WKU Football will be represented at the 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff by Head Coach Tyson Helton, offensive lineman Karsten Upchurch, and safety Jaylen Lewis. The event will take place on July 20-21 in Arlington, Texas, as WKU looks to build on a successful 9-4 season and a bowl win. Helton, in his eighth season, has led the team to seven consecutive bowl appearances, marking a strong competitive presence in CUSA.

By the Numbers
  • WKU finished the 2025 season with a record of 9-4 and won the 2025 New Orleans Bowl.
  • Helton has a 57-36 record over his first seven seasons, with multiple bowl appearances.
  • Lewis, in his first season, registered 74 tackles, three interceptions, and was named a 2025 All-CUSA Honorable Mention.
  • Upchurch started 11 games, contributing to an offense averaging 29.54 points per game, the highest in CUSA.
State of Play
  • The 2026 CUSA alignment includes 10 teams such as Delaware and Liberty.
  • Media coverage will feature traditional press conferences and a live ESPN+ show hosted by Mike Corey.
  • The Hilltoppers will kick off their season on September 5 at Nevada.
What's Next

After the CUSA Kickoff, WKU aims to maintain momentum into the upcoming season, focusing on strong performances from key players like Upchurch and Lewis, as well as Coach Helton's leadership.

Bottom Line

WKU Football continues to demonstrate competitive strength in the CUSA, and with their recent successes and a solid roster, they are poised for another impactful season. Stakeholders should capitalize on this momentum to engage fans and enhance community support through ticket sales and promotions.