A New Chapter for the Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky University closed the 2025 season with a 9‑4 record, capping the year by defeating Southern Miss 27‑16 in the New Orleans Bowl. The victory marked the program’s eighth bowl win in the past 12 seasons and underscored Coach Tyson Helton’s consistency, as he has guided the Hilltoppers to a bowl game in each of his seven seasons and finished with a 57‑36 overall record.
The excitement will continue in Arlington, Texas, where WKU’s head coach, offensive lineman Karsten Upchurch, and safety Jaylen Lewis are slated to represent the Hilltoppers at the 2026 Conference USA Football Kickoff and Media Days. The event, scheduled for Monday, July 20, will be streamed live on ESPN+ and hosted by ESPN’s Mike Corey inside the Texas Live! Arena, a $250 million entertainment complex that anchors the city’s sports and hospitality district.
Looking Ahead to a Promising 2026 Season
The 2026 slate will feature ten Conference USA programs, including Delaware, FIU, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Middle Tennessee, Missouri State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, and WKU. The Hilltoppers open the season on Saturday, September 5, at Nevada, a matchup that promises to test the offense that ranked atop the conference with 29.54 points per game last year.
Upchurch, who started the final 11 games of 2025 at right tackle, played a pivotal role in the Hilltoppers’ offensive surge, while Lewis emerged as a defensive standout, recording 74 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble en route to earning All‑CUSA Fourth Team honors and a spot on the 2025 All‑CUSA Honorable Mention list. Their performances, combined with Helton’s seasoned leadership, set a compelling narrative for the upcoming campaign.
Beyond the on‑field action, the Media Days will provide fans with a first look at the team’s preparations, while also highlighting the broader growth of Conference USA, which will showcase its ten member institutions across the Texas Live! venue. With the support of partners such as Western Kentucky University, Conference USA, and ESPN, the Hilltoppers are poised to carry their recent momentum into a season that could further cement their place among the nation’s most consistent programs.