What Is 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football team represented Kennesaw State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5-6 record under head coach Brian Bohannon. It was the program's second season of competition, playing as a member of the Big South Conference.

Key Facts

The 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football team completed its second season with a 5-6 overall record.
Head coach Brian Bohannon led the team during its 2016 campaign.
Kennesaw State competed in the Big South Conference in 2016.
The team played its home games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Quarterback Trey White started multiple games and threw for 1,208 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Overview

The 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football season marked the second year of competition for the program since its inception in 2015. As a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Owls continued building their identity under head coach Brian Bohannon.

Competing in the Big South Conference, the 2016 season provided valuable experience for a young roster still developing depth and consistency. Though the team finished with a 5-6 overall record and 3-3 in conference play, it laid the foundation for future competitiveness.

Season Record: The Owls ended the 2016 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 3-3 mark in Big South Conference play, showing improvement from their inaugural 3-8 season in 2015.
Head Coach: Brian Bohannon, in his second season, led the program and focused on establishing a disciplined, run-oriented offensive identity.
Home Stadium: The team played home games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, a 10,200-seat facility located on the Kennesaw State University campus in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Trey White started most games, throwing for 1,208 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions over the season.
Key Rival: The Owls played a regional FCS opponent, Georgia Southern, in a non-conference matchup, losing 31-10 in a game that tested their development against experienced competition.

How It Works

The structure and operations of the 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football team reflected the challenges and strategies typical of an emerging FCS program building from the ground up.

Program Age: The 2016 season was only the second in team history, making Kennesaw State one of the youngest collegiate football programs in the FCS at the time.
Recruiting Strategy: The coaching staff focused on in-state Georgia talent and junior college transfers to accelerate roster development and competitiveness.
Offensive Scheme: The Owls ran a balanced offensive attack, averaging 22.5 points per game, with an emphasis on establishing the run through lead back Marquis Watson.
Defensive Approach: The defense allowed 27.6 points per game, struggling at times against more experienced FCS opponents but showing flashes of improvement.
Conference Affiliation: Competing in the Big South Conference allowed Kennesaw State to build regional rivalries and reduce travel costs during its formative years.
Game Schedule: The 2016 schedule included 11 games, featuring five home contests and six road games, helping the team gain experience in different environments.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 Kennesaw State Owls with other second-year FCS programs and conference peers.

Team	Year of Program Start	2016 Record	Conference	Key Stat
Kennesaw State Owls	2015	5-6	Big South	22.5 PPG scored
North Alabama (2016)	2018 (transition)	N/A	Gulf South (D-II)	Transitioning to FCS in 2018
Robert Morris (2016)	1990	3-8	NEC	19.8 PPG scored
Hampton (2016)	1902	3-8	Big South	21.1 PPG scored
Presbyterian (2016)	2007	2-9	Big South	18.9 PPG scored

The table highlights that Kennesaw State outperformed several more established programs in the Big South during 2016. Their 5-6 record placed them above Hampton and Presbyterian in conference standings, demonstrating early progress despite being only in their second season. This performance signaled the program’s potential under Bohannon’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a critical step in establishing Kennesaw State as a credible FCS program. It provided essential experience for players and coaches alike, setting the stage for future success.

Foundation Building: The season helped solidify recruiting pipelines and player development systems crucial for long-term program growth.
Fan Engagement: Home attendance grew compared to 2015, indicating rising interest in the team on campus and in the local community.
Competitive Growth: Finishing above .500 in conference play (3-3) showed the team could compete with established FCS programs.
Recruiting Momentum: Improved performance in 2016 helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent classes.
Conference Credibility: Strong showings against teams like Liberty and Gardner-Webb enhanced the Owls’ reputation within the Big South.
Future Outlook: The 2016 season laid the groundwork for Kennesaw State’s eventual transition to Conference USA in the FBS by 2024.

Ultimately, the 2016 Kennesaw State Owls football season was more than just a 5-6 record—it was a pivotal chapter in the development of a new collegiate football program with aspirations of sustained success.