By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Kennesaw State’s leap from FCS to FBS football for the new season will be a significant challenge, but the program has a solid foundation to build on.

While the transition won’t be easy, there’s reason to believe the Owls can find success fairly quickly. Jacksonville State’s smooth transition in 2023 offers a positive example, though Kennesaw State’s path might be more like Sam Houston’s.

The Bearkats struggled early after their move up, starting 0-8 before turning things around with three wins in their last four games. Kennesaw State could face similar struggles, but they have the potential to make a strong start.

The Owls have a supportive fan base, strong donor backing, and a prime location in the college football landscape. These factors should help them succeed long-term, but their immediate focus will be on how well they adapt to the bigger, faster competition in FBS.

KSU has been a powerhouse on the ground since 2015, averaging nearly 300 rushing yards per game, more than any other FBS team in Georgia. The Owls’ offense relies heavily on the zone read and RPO schemes, with the quarterback playing a crucial role in their success.

The departure of signal caller Jonathan Murphy leaves a gap at quarterback, but junior Davis Bryson is ready to step up. He’s the only quarterback on the roster with experience, having thrown a few passes last season.

While Bryson is still developing as a passer, he’s a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs, a key factor in Kennesaw State’s run-heavy offense. The Owls ran the ball more than twice as often as they passed in 2023, and their quarterbacks accounted for a significant portion of those rushing attempts.

The offensive line, though younger this year, will need to rise to the occasion against tougher competition.

In the backfield, senior running back Michael Benefield is expected to play a crucial role. He finished last season strong, scoring two touchdowns in each of the Owls’ final three games.

Leading receiver Gabriel Benyard, who was listed as a running back last season, is another versatile weapon for the Owls. He’s likely to be used all over the field, including in the return game, where he’s already set program records.

Virginia Tech transfer Christian Moss, a Kennesaw native, could also make a significant impact when the Owls decide to air it out.

Defensively, it’s harder to predict how Kennesaw State will perform in their first FBS season. The Owls played just nine games last season, with their wins coming against non-FBS opponents.

Junior linebacker Donelius Johnson will be a key leader after recording 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and six tackles for loss last season.

Kennesaw State also welcomes South Carolina transfer linebacker Donovan Westmoreland, the highest-rated recruit in program history. Although Westmoreland didn’t see much action at South Carolina, he has the size and speed to be an impact player for the Owls.

Special teams were a weak spot for Kennesaw State last year, particularly in the kicking game, the Owls made just 6 of 16 field goal attempts.

However, senior punter Joshua Huiet has been reliable, and Benyard is a dangerous returner who has already set records for punt and kick return yardage since joining the team in 2021.

Since its inception in 2015, Kennesaw State’s football program has quickly found success under head coach Brian Bohannon.

The team has made four FCS Playoff appearances, largely due to their powerful option running attack. The last couple of seasons have been rough, including a 3-6 run as an independent in 2022.

Now, with key players returning and some fresh talent joining the roster, the Owls have the experience, coaching, and potential to be competitive in their first FBS season.

Success might not come immediately, but Kennesaw State has the makings of a dangerous team as they adjust to the higher level of play.

If the offense can find its rhythm and the defense holds up, the Owls could surprise some people in their inaugural FBS season.

The Owls roster has several players that may be familiar to high school football fans who are also readers of The Southern Sports Edition. Senior LB Jalen Barnum played at Wayne County High School and redshirt junior kicker, Britton Williams, was a standout for Richmond Hill.

The team also includes a couple of redshirt freshman from the old GHSA Region 1-7A in OLB Qway McCoy, who played at Colquitt County and TE Ian Pederson from Camden County High School.

The 2024 schedule for the Kennesaw State Owls is:

Aug 31            at         UTSA
Sept 7              vs        Louisiana
Sept 14            at         San Jose State
Sept 21            OPEN DATE*
Sept 28            vs        UT Martin
Oct 4               vs        Jacksonville State
Oct 12             OPEN DATE*
Oct 15             at         Middle Tennessee
Oct 23             vs        Liberty
Oct 30             at         WKU
Nov 9              at         UTEP
Nov 16            vs        Sam Houston
Nov 23            vs        FIU
Nov 30            at         Louisiana Tech

*one of the open dates should become a contest with New Mexico State