stagnates. For the Govs, look at Zyree Collins; he's the engine that makes their transition game work.
- Follow the Recruiting Trail: Both schools are now fighting over the same kids in Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham. A win on the court often translates to a commitment on the trail a month later.
Keep an eye on the January 29th rematch. Given the history of the last 12 months, it’s probably going to be the most talked-about game in the ASUN this month. Whether it’s because of a buzzer-beater or another mid-court shouting match remains to be seen.
Next Steps for Followers:
Check the live stats on the ASUN official portal about 30 minutes before tip-off on January 29th to see if the Govs' starting lineup is intact. If the three-point specialists are active, expect a high-scoring affair that likely clears the Over/Under. For football fans, start looking at the 2026 fall schedule releases in February to see if the Lions get their revenge game at Braly Stadium.