What Is 2017 Weber State Wildcats football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Weber State Wildcats football team represented Weber State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 record under head coach Jay Hill. They competed in the Big Sky Conference and advanced to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2010, winning their first-round game before being eliminated in the second round.

Key Facts

2017 record: 6–5 overall, 5–3 in Big Sky Conference
Head coach: Jay Hill, in his fourth season
Advanced to FCS playoffs after a 2016 semifinal appearance
Won first-round playoff game against Eastern Washington, 33–26
Eliminated in second round by Sam Houston State, 38–28

Overview

The 2017 Weber State Wildcats football team represented Weber State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Led by head coach Jay Hill, the team competed in the Big Sky Conference and aimed to build on their successful 2016 campaign, which included a trip to the FCS semifinals.

The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in conference play, securing a playoff berth. Their season culminated in a second-round appearance in the FCS playoffs, marking continued progress under Hill’s leadership.

Season record: The team posted a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 conference record, qualifying for the FCS playoffs as an at-large team.
Head coach:Jay Hill was in his fourth season at the helm, having revitalized the program since taking over in 2014.
Home stadium: The Wildcats played home games at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah, which has a capacity of approximately 17,500.
Playoff performance: Weber State defeated Eastern Washington 33–26 in the first round before losing to Sam Houston State in the second round.
Notable player: Quarterback Tre Hartley started most games, throwing for 1,847 yards and 11 touchdowns during the season.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football includes a regular season followed by a 24-team playoff tournament to determine the national champion. Teams are selected based on performance, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large bids awarded by a selection committee.

Regular Season: The 11-game schedule included six Big Sky Conference opponents and five non-conference matchups, running from September to November.
Playoff Qualification: Teams are selected by a 10-member NCAA committee that evaluates win-loss records, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results.
Big Sky Conference: The conference had 13 teams in 2017, with the top finishers earning automatic or at-large bids to the FCS playoffs.
Postseason Format: The FCS playoffs feature a 24-team single-elimination bracket, with first-round byes awarded to the top eight seeds.
Player Eligibility: Athletes must maintain academic progress and adhere to NCAA rules on amateurism and eligibility to participate.
Recruiting: Weber State focuses on regional talent, particularly from Utah, Idaho, and California, to build a competitive FCS roster.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Weber State Wildcats with key conference rivals and national FCS leaders in critical performance categories.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Points Per Game
Weber State	6–5	5–3	Second Round	28.7
Montana	7–4	5–3	First Round	32.1
Eastern Washington	7–4	5–3	First Round	35.8
North Dakota State	11–3	7–1	Champions	38.2
UC Davis	7–4	5–3	First Round	26.4

The table illustrates that while Weber State was competitive within the Big Sky, they trailed national powerhouses like North Dakota State in scoring and overall dominance. Their second-round playoff exit placed them among the top 16 FCS teams that year, reflecting steady program growth.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was significant for Weber State as it demonstrated sustained success at the FCS level and increased national visibility for the program. It also helped boost recruiting and fan engagement in Utah and the surrounding region.

Program Momentum: Reaching the playoffs for the second consecutive year solidified Weber State as a rising FCS contender.
Recruiting Boost: Playoff appearances enhanced the team’s ability to attract high-caliber high school athletes from the West.
Conference Prestige: Strong performances helped elevate the Big Sky Conference’s national profile in FCS football.
Financial Impact: Playoff revenue sharing provided increased funding for athletic scholarships and facilities.
Player Development: The season offered valuable experience for underclassmen, many of whom became key contributors in future seasons.
Community Engagement: Success on the field led to higher attendance and stronger local support in Ogden.

The 2017 campaign was a pivotal chapter in Weber State football history, showcasing resilience and laying the foundation for future competitiveness in the FCS landscape.