CARROLLTON, Ga. - It's a second straight week under the bright lights of Thursday night for UWG football as the Wolves take the show on the road, taking on Kennesaw State in the first-ever game for UWG against an FBS opponent.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
UWG at Kennesaw State
Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Fifth Third Stadium
Live Stats | Watch on ESPN+ | Listen Live
Purchase Tickets
Alumni and Friends Tailgate: 4:00 p.m.
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
It's the first-ever meeting between the Wolves and Owls, despite being separated by less than 60 miles.
West Georgia (0-1) is coming off of a week zero loss to Chattanooga at home while Kennesaw State is set to open their 12th season of football. The Owls are coming off of a 10-4 record in 2025 under then-first-year head coach Jerry Mack.
The Wolves' defense played admirably against Chattanooga and were on the field for over 60 percent of the game. Six Wolves posted at least six tackles, led by linebacker Andrew Ruffin with nine. Fellow linebacker Chidu Bekee had seven tackles to go with 1.5 sacks, a number that ranks third in the United Athletic Conference.
One place the Wolves will look to improve upon defensively come Thursday is third down. The Mocs converted 10-of-17 third downs in last week's loss. On offense, UWG converted just 2-of-11 third downs, a number UWG's offense will try to improve as well.
KSU returns three starters on each side of the ball, and their defense features 10 total returners and one newcomer. That bodes well for a unit that ranked fourth in the CUSA in 2025 in scoring defense.
Against the KSU defense, UWG will hope to get the rushing attack going after running for only 38 yards in the season opener. Junior running back Justin Montgomery had the bulk of those, rushing for 31 yards on eight carries in his UWG debut.
Senior wide receiver TJ Lockley led the Wolves in receptions with four against Chattanooga, and also had the game's longest pass, connecting with Joshua Schuchts on a 57-yard completion on a double pass. Lockley needs less than 100 yards to reach 1,000 yards for his career. He enters Thursday's game with 916 career receiving yards. If he can have a repeat of his 2024 season, in which he had 500-plus receiving yards, the Daytona Beach, Florida native could end his career in the top-10 all-time among UWG receivers.
Kennesaw State's offense features familiar faces for UWG fans as the Wolves' leading rusher in 2025, Latrelle Murrell is listed as the Owls' starter at running back. Additionally, the Wolves leading receiver in 2024, Dylan Gary, is listed on KSU's depth chart at wide receiver.
Kickoff from Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and also on local radio on KISS 102.7.
Tickets can be purchased here and fans wishing to join the UWG Alumni and Friends Tailgate can register here.
