You ever look at a schedule and think you've got the whole story figured out? Honestly, if you just glanced at the university of west alabama football schedule for the 2025 season back in August, you probably thought the Tigers were on a one-way track to a dominant playoff run.
They started like a house on fire. Five straight wins.
By late September, UWA was sitting pretty at 5-0. They weren't just winning; they were finding ways to close out tight games in the fourth quarter, outscoring folks 39-17 in final periods during that opening stretch. Spencer Arceneaux was dealing at quarterback. The vibes in Livingston were high. Then, the Gulf South Conference (GSC) schedule actually started, and things got... complicated.
The 2025 Rollercoaster: From 5-0 to the GSC Gauntlet
It's kinda wild how a season can pivot on a single Saturday. For West Alabama, that pivot happened in mid-October. After a bye week that felt like a breather, they ran into a wall of ranked conference opponents.
Here is how the back half of that university of west alabama football schedule actually shook out:
On October 18, the Tigers hosted No. 3 West Florida for Hall of Fame Weekend. It was a defensive slugfest, but the Argonauts escaped Terry Bunn Field with a 23-16 win. That loss seemed to take the wind out of the sails. A week later, for Homecoming on October 25, Delta State came to town and edged out the Tigers 41-38 in a game that basically broke the hearts of every alum at the tailgate.
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Then came the trip to Valdosta State on November 1. Another loss, 45-35.
If you're keeping track, that's three straight losses to the heavy hitters of the GSC. It’s a brutal reminder that in this conference, there are no "gimme" games once October hits.
The Strange Case of the Cancelled Lincoln Game
One of the weirdest spots on the university of west alabama football schedule was the November 8 matchup. It was supposed to be a home game against Lincoln University (California).
It just didn't happen.
The game was cancelled, leaving the Tigers with an unexpected gap in their season right when they desperately needed a win to stop the bleeding. Instead of a "get right" game, they had to sit with those three losses for another two weeks before facing Northeastern State on November 15 for Military Appreciation Day. They lost that one too, 33-20, ending the season on a four-game skid.
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Looking Back: The 2024 Context
To really understand why people were so hyped for 2025, you've gotta look at 2024. That season was historic. The Tigers finished 9-2 and made it to the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
They played a thriller against Lenoir-Rhyne in the first round at home. UWA actually led that game 34-27 in the third quarter after a massive 61-yard touchdown run by Arceneaux. But they couldn't hold on. A late field goal by Lenoir-Rhyne’s Jake Brown with under five minutes left sealed a 37-34 loss for the Tigers.
That 2024 schedule featured some absolute dominance:
- A 63-0 blowout of Erskine.
- A 38-0 shutout of Chowan.
- A 26-0 win over Mississippi College.
When you go from a 9-2 playoff season to a 5-4 finish where you go winless in the conference, it stings. But that's the reality of DII football in the South. The margins are razor-thin.
What to Watch for in the 2026 Cycle
So, where does UWA go from here? If you're looking for the 2026 university of west alabama football schedule, you're basically looking for a redemption tour. Head coach Brett Gilliland has built a program that expects to be in the playoffs, not just hovering around .500.
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Usually, the Tigers open with non-conference regional foes. Think SIAC or South Atlantic Conference teams. You can almost bet on seeing names like Miles College or Fort Valley State early on. The GSC is also changing. With teams moving around and the conference landscape shifting, the strength of schedule is always a moving target.
Key Dates for Fans
- Spring Game: Usually late March or early April. This is where you see if the next crop of linebackers is ready to fill the gaps.
- Season Opener: Typically the last weekend of August or the first Saturday of September.
- Homecoming: Usually late October. This is the biggest draw for the town of Livingston.
Survival Tips for Tiger Stadium
If you're planning to catch a game on the next university of west alabama football schedule, Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium is a vibe. It’s classic small-town Alabama football.
Basically, show up early. The tailgating on the Campus School front lawn is where the real action is. People start setting up hours before kickoff. Also, don't sleep on the humidity. Even in late September, Livingston can feel like a sauna.
Honestly, the best way to keep up with the official changes—because as we saw with the Lincoln game, things change—is to park yourself on the official UWA Athletics site or the GSC portal. They tend to update kickoff times about two weeks out based on broadcast needs for FloSports.
Final Insights for the Faithful
The 2025 season might have ended on a sour note, but the foundation in Livingston is solid. You’ve got a quarterback who can run and throw, a coaching staff that’s proven they can reach the postseason, and a home-field advantage that’s tough for anyone to crack.
Next steps for fans:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: See how the Tigers address the defensive gaps that showed up in the Valdosta and Delta State games.
- Check FloSports: If you can't make the drive to Livingston, ensure your subscription is active before the GSC gauntlet starts in October.
- Gear Up: Get your red and white ready. The 2026 schedule will be out before you know it, and the expectations aren't going to be any lower.
The Tigers have a way of bouncing back. After all, a 5-0 start isn't a fluke—it's a sign of potential that just needs to be sustained through the November chill.