The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-4) visit the Sam Houston Bearkats (1-4) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN. DraftKings lists the spread at WKU -1.5 with a total of 52.5; moneylines are Western Kentucky -115 · Sam Houston -105. Below is our Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Western Kentucky at Sam Houston |
| Records | Western Kentucky 2-4 · Sam Houston 1-4 |
| Spread | WKU -1.5 |
| Moneyline | Western Kentucky -115 · Sam Houston -105 |
| Total | 52.5 |
| Venue | Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX |
| Date/Time | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · 8:00 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN |
| Head Coaches | Western Kentucky: HC Tyson Helton, OC Joe Bernardi / Bodie Reeder · Sam Houston: HC Phil Longo, OC Zack Patterson |
Western Kentucky Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 2-4 overall, 1-1 in Conference USA play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 49-14 at Nevada; Sep 12 — L 70-20 at Georgia; Sep 19 — L 38-0 at Indiana; Sep 26 — W 52-7 vs Mercyhurst; Oct 1 — L 34-13 at New Mexico State; Oct 8 — W 34-13 vs Missouri State. Most recently, Western Kentucky beat Missouri State 34-13 at home. Through 6 games, Western Kentucky is averaging 22.2 points scored and 35.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Tyson Helton (head coach since 2019). Offensive coordinators: Joe Bernardi / Bodie Reeder. Defensive coordinator: Davis Merritt.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Rodney Tisdale Jr. (QB) — 79/118, 852 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: Ajay Allen (RB) — 72 carries, 321 yards, 4 TD
- Receiving leader: Jonathan Stafford Jr. (WR) — 36 receptions, 332 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Latrevion Thompson (DE) — 1 sack
- Tackles leader: Jaylen Lewis (DB) — 53 total tackles
Strengths: Momentum from a 34-13 win over Missouri State. Questions: A defense giving up 35.2 points per game.
Sam Houston Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Sam Houston Bearkats are 1-4 overall, 0-1 in Conference USA play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 24-21 at Troy; Sep 12 — L 23-17 vs Tulsa; Sep 19 — W 59-0 vs Nicholls; Sep 26 — L 49-14 at Texas Tech; Oct 8 — L 35-3 at Liberty. Most recently, Sam Houston lost to Liberty 35-3 on the road. Through 5 games, Sam Houston is averaging 22.8 points scored and 26.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Phil Longo (head coach since 2025). Offensive coordinator: Zack Patterson. Defensive coordinator: Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Landyn Locke (QB) — 116/175, 1,306 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT
- Rushing leader: Alton McCaskill (RB) — 50 carries, 201 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Grady O'Neill (WR) — 25 receptions, 255 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Elijah Groves (LB) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Dean Ford (LB) — 26 total tackles
Strengths: Landyn Locke’s passing volume (1,306 yards). Questions: A defense allowing 26.2 points per game; the response to a 35-3 loss at Liberty.
How to Watch Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
- TV / Streaming: ESPN
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.