2021 Sam Houston Bearkats football team

American college football season

2021 Sam Houston Bearkats football

WAC champion
WAC–ASUN Challenge champion

NCAA Division I Quarterfinal,
L 19–42 vs. Montana State

Conference| AQ7
Ranking
STATS| No. 5
FCS Coaches| No. 4
Record| 11–1 (6–0 AQ7)
Head coach|

* K. C. Keeler (8th season)

Offensive coordinator| Ryan Carty (4th season)
Offensive scheme| Spread option
Defensive coordinator| Clayton Carlin (5th season)
Base defense| 4–2–5
Home stadium| Bowers Stadium

Seasons

<- 2020

2022 ->

2021 Western Athletic Conference football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf. |  |  | Overall

|
|
|
|

Team |  | W |  | L |  |  |  |  | W |  | L |
No. 5 Sam Houston $^  |  | 5  | - | 0  |  |  |  |  | 11  | - | 1  |
No. 21 Stephen F. Austin ^  |  | 4  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 8  | - | 4  |
Abilene Christian |  | 2  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 6  |
Tarleton State *  |  | 2  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 5  |
Dixie State *  |  | 0  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 1  | - | 10  |
Lamar |  | 0  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 1  | - | 9  |

* $ - Conference champion
* ^ - FCS playoff participant
* * – Ineligible for FCS playoffs due to transition from Division II

Rankings from STATS Poll
2021 WAC–ASUN Challenge football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf. |  |  | Overall

|
|
|
|

Team |  | W |  | L |  |  |  |  | W |  | L |
No. 5 Sam Houston $^  |  | 6  | - | 0  |  |  |  |  | 11  | - | 1  |
No. 21 Stephen F. Austin ^  |  | 4  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 8  | - | 4  |
Eastern Kentucky |  | 4  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 4  |
Central Arkansas |  | 3  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 6  |
Jacksonville State |  | 3  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 6  |
Abilene Christian |  | 1  | - | 5  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 6  |
Lamar |  | 0  | - | 6  |  |  |  |  | 1  | - | 9  |

* $ - Conference champion
* ^ - FCS playoff participant

Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2021 Sam Houston Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in the 2021 NCAA Division I FCS football season as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. The Bearkats were led by eighth-year head coach K. C. Keeler and played their home games at Bowers Stadium.

The Western Athletic Conference and ASUN Conference announced the formation of the WAC–ASUN Challenge (AQ7) for the 2021 season on February 23, 2021. The Challenge included the four fully qualified Division I (FCS) members of the WAC (Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston , and Stephen F. Austin) and Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, and Jacksonville State of the ASUN Conference. The winner of the challenge received an auto-bid to the NCAA Division I FCS football playoffs.[1]

## Preseason

[edit]

### Preseason polls

[edit]

#### WAC Poll

[edit]

The Western Athletic Conference coaches released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Bearkats were picked to finish first in the conference. In addition, several Bearkats were selected to the preseason WAC Offense, Defense, and Special teams. Eric Schmid was selected preseason offensive player of the year. Jahari Kay was selected defensive player of the year.[2]

Predicted finish  | Team  | Votes (1st place)

|
|

1 | Sam Houston | 20 (5)
2 | Stephen F. Austin | 16 (1)
3 | Tarleton State | 11
4 | Lamar | 8
5 | Abilene Christian | 5

* Note: Dixie State is not included since they are not playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts. Dixie State players are eligible for individual rewards.

#### Preseason All–WAC Team

[edit]

Offense

* Eric Schmid – Quarterback, JR
* Ramon Jefferson – Running back, JR
* Ramon Jefferson – Running back, JR
* Jequez Ezzard – Wide receiver, GR
* Isaac Schley – Tight end, GR
* Eleasah Anderson – Offensive lineman, JR
* Prince Pines – Offensive lineman, SO
* Colby Thomas – Offensive lineman, SR

Defense

* Jahari Kay – Defensive lineman, SR
* Trace Mascorro – Defensive lineman, SR
* Joseph Wallace – Defensive lineman, SR
* Quentin Brown – Linebacker, JR
* Trevor Williams – Linebacker, JR
* Zyon McCollum – Defensive back, SR
* Jalen Thomas – Defensive back, SR

Special teams

* Seth Morgan – Kicker, FR
* Matt McRobert – Punter, SR
* Jequez Ezzard – Kick Returner, GR

#### AQ7 Poll

[edit]

The AQ7 coaches also released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Bearkats were picked to finish first in the ASUN-WAC Challenge.[3]

Predicted finish  | Team  | Votes (1st place)

|
|

1 | Sam Houston State | 49 (7)
2 | Central Arkansas | 40
3 | Jacksonville State | 37
4 | Stephen F. Austin | 27
5 | Eastern Kentucky | 20
6 | Abilene Christian | 15
7 | Lamar | 8

## Roster

[edit]

2021 Sam Houston Bearkats football team roster

Players  | Coaches
Offense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

WR | `2` | Ife Adeyi | So
QB | `3` | Eric Schmid |  Jr
RB | `4` | Ramon Jefferson |  Jr
QB | `5` | Keegan Shoemaker | So
RB | `6` | Noah Smith | So
WR | `7` | Brennon Tibbs |  Sr
RB | `8` | Daryon Triche | Fr
WR | `9` | Cody Chrest | GS
QB | `10` | Trapper Pannell | Fr
QB | `11` | Gunner Capps |  Fr
WR | `12` | Jequez Ezzard | GS
QB | `13` | Tristan Brady | Fr
WR | `14` | Ryan Humphries |  So
WR | `15` | Tony Williams |  Jr
TE | `16` | Isaac Schley | GS
QB | `17` | Matthew Southern | Fr
TE | `18` | Jacob Kainer |  Jr
RB | `21` | Zach Hrbacek | Fr
WR | `22` | Jaxson Chrest | Fr
WR | `23` | Adrian Murdaugh | Fr
RB | `26` | Kyran Jackson | Sr
TE | `27` | Dalton Meyer |  So
RB | `28` | Charles Crawford III | Fr
RB | `29` | Jacob Berry | Jr
RB | `32` | Weston Stephens | Fr
WR | `36` | Wyatt Huffman |  So
TE | `44` | Braeden Howell | Fr
OL | `50` | Reece Jordan | GS
OL | `51` | Jalen North |  Fr
OL | `52` | Colby Thomas | Sr
OL | `56` | Daniel Melendez | Jr
OL | `57` | Ethan Hagler | So
OL | `59` | Will Jones | Fr
OL | `60` | Seth Kohlscheen |  Fr
OL | `61` | Noah Barboza |  So
OL | `62` | Anthony Turrubiartes |  Jr
OL | `64` | Ben Bankston |  Jr
OL | `65` | Ylijaah Hall |  So
OL | `70` | Ryder Wall | Fr
OL | `73` | Moses Johnson |  Jr
OL | `74` | Trevor Jaks | Fr
OL | `75` | Eleasah Anderson |  Jr
OL | `76` | Prince Pines | So
OL | `77` | Peyton Fifield |  So
OL | `78` | CJ Marsh | Fr
OL | `79` | D'Ary Patton | Fr
WR | `80` | Shane Johnson | Fr
WR | `81` | Derrick Rose |  Fr
WR | `82` | Michael Murray | Fr
WR | `83` | Red Jones | So
WR | `84` | Xavier McGriff | Fr
TE | `85` | Rowdy Godwin | Fr
TE | `86` | Jarvis Brooks | Sr
WR | `87` | KeSean Raven | Fr
WR | `88` | Chandler Harvin |  So
TE | `89` | Marcus Collins | Fr
Defense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

DB | `0` | Taylen Blaylock | Fr
LB | `1` | Trevor Williams | Jr
DB | `2` | Kameryn Alexander | So
DB | `3` | Trey Smith |  Jr
DB | `4` | Braiden Clopton |  Fr
DB | `5` | Darrel Hawkins-Williams | So
LB | `6` | Trey Fields | Fr
LB | `7` | Ysidro Mascorro | Fr
LB | `8` | Quentin Brown |  Jr
DB | `9` | Jaylen Thomas | Sr
LB | `10` | Jaylen Phillips | Fr
DB | `13` | Isaiah Downes | Jr
DB | `17` | Ke'Shon Murray |  Jr
DB | `19` | Emon Allen | Fr
DB | `20` | David Fisher | Fr
DB | `21` | Nick Chrest | Fr
DB | `22` | Zyon McCollum | Sr
DB | `23` | Tristin McCollum | Sr
DB | `24` | Tobias Weaver | Fr
DB | `25` | Daniel North |  Fr
DB | `26` | RJ Bendert | Fr
DB | `27` | Savien Arnett | Fr
LB | `28` | Rance McInnis |  Fr
LB | `29` | Danzell Sims |  Sr
DB | `30` | Donovan Adkins | Fr
DB | `31` | Immanuel Sutton |  So
LB | `33` | Markel Perry |  Jr
DB | `34` | Emmonte Davis |  Fr
LB | `35` | Tim Hart |  Sr
DB | `36` | Truman Bexley | Fr
DB | `37` | Christian Williams | Fr
DB | `38` | Jevin Murray |  Fr
DB | `39` | Caleb Weaver | Fr
DB | `40` | Carson Horner |  Fr
DB | `41` | Kobe Sterling |  Fr
DB | `42` | Kavian Gaither | Fr
DL | `44` | Juan Henry |  So
DB | `45` | Quan Williams | Fr
DB | `46` | Jalan Mayes |  So
DL | `48` | Goodness Nwawuihe | Fr
DL | `49` | Matthew Aribisala | Fr
LB | `50` | Darien Flynn | Fr
LB | `51` | Trey Mappe | Fr
DL | `52` | Luke Horne | Fr
LB | `54` | Nick Abengowe | Fr
DL | `55` | Jahari Kay | Sr
DL | `56` | Cameron Plummer | Fr
DL | `58` | LJ Salazar |  So
DL | `59` | Briceon Hayes | Fr
DL | `63` | Roscoe Jones |  So
DL | `90` | Trace Mascorro | Sr
DL | `91` | Maize Washington | Fr
DL | `92` | Scean Mustin | Sr
DL | `93` | Richard Outland Jr. | Fr
DL | `94` | Jevon Leon | So
DL | `95` | Joseph Wallace | Sr
DL | `96` | Zach Loane |  Jr
DL | `97` | Chris Scott |  So
DL | `98` | John Mathis | Fr
DL | `99` | Kamren Washington | Fr
Special teams | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

K | `1` | Seth Morgan | Fr
P | `37` | Cameron Hearn |  Sr
K | `39` | Reed Honshtein |  Fr
LS | `41` | Noah Caldwell |  Jr
K, P | `43` | Jadon Cardell | Fr
LS | `45` | Zach Stricker | Fr
P | `47` | Matt McRobert | Sr
K, P | `49` | Christian Pavon | Fr
LS | `53` | Tanner Boston | So

Head coach

* K. C. Keeler

Coordinators/assistant coaches

* Clayton Carlin – Defensive coordinator/safeties
* Ryan Carty – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
* Terence Archer – Passing game coordinator/wide receivers
* Gary McGraw – Cornerbacks/special teams coordinator/defensive pass game coordinator
* Chris Buckner – Running backs/offensive recruiting coordinator/NFL liaison
* Jared Hensley – Linebackers
* Matt Merkens – Tight ends
* Joe Morris – Defensive line
* Michael O'Guin – Defensive tackles/defensive recruiting coordinator
* Chris Rogers – Offensive line
* Clayton Barnes – Director of football operations & player personnel
* Ragan Henderson – Athletic equipment coordinator/assistant director of football operations
* Zach Milliet – Special teams analyst
* Mike Singletary – Offensive volunteer/high school relations
* Garrett Smith – Offensive quality control
* Michael Crow – Defensive quality control/assistant defensive recruiting coordinator
* Chandler Arbizzani – Video coordinator

* * *

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (S) Suspended
* (I) Ineligible

* Injured
* Redshirt

* * *

Roster
Last update: July 16, 2021

## Schedule

[edit]

Date| Time| Opponent| Rank| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

September 2| 8:00 p.m.| at Northern Arizona*| No. 1|

* Walkup Skydome
* Flagstaff, AZ

| ESPN+| W 42–16| 8,564
September 11| 6:00 p.m.| Southeast Missouri State*| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX

| ESPN+| W 52–14| 7,728
September 25| 4:00 p.m.| at No. 25 Central Arkansas| No. 1|

* Estes Stadium
* Conway, AR (WAC/ASUN Challenge)

| ESPN+| W 45–35| 9,475
October 2| 4:00 p.m.| vs. Stephen F. Austin| No. 1|

* NRG Stadium
* Houston, TX (Battle of the Piney Woods)

| ESPN+| W 21–20| 25,007
October 9| 2:00 p.m.| Lamar| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX

| ESPN+| W 41–7| 9,836
October 23| 2:00 p.m.| Jacksonville State| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX (WAC/ASUN Challenge)

| ESPN+| W 42–7| 7,559
October 30| 6:00 p.m.| at Tarleton State| No. 1|

* Memorial Stadium
* Stephenville, TX

| ESPN+| W 45–27| 8,245
November 6| 12:00 p.m.| Dixie State| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX

| ESPN+| W 59–10| 5,004
November 13| 12:00 p.m.| Eastern Kentucky| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX (WAC/ASUN Challenge)

| ESPN+| W 42–28| 6,570
November 20| 1:00 p.m.| at Abilene Christian| No. 1|

* Wildcat Stadium
* Abilene, TX

| ESPN+| W 35–9| 4,421
December 4| 2:00 p.m.| No. 13 Incarnate Word*| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX (NCAA Division I Second Round)

| ESPN+| W 49–42| 6,722
December 11| 8:30 p.m.| No. 7 Montana State*| No. 1|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX (NCAA Division I Quarterfinal)

| ESPN+| L 19–42| 7,565

* *Non-conference game
* Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
* All times are in Central time

[4][5]

## Game summaries

[edit]

### At Northern Arizona

[edit]

See also: 2021 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football team

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 1 Bearkats | 7  | 14  | 14  | 7 | 42
Lumberjacks  | 0  | 7  | 9  | 0 | 16

Statistics

Statistics  | Sam Houston | Northern Arizona

|
|

First downs | 24 | 20
Total yards | 562 | 383
Rushing yards | 294 | 91
Passing yards | 268 | 292
Turnovers | 2 | 2
Time of possession | 28:53 | 31:07
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Sam Houston | Passing | Eric Schmid | 21/37, 268 yards, 3 TDS, 1 INT
Rushing | Ramon Jefferson | 11 carries 143 yards, long 45 yards, 1 TD
Receiving | Cody Chrest | 7 catches, 106 yards, long 45 yards.
Northern Arizona | Passing | Jeff Widener | 20/34, 275 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing | Jeff Widener | 9 carries, 33 yards, long 17 yards
Receiving | Stacy Chukwumezie | 6 catches, 113 yard, long 54 yards, 1 TD

### Southeast Missouri State

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redhawks  | 7  | 7  | 0  | 0 | 14
No. 1 Bearkats | 7  | 24  | 14  | 7 | 52

See also: 2021 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks football team

### At No. 25 Central Arkansas

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 1 Bearkats | 14  | 17  | 0  | 14 | 45
No. 25 Bears  | 7  | 7  | 14  | 7 | 35

See also: 2021 Central Arkansas Bears football team

### Vs. Stephen F. Austin

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lumberjacks  | 10  | 3  | 7  | 0 | 20
No. 1 Bearkats | 0  | 6  | 0  | 15 | 21

See also: 2021 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks football team and Battle of the Piney Woods

### Lamar

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cardinals  | 0  | 7  | 0  | 0 | 7
No. 1 Bearkats | 14  | 6  | 7  | 14 | 41

See also: 2021 Lamar Cardinals football team

Statistics

Statistics  | Lamar | Sam Houston

|
|

First downs | 10 | 24
Total yards | 158 | 438
Rushing yards | 23 | 267
Passing yards | 135 | 171
Turnovers | 0 | 1
Time of possession | 31:39 | 28:21
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Lamar | Passing | Mike Chandler | 11/18, 135 yards
Rushing | Chaz Ward | 11 carries, 23 yards, long 8 yards
Receiving | Jeremy Davis | 2 catches, 52 yard, long 28 yards
Sam Houston | Passing | Eric Schmid | 13/31, 159 yards, 2 TDS
Rushing | Noah Smith | 14 carries 120 yards, long 49 yards
Receiving | Cody Chrest | 4 catches, 81 yards, long 37 yards.

### Jacksonville State

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Gamecocks  | 7  | 0  | 0  | 0 | 7
No. 1 Bearkats | 7  | 14  | 21  | 0 | 42

See also: 2021 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team

### At Tarleton State

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 1 Bearkats | 14  | 14  | 17  | 0 | 45
Texans  | 14  | 0  | 0  | 13 | 27

See also: 2021 Tarleton State Texans football team

### Dixie State

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Trailblazers  | 0  | 0  | 3  | 7 | 10
No. 1 Bearkats | 28  | 17  | 7  | 7 | 59

See also: 2021 Dixie State Trailblazers football team

### Eastern Kentucky

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

Colonels  | 0  | 0  | 14  | 14 | 28
No. 1 Bearkats | 7  | 14  | 14  | 7 | 42

See also: 2021 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team

### At Abilene Christian

[edit]

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

No. 1 Bearkats | 14  | 14  | 7  | 0 | 35
Wildcats  | 0  | 3  | 6  | 0 | 9

See also: 2021 Abilene Christian Wildcats football team

## Players drafted into the NFL

[edit]

See also: 2022 NFL draft

Round  | Pick  | Player  | Position  | NFL team

|
|
|
|

5 | 157 | Zyon McCollum | DB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "ASUN, WAC form 2021 alliance, seek FCS playoff bid". Verizon Media. February 23, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
2. ^ "WAC Coaches Select Sam Houston, Schmid, Kay as Preseason Favorites". Western Athletic Conference. July 27, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
3. ^ "AQ7 Coaches Select Sam Houston as Preseason Favorite". Western Athletic Conference. July 27, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
4. ^ "2021 Sam Houston State Bearkats Football Schedule". GoBearkats.com.
5. ^ "2021 Sam Houston State Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.

* v
* t
* e

Sam Houston Bearkats football

Venues|

* Pritchett Field (1912–1985)
* Bowers Stadium (1986–present)

Bowls & rivalries|

* Bowl games
* 2024 New Orleans Bowl
* Stephen F. Austin: Battle of the Piney Woods
* Texas State

Culture & lore|

* Sammy Bearkat
* "Bearkat Fight Song"
* Bearkat Marching Band

People|

* Head coaches
* NFL draftees
* Statistical leaders

Seasons|

* 1912
* 1913
* 1914
* 1915
* 1916
* 1917
* 1918
* 1919
* 1920
* 1921
* 1922
* 1923
* 1924
* 1925
* 1926
* 1927
* 1928
* 1929
* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* 1934
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939
* 1940
* 1941
* 1942
* 1943–1945
* 1946
* 1947
* 1948
* 1949
* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

National championship seasons in bold

* v
* t
* e

Western Athletic Conference football champions

I-A/FBS|

* New Mexico (1962)
* Arizona State (1963)
* Arizona, New Mexico & Utah (1964)
* BYU (1965)
* Wyoming (1966)
* Wyoming (1967)
* Wyoming (1968)
* Arizona State (1969)
* Arizona State (1970)
* Arizona State (1971)
* Arizona State (1972)
* Arizona & Arizona State (1973)
* BYU (1974)
* Arizona State (1975)
* BYU & Wyoming (1976)
* Arizona State & BYU (1977)
* BYU (1978)
* BYU (1979)
* BYU (1980)
* BYU (1981)
* BYU (1982)
* BYU (1983)
* BYU (1984)
* Air Force & BYU (1985)
* San Diego State (1986)
* Wyoming (1987)
* Wyoming (1988)
* BYU (1989)
* BYU (1990)
* BYU (1991)
* BYU, Fresno State & Hawaii (1992)
* BYU, Fresno State & Wyoming (1993)
* Colorado State (1994)
* Air Force, BYU, Colorado State & Utah (1995)
* BYU (1996)
* Colorado State (1997)
* Air Force (1998)
* Fresno State, Hawaii & TCU (1999)
* TCU & UTEP (2000)
* Louisiana Tech (2001)
* Boise State (2002)
* Boise State (2003)
* Boise State (2004)
* Boise State & Nevada (2005)
* Boise State (2006)
* Hawaii (2007)
* Boise State (2008)
* Boise State (2009)
* Boise State, Hawaii & Nevada (2010)
* Louisiana Tech (2011)
* Utah State (2012)

I-AA/FCS|

* Sam Houston (2021)
* Abilene Christian & Stephen F. Austin (2022)

National championships in bold
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Conf.]: Conference record
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses