Tennessee Tech will reduce its number of guaranteed football games in an effort to improve the overall record.
The Golden Eagles finished in a four-way tie atop the OVC Standings last fall, but did not make the FCS football playoffs. A 7-5 overall record likely the reason with losses to Georgia and MTSU in games that pay the football program. Athletic Director Mark Wilson.
“We are no longer playing two guarantee games in the 2025 season, we have not yet found a replacement for that game,” Wilson said. “We continue to work on that on a daily basis but that one more win certainly could propel us in.”
Wilson said Tech President Phil Oldham helped with the lost revenue. He said revenue from the second game typically goes directly to the football program, but with this change, the department will need to tighten its budget. Wilson said this will not deter the team as there were close games all season the team could have won.
“If we had beat Middle Tennessee which, you know, was such a close loss there to open the season, or beat South Carolina State in a game we feel like we should have won, you win either one of those games or the game at Western Illinois where we did not perform to our best, and I think that would push you over the top,” Wilson said.
Wilson said the race for FCS playoff spots will likely be tighter going forward, with the Ivy League recently deciding to play in the Championship playoffs for the first team.
“Their conference champion will automatically be in, they’ll also be eligible for an at-large selection,” Wilson said. “Just like the other teams in the LBC like UT Martin and Tennessee State made it in this year. It’ll be even more competitive because more teams vying for that and one less at-large spot.”
Wilson said he remains optimistic about the growth in the football program, under new head coach Bobby Wilder.
“Coming off a great year and first-year head coach Bobby Wilder, winning his share of the Ohio Valley Conference championship, I think football is looking up,” Wilson said. “And it’s gonna be a great home season again in 2025.”
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