Sam Houston Bearkats

The Sam Houston Bearkats are the reigning national champions turned FBS newcomers, representing Huntsville, Texas out of Elliot T. Bowers Stadium. After building an FCS powerhouse, Sam Houston made the jump to Conference USA, bringing a physical, championship-caliber culture with it. The Bearkats' orange and white colors now fly in a new era of the program's history, backed by one of the most decorated rosters in recent FCS memory.

Sam Houston has fielded football since 1912 and has won two national titles: an NAIA co-championship and the 2020 FCS national championship, when the Bearkats defeated South Dakota State 23-21 in the title game (played in spring 2021) under coach K.C. Keeler. The program has 15 conference championships across its history and made back-to-back FCS title-game appearances in 2011 and 2012 before finally breaking through in 2020. Sam Houston transitioned to the FBS ranks and Conference USA in 2023, closing out its FCS dynasty run.