West Georgia isn't just a cupcake, either. The Wolves opened 2025 by ripping off a 5-0 start — the program's best since 2018 — and closed the year with 8 wins and their first-ever FCS top-25 ranking. The catch: the coach who built that, Joel Taylor, is gone to Mercer, and Steve Englehart is stepping in from Presbyterian to try to keep the momentum alive on the road against a program a level up.
Kennesaw State's defense gives them a stabilizing force no matter who's throwing the ball. Linebacker Baron Hopson is back after a monster 2025 — 138 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups — and that kind of returning production is exactly what a team hunting a repeat needs while the offense finds its footing. The Owls also brought in 28 transfer portal additions this offseason, so there's real newness to shake out even with the pedigree.
For West Georgia, the opener is as much about establishing a new identity as it is about the scoreboard. A new head coach, a retooled offensive room, and a true road test against an FBS conference champion is a lot to ask in Week 1 — but this is a program that's shown it doesn't scare easily, and a competitive showing here would be a real early marker for where the Wolves are headed.