The Incarnate Word Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 5‑7 record, marking one of the program’s worst campaigns in recent memory. The loss left the team searching for answers and a clear path forward.
Head coach Clint Killough has responded by overhauling both the roster and the coaching staff, instilling a new mantra: “restore the order.” The phrase has become the rallying cry for a squad determined to reclaim its place at the top of the Southland Conference.
A new mantra for a new season
Killough’s vision emphasizes dominance in every phase of the game. Defensive lineman Terrell Elliott said the team is focused on “dominating in all aspects, not just on the field,” while fellow lineman Chase Carter added that the locker room now feels a “lack of entitlement” and a stronger sense of unity.
The roster will look significantly different next fall. Only one offensive starter returns, and the departure of quarterback EJ Colson to UTEP has opened a competitive battle for the starting spot. Meanwhile, receiver Roy Alexander, who set a school record with 100 catches, 1,108 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, is expected to be a central piece of the offense after returning from Texas Tech.
With a nearly entirely new group of players and a coaching staff that has been rebuilt from the ground up, the Cardinals are betting on chemistry and discipline. The collective sentiment is one of “unity and determination,” as the team looks to translate its new motto into tangible results on the field.
Accountability at the Core
The new staff has emphasized accountability in practice, demanding that every player earn his snap count. This culture shift is intended to eliminate complacency and to forge a unit that can compete consistently against conference rivals.