WKU Hilltoppers Unveil 2025 Football Schedule: Kickoff Times and Broadcast Partners Revealed for Exciting Season
The anticipation for the 2025 college football season has been building steadily, and for fans of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, that anticipation has reached a fever pitch with the recent announcement of their complete game times and television networks. This comprehensive release provides a roadmap for an exciting and challenging season, showcasing a diverse slate of opponents, key conference matchups, and prominent national television exposure. The Hilltoppers, fresh off an 8-6 record in 2024 that saw them compete in the Conference USA Championship Game and the Boca Raton Bowl, are poised to build upon that success, and their journey will be highly visible to a national audience. The schedule reveals a compelling mix of home and away contests, featuring both familiar foes and new additions to Conference USA, all culminating in what promises to be another thrilling fight for conference supremacy.
The Hilltoppers will kick off their 2025 campaign early, being one of the first programs in the nation to take the field. Week 0 will see them open with a Conference USA matchup at home against Sam Houston on Saturday, August 23rd. This intriguing contest is slated for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, providing an immediate opportunity for the Hilltoppers to make a statement on national television. This early conference test will undoubtedly set the tone for the entire season, emphasizing the intensity and competitiveness that Conference USA has become known for. Following this initial showdown, WKU will remain at Houchens-Smith Stadium for their second game, welcoming North Alabama on Saturday, August 30th. This non-conference affair will also have a 6 p.m. CT kickoff and will be available for fans to stream on ESPN+, offering widespread accessibility for those eager to follow the Hilltoppers’ early season progress. The team will then embark on their first road trip of the season, traveling to Toledo on Saturday, September 6th. The kickoff time for this non-conference game is also set for 6 p.m. CT, with the broadcast on ESPN+, indicating a consistent presence on the ESPN streaming platform in the early weeks of the season.
After a well-timed bye week, the Hilltoppers will return to Bowling Green for a significant home game against Nevada on Saturday, September 20th. This matchup, set for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff, falls under the broad “ESPN Platforms” designation, meaning it could appear on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, or ESPN+, depending on the network’s final scheduling decisions closer to the date. The flexibility of “ESPN Platforms” ensures that a wide audience will have access to this crucial non-conference contest, allowing fans from across the country to tune in and witness the Hilltoppers in action against a formidable opponent. The conclusion of September will see WKU hit the road for back-to-back games against two of Conference USA’s newest members. First, they will travel to Missouri State on Saturday, September 27th, for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff, with the game also broadcast on “ESPN Platforms.” This will be an important opportunity to gauge the team’s strength against a fresh face in the conference. Just a few days later, on Friday, October 3rd, the Hilltoppers will face another newcomer in Delaware, with a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on CBS Sports Network. These consecutive road games against new conference rivals will be vital for establishing early momentum within Conference USA.
October marks the highly anticipated return of “Weekday CUSA,” a strategic move by the conference to showcase its league matchups on midweek evenings. This initiative, now in its third season, has proven successful in attracting significant viewership and creating a distinct identity for Conference USA football. For the Hilltoppers, this translates into two intriguing Tuesday night matchups in October, both of which will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. First, WKU will host FIU at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Tuesday, October 14th, with a 7 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPNU. This prime-time television slot offers a fantastic platform for the team to shine under the lights. A week later, on Tuesday, October 21st, the Hilltoppers will conclude their October midweek slate with a road game at Louisiana Tech, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. These midweek games are often characterized by heightened intensity and unpredictability, and the Hilltoppers’ ability to navigate them successfully will be a strong indicator of their conference championship aspirations. The condensed schedule during these weeks demands exceptional physical and mental preparation from the athletes, and the coaching staff will undoubtedly be focused on ensuring peak performance.
As the calendar turns to November, the Hilltoppers will begin their final push toward potential postseason play with a pair of home games. Saturday, November 1st, will feature a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff against New Mexico State, serving as the much-anticipated Homecoming game for WKU. This significant event for the university and its alumni will be broadcast on “ESPN Platforms,” ensuring that a wide audience can join in the festivities and support the team. Two weeks later, on Saturday, November 15th, the Hilltoppers will renew their rivalry with Middle Tennessee in what is always a highly contested “100 Miles of Hate” matchup. This game, also set for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff, will be televised on “ESPN Platforms,” promising another exciting chapter in this fierce regional rivalry. These late-season home games are critical for maintaining momentum and securing a strong conference standing, and the enthusiastic home crowd is expected to provide a significant boost.
The penultimate game of the regular season presents a monumental challenge and a unique opportunity for the Hilltoppers. On Saturday, November 22nd, WKU will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to face off against the formidable LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. While the game time and television network for this marquee non-conference matchup are yet to be announced, the mere presence of LSU on the schedule speaks to the Hilltoppers’ commitment to challenging themselves against top-tier competition. This will be a significant test of their capabilities and a chance to gain invaluable experience against an SEC powerhouse. Such games offer incredible exposure for the program and its players, serving as a benchmark for their progress and a chance to upset a nationally recognized program. Regardless of the outcome, the experience gained from facing a team of LSU’s caliber will undoubtedly be beneficial for the Hilltoppers’ development.
The regular season will conclude on Saturday, November 29th, with a road trip to Jax State for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff on “ESPN Platforms.” This matchup against the Gamecocks could very well have significant implications for the Conference USA Championship, as Jax State was the opponent in the 2024 CUSA Championship Game. This late-season conference contest offers a chance for redemption or a reaffirmation of dominance, depending on the season’s trajectory. The stakes will be incredibly high, and the game is sure to be a compelling watch for fans. Finally, the Conference USA Championship Game is scheduled for Friday, December 5th, with a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on CBS Sports Network. While participation in this championship game is contingent upon the Hilltoppers’ performance throughout the season, the knowledge of its scheduled broadcast provides a clear target for the team. The opportunity to play for a conference title on national television is a powerful motivator and a testament to the growth and competitive spirit of Conference USA. The top two teams in the league standings will vie for the coveted title, with the game being held at the home site of the top seed, adding another layer of incentive for a strong regular season.
The announcement of the 2025 Hilltopper football schedule, complete with kickoff times and television networks, marks a significant milestone in the team’s preparations. It provides clarity for fans, players, and coaches alike, allowing for meticulous planning and heightened anticipation. The schedule features a strategic blend of home and away games, challenging non-conference matchups, and a robust Conference USA slate that includes the unique “Weekday CUSA” experience. The consistent presence on national television networks like CBS Sports Network and various ESPN platforms underscores the growing visibility and appeal of WKU football and Conference USA as a whole. The Hilltoppers will enter the 2025 season with renewed determination, aiming to build on their recent successes and contend for a conference championship. Each game on this newly released schedule represents an opportunity to showcase their talent, compete at the highest level, and further solidify their position as a respected program in college football. The journey promises excitement, drama, and memorable moments for the Hilltopper faithful.
