Spring football is ongoing across the state of Texas now that spring break is over. The 13 FBS programs in the Lone Star State are allowed to participate in 15 on-field practice sessions, including 12 involving contact. Spring games are littered throughout April with most taking place on April 15 or April 22. Houston goes first when the Cougars play their spring game on April 7. 

The 2023 season is one of change. Sam Houston is moving up to Conference USA from the FCS ranks. Houston is now in the Big 12. UTSA, North Texas, and Rice are preparing for their first season in the American Athletic Conference. 

But what is the best and worst case that can happen for each team in 2023? Here’s where we stand on the Sam Houston Bearkats. 

SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS 

2022 record: 5-4

2023 schedule 
Sept. 2 at BYU 
Sept. 9 Air Force 
Sept. 16 IDLE
Sept. 23 at Houston 
Sept. 28 Jax State 
Oct. 5 at Liberty 
Oct. 11 at New Mexico State 
Oct. 18 FIU 
Oct. 25 UTEP
Nov. 4 Kennesaw State
Nov. 11 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 18 at Western Kentucky
Nov. 25 Middle Tennessee 

Best case: Excitement is high in Huntsville as Sam Houston transitions into FBS football as a member of a new-look Conference USA, but expectations must be realistic. The Bearkats won’t waltz into Division I without adversity. Winning six games would constitute a coaching masterpiece by K.C. Keeler & Co. given the schedule. The non-conference includes games against BYU and Houston. Trips to Liberty and Western Kentucky in conference play will be challenging. The final record is less important than the progress. A good season for Sam Houston is one that shows glimpses of potential as an FBS program. The best case is that Sam Houston becomes a .500 or better record while proving to recruits that the program is on the rise. 

Worst case: An 0-3 start is likely with road games against BYU and Houston sandwiched around a home game against Air Force. The C-USA schedule starts with Jax State and a trip to Liberty, which figure to be the betting favorite to win the conference in 2023. Trips to Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky await. And there is the challenge of managing multiple mid-week games. A quick look at the schedule doesn’t offer many guaranteed wins for the Bearkats. A two- or three-win season isn’t out of the question. 

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