What Is 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record under head coach Jason Simpson. They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and played home games at Graham Stadium.

Key Facts

The 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks finished with a 6–5 overall record
They were 4–4 in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play
Head coach Jason Simpson led the team in his 11th season
Home games were played at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee
Quarterback B. J. Coleman threw for 1,847 yards and 13 touchdowns

Overview

The 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the team was led by head coach Jason Simpson in his 11th season at the helm.

The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee, and finished the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play. While they did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, the team showed resilience and development across several key positions.

Season record: The Skyhawks ended the 2016 season with a 6–5 overall record, marking a slight improvement from previous years and demonstrating competitive balance in a tough OVC lineup.
Conference performance: They posted a 4–4 record in the OVC, placing them in the middle of the conference standings and reflecting a balanced campaign against regional rivals.
Head coach:Jason Simpson, in his 11th year, continued to build the program’s foundation, emphasizing player development and consistent team culture throughout the season.
Home stadium: All home games were played at Graham Stadium, a 7,500-seat facility in Martin, Tennessee, which provided a strong regional fan presence.
Notable player: Quarterback B. J. Coleman led the offense with 1,847 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, serving as a key offensive leader throughout the season.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks football season followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including scheduling, eligibility, and conference alignment. Each component of the team’s season was designed to maximize competitive performance and player development.

Division I FCS: The Skyhawks compete in the FCS subdivision, which features a 24-team playoff format and allows for 63 scholarship players, compared to 85 in the FBS.
Ohio Valley Conference: As a member of the OVC since 1999, UT Martin faces schools like Jacksonville State, Eastern Illinois, and Tennessee State in regular competition.
Schedule design: The 2016 schedule included 11 games, with six against conference opponents and five non-conference matchups to balance strength and exposure.
Scholarship limits: FCS teams are allowed up to 63 scholarship equivalents, distributed across the roster, which influences roster size and depth strategies.
Playoff eligibility: To qualify for the FCS playoffs, teams must meet NCAA standards and typically require a winning record and strong conference finish.
Recruiting pipeline: UT Martin focuses on regional talent from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, building a roster suited to its offensive and defensive schemes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks compared to select OVC peers in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Head Coach	Notable Stat
UT Martin	6–5	4–4	Jason Simpson	1,847 passing yards (Coleman)
Jacksonville State	10–4	7–1	John Grass	Advanced to FCS semifinals
Eastern Illinois	7–5	6–2	Dave Baldwin	1st in OVC scoring offense
Tennessee State	5–6	4–4	Ed Cody	Defensive improvement year-over-year
Southeast Missouri	4–7	3–5	Tom Matukewicz	Struggled with consistency on offense

The table highlights that while UT Martin was not among the top contenders like Jacksonville State, they performed competitively within the OVC, finishing ahead of teams like Southeast Missouri and matching Tennessee State’s conference record. Their non-conference games influenced their overall record, but they remained a mid-tier OVC team in 2016.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was significant for UT Martin as it reflected ongoing program development under long-tenured coach Jason Simpson and laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the OVC.

Program stability: Having a consistent head coach for 11 seasons provided continuity in recruiting, culture, and strategic planning.
Player development: Quarterback B. J. Coleman’s performance signaled progress in the offensive development system, particularly in passing efficiency.
Conference relevance: A 4–4 OVC record kept UT Martin in the middle of the standings, maintaining their competitive status.
Recruiting impact: Solid seasons help attract talent from West Tennessee and surrounding regions, strengthening future rosters.
Facility utilization: Graham Stadium remains a key asset for fan engagement and home-field advantage in a competitive FCS landscape.
Future trajectory: The 2016 season contributed to a foundation that would eventually lead to improved records in subsequent years.

Overall, the 2016 UT Martin Skyhawks season exemplified steady progress in a challenging FCS conference, setting the stage for incremental improvement in the years that followed.