If you’re walking around Richmond, Kentucky, lately, you’ve probably heard the chatter. Folks are checking their calendars and squinting at the away-game list. Honestly, the EKU football schedule 2025 is kind of a gauntlet. It isn’t just your standard FCS slate; it’s a weird, exciting mix of high-stakes FBS paydays and a United Athletic Conference (UAC) schedule that feels more like a weekly street fight.
Walt Wells has the Colonels in a spot where they aren't just "participating." They are actually expected to win. But looking at the 2025 dates, you can see where the traps are hidden.
The Brutal Opening Act
The season starts with a literal bang. Or maybe a thud, depending on how much you believe in the "Maroon Doom" defense. On August 30, EKU heads to Louisville to face the Cardinals at L&N Stadium. Look, we know the history. The last time the Colonels beat Louisville was 1985. It’s a massive paycheck game, but it’s also a homecoming for a lot of guys on the roster who grew up in the 502.
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The schedule doesn't let up. After a home opener against Houston Christian on September 6—which, basically, is a must-win to keep momentum—the Colonels are back on a bus to Huntington. Facing Marshall on September 13 is never fun. Joan C. Edwards Stadium is loud, and the Thundering Herd has a habit of making life miserable for visiting FCS teams.
Breaking Down the Mid-Season Grind
By the time late September rolls around, the EKU football schedule 2025 shifts into conference mode. This is where things get interesting.
- Sept 20: At West Georgia. This is the UAC opener. West Georgia is the "new kid" in the conference, transitioning from DII, but they play like they’ve been here forever.
- Sept 27: Nicholls. A "clash of the Colonels." It’s a non-conference game stuck right in the middle of the season, which is sorta unusual.
- Oct 11: Austin Peay. This is the one everyone circles. The rivalry with the Governors is real. Usually, these games end in overtime or some miracle play at the buzzer.
Why the UAC Path is Tricky
People think the UAC is a "mid-major" FCS conference. It’s not. It’s a meat grinder. Following the Austin Peay game, EKU hits the road to North Alabama on October 18.
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Then comes the big one. October 25 is Homecoming. Tarleton State is coming to Roy Kidd Stadium. If you remember 2024, EKU pulled off a massive upset against a ranked Tarleton team. The Texans haven't forgotten that. It’s going to be a 3:00 p.m. kickoff, and if you haven't bought tickets yet, you're probably going to be sitting in the grass on the hill.
Finishing the Year Out West
The final stretch of the EKU football schedule 2025 is basically a travel agent's nightmare.
- Nov 1: At Central Arkansas. The Bears have one of the most annoying home-field advantages in the country (that purple and gray turf is an eyesore, let’s be real).
- Nov 8 & 15: Home games against Southern Utah and Abilene Christian. Abilene Christian is the defending champ, so Senior Day on the 15th is going to be heavy.
- Nov 22: The season finale in St. George, Utah, against Utah Tech.
It’s a long flight for the last game of the year. Usually, by late November, the Colonels are either playing for a playoff spot or nursing a dozen injuries.
The Myles Burkett Factor
You can't talk about the 2025 schedule without talking about the guy under center. Myles Burkett, the Albany transfer, has a lot on his shoulders. He’s got Marcus Calwise Jr. out wide—who is a legitimate superstar—and Brayden Latham in the backfield. If Burkett can handle the pressure of those FBS environments in Louisville and Marshall, the conference games should feel like a breeze. But that’s a big "if."
What to Watch For
The defense is actually the soul of this team. They call it the "Maroon Doom" for a reason. Last year, they led the UAC in scoring defense, allowing only about 23 points per game. Jeremiah Bailey and Jaheim Ward are the anchors. If they can keep the scores low, EKU has a path to 8 or 9 wins.
Honestly, the EKU football schedule 2025 is designed to test depth. You have two FBS teams, a powerhouse non-conference foe in Nicholls, and a conference slate that includes the top teams from Texas and Arkansas.
Key Dates to Remember
- Home Opener: Sept 6 vs. Houston Christian (6:00 p.m.)
- The Big Rivalry: Oct 11 vs. Austin Peay (6:00 p.m.)
- Homecoming: Oct 25 vs. Tarleton State (3:00 p.m.)
- Senior Day: Nov 15 vs. Abilene Christian (3:00 p.m.)
Most fans focus on the Louisville game because it’s the flashy one on the ACC Network. But the season is won or lost in October. If EKU can go 3-0 in that stretch against Austin Peay, North Alabama, and Tarleton State, they are almost guaranteed a playoff berth.
If you’re planning to attend, keep an eye on the weather for those November home games. Roy Kidd Stadium gets a wicked wind once the sun goes down.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you download the EKU Sports App. It’s the easiest way to listen to Greg Stotelmyer and the crew if you can't make the road trips to Alabama or Utah. Check the ticket office early for the Homecoming game—Tarleton fans travel better than you’d think, and that game usually sells out the reserved seating fast.