What Is 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

Overview

The 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Jason Simpson, who was in his 10th year at the helm. The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, located on campus in Martin, Tennessee.

This season marked another transitional year for the program, as they aimed to build consistency in a competitive FCS conference. Despite not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the team showed resilience, finishing with a balanced conference record and competitive performances against ranked opponents.

• Record: The 2016 Skyhawks finished with an overall record of 5–6 and a conference mark of 4–4 in the OVC.
• Head Coach:Jason Simpson entered his 10th season in 2016, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in the program’s FCS era.
• Home Stadium: The team played home games at Graham Stadium, a 7,500-seat facility located in Martin, Tennessee.
• Key Player: Quarterback Michael Eubank started several games, contributing both through the air and on the ground.
• Notable Game: The Skyhawks nearly upset #10 Eastern Washington in September, losing 28–21 in a hard-fought road contest.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football season followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including scheduling, player eligibility, and conference alignment. The team prepared for a 12-game regular season, with eight games against OVC opponents and non-conference matchups designed to build strength of schedule.

• Division: The Skyhawks compete in the FCS, the second tier of NCAA Division I football, which uses a playoff system to determine its national champion.
• Conference: As a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, UT Martin played eight conference games and four non-conference matchups.
• Roster Size: The team maintained a roster of approximately 100 players, including scholarship and walk-on athletes.
• Recruiting: The 2016 class included athletes from across the South, with a focus on Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
• Practice Schedule: The team followed a rigorous fall camp in August, preparing for the September 3 season opener.
• Game Day: Home games were typically played on Saturdays at 6:00 PM at Graham Stadium, with regional media coverage.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks and select OVC peers based on season records and key statistics:

The table illustrates that while UT Martin performed comparably to mid-tier OVC teams, they fell short of the dominant Jacksonville State Gamecocks, who went undefeated in conference play. The Skyhawks’ .500 conference record placed them in the middle of the OVC standings, reflecting a season of moderate competitiveness without a postseason berth.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was significant for maintaining program stability under long-term coach Jason Simpson and providing development opportunities for young players. Though not a playoff year, it contributed to the team’s growing reputation for competitive FCS matchups and strong home-field performance.

• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, laying groundwork for future seasons.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive games against ranked teams helped attract regional talent.
• Conference Credibility: A .500 OVC record reinforced UT Martin as a consistent mid-tier program.
• Facility Use: Graham Stadium continued to serve as a strong home-field advantage.
• Media Exposure: Games aired on ESPN+ and OVC Digital Network increased visibility.
• Foundation for 2017: The experience gained in 2016 contributed to improved performance in subsequent seasons.

The 2016 campaign, while not record-breaking, played an essential role in the long-term growth of the UT Martin football program within the FCS landscape.