Game 1 • vs BYU • Provo, Utah • Live Stats
Television: FS1
Radio: Bearkat Sports Network online
 
PROVO, Utah — Sam Houston begins a new era Saturday as the Bearkats play their first FBS game as a member of Conference USA.
 
The Kats will face BYU, which is also playing its inaugural season in the Big 12, in a game that will be televised on FS1. This will be the first meeting on the gridiron between Sam Houston and the Cougars when the contest kicks off at 9:15 p.m. CST.
 
Sam Houston's last win against an FBS opponent came in 2011 when the Bearkats went 14-1 and finished as runner-up in the FCS playoffs. The Kats defeated New Mexico 48-45 in overtime.
 
In preparation for their first season in the FBS with a new era of redshirt regulations upon the college football landscape, the Bearkats took full advantage of the policies last season. Coach K.C. Keeler publicly stated that several key players were going to play four games and redshirt the 2022 season.
 
Included in that group who played their four games and sat out the remainder of the year were starting wide receivers Ife Adeyi and Noah Smith, starting offensive lineman Ethan Hagler, starting tight end Jax Sherrard, starting defensive end Jevon Leon and starting defensive back Isaiah Downes.
 
Sam Houston landed 11 players on the 2023 College Football Network's preseason All-Conference USA teams. The Bearkats had three players named to the second team including the 2022 WAC Defensive Player of the Year linebacker Kavian Gaither. He is joined by Adeyi and defensive lineman Akeem "Meatball" Smith.
 
Running back Zach Hrbacek was named to the third team, and he was also selected as the honorable mention punt returner. Offensive lineman Ethan Hagler and defensive back Jordan Morris were also third team All-CUSA. North Texas transfer quarterback Grant Gunnell made the honorable mention squad along with linebackers Markel Perry and Jaylen Phillips and Issiah Nixon was named to the defensive flex position.