What Is 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Jason Simpson. They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and earned a share of the conference title for the second consecutive year.

Key Facts

7-4 overall record in the 2021 season
Coached by Jason Simpson in his 16th season
Shared the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference title
Played home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, TN
Defeated Eastern Illinois 31-20 on November 6, 2021

Overview

The 2021 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 achieved notable success, finishing the season with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Jason Simpson, who was in his 16th season, the Skyhawks demonstrated consistent performance and resilience. The team secured a share of the OVC title for the second straight year, marking a high point in program history and continuing a trend of sustained excellence at the FCS level.

Season Record: The Skyhawks finished the 2021 season with a 7-4 overall record, including a strong 6-2 mark in OVC play, highlighting their dominance within the conference.
Head Coach:Jason Simpson, in his 16th year at the helm, led the team with a focus on disciplined defense and balanced offensive execution.
Home Stadium: The team played its home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee, which has a seating capacity of approximately 7,500.
Conference Title: UT Martin shared the 2021 OVC championship with Jacksonville State, both finishing with identical conference records.
Key Victory: A pivotal 31-20 win over Eastern Illinois on November 6 helped solidify their position atop the OVC standings.

Season Performance

The 2021 campaign was marked by a mix of high-stakes conference matchups and non-conference challenges that tested the depth and adaptability of the Skyhawks roster. The team opened the season with a tough loss but quickly rebounded with a string of conference wins that positioned them as title contenders.

Non-Conference Play: The Skyhawks began the season with a loss to Southern Miss (38-10), a Division I FBS opponent, showcasing their willingness to schedule tough competition.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 27.5 points per game, led by quarterback Jaylen Jasper and a balanced rushing attack.
Defensive Strength: UT Martin's defense allowed just 21.8 points per game, ranking among the top units in the OVC in takeaways and third-down efficiency.
Senior Leadership: Key contributors included senior linebacker D.J. Edwards, who recorded over 80 tackles and multiple forced fumbles.
Postseason Eligibility: Despite their strong record, the Skyhawks did not receive an FCS playoff berth due to the NCAA's selection criteria and conference tiebreaker rules.
Rivalry Game: The annual Border Bowl against Murray State ended in a 31-10 victory, reinforcing their regional dominance.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks to key conference rivals based on season statistics:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points Scored	Points Allowed
UT Martin	7-4	6-2	302	240
Eastern Kentucky	10-3	7-1	386	268
Montana	10-5	—	365	278
North Dakota	7-4	—	294	252
Central Arkansas	5-6	4-4	276	288

While UT Martin did not make the FCS playoffs, their 6-2 conference record tied for the best in the OVC. The team outperformed several nationally ranked FCS programs in head-to-head matchups and maintained a top-tier defensive ranking throughout the season, demonstrating their competitive edge despite limited national exposure.

Why It Matters

The 2021 season was a milestone for the UT Martin football program, reinforcing its status as a consistent powerhouse in the FCS. The back-to-back OVC titles under Jason Simpson signaled long-term stability and effective program building at a mid-major level.

Program Growth: Winning consecutive conference titles has elevated UT Martin’s recruiting profile and increased scholarship interest from high school prospects.
Coaching Stability: Jason Simpson’s longevity and success make him one of the winningest active FCS coaches by tenure at a single institution.
Player Development: Several 2021 Skyhawks, including D.J. Edwards, received postseason All-OVC honors, validating individual excellence.
Community Impact: Football success has boosted school spirit and local attendance, with home game crowds averaging over 5,000 fans.
National Recognition: The team received votes in the FCS Top 25 polls during the season, marking rare recognition for an OVC program.
Foundation for Future: The 2021 season laid the groundwork for continued competitiveness, with returning starters poised to challenge for another title in 2022.

The 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks exemplified what a well-coached, disciplined FCS team can achieve even without the resources of larger programs. Their season remains a benchmark for sustained success in mid-major college football.