What Is 2015 Kennesaw State Owls football

Overview

The 2015 Kennesaw State Owls football team marked the debut season for the university's NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program. Competing as an independent, the team was led by first-year head coach Brian Bohannon and played a challenging schedule to establish its presence in collegiate football.

Despite being a new program, the Owls showed promise early, securing their first win in program history in their second game. The season was significant not only for athletic milestones but also for laying the foundation for future conference affiliation and program growth.

• First game: The Owls played their inaugural game on September 5, 2015, losing 41–17 to Liberty at Kenneth S. Warrington Stadium.
• First win: Kennesaw State earned its first victory on September 12, 2015, defeating Warner University 63–0 in their first home game.
• Season record: The team finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, a strong start for a first-year program.
• Offensive performance: The Owls averaged 35.2 points per game, showcasing a potent rushing attack led by running back Marlon Williams.
• Defensive effort: The defense allowed 29.8 points per game, improving significantly as the season progressed despite early struggles.

How It Works

The 2015 Kennesaw State Owls football season operated under the structure of an independent FCS team, meaning they were not part of a conference and had to schedule all opponents independently. This allowed flexibility but also presented challenges in building competitive balance and securing postseason opportunities.

• Schedule setup: As an independent team, Kennesaw State scheduled games against FCS, Division II, and NAIA opponents to build experience and credibility.
• Recruiting pipeline: The program relied on JUCO transfers and high school signees from Georgia and surrounding states to build a competitive roster.
• Home stadium: Games were played at KSU Stadium, a 10,000-seat facility in Kennesaw, Georgia, expanded for future growth.
• Coaching staff: Head coach Brian Bohannon brought experience from Georgia Tech and built a staff focused on player development.
• Player development: The team emphasized strength and conditioning programs to prepare athletes for the physical demands of FCS football.
• Game preparation: Weekly routines included film study, practice drills, and opponent scouting to adapt quickly to new competition.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2015 season can be best understood by comparing the Owls to other inaugural or first-year FCS programs in recent history.

The Owls outperformed most comparable first-year programs in terms of win total and offensive output. Their 6–5 record placed them among the most successful inaugural FCS teams in the 21st century, highlighting strong organizational planning and coaching.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was pivotal for Kennesaw State’s long-term athletic ambitions, proving the university could compete at the FCS level and paving the way for future conference membership. The team’s performance helped attract recruits, boost school spirit, and justify continued investment in the football program.

• Conference pathway: Success in 2015 accelerated Kennesaw State’s move to the Big South Conference in 2016.
• Recruiting boost: A winning record helped the Owls attract higher-profile recruits in subsequent classes.
• Facility expansion: Strong attendance led to stadium upgrades, increasing capacity to over 10,000 by 2017.
• Community impact: Football became a focal point for campus life and local fan engagement in Cobb County.
• National recognition: The team received votes in the FCS Top 25 poll, a rare feat for a first-year program.
• Foundation for success: The 2015 season laid the groundwork for a playoff appearance just two years later in 2017.

Overall, the 2015 Kennesaw State Owls football season was more than just a debut—it was a strategic milestone that positioned the university as a rising force in FCS football.