What Is 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks football team represented the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Jason Simpson. They competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), posting a 4–4 conference record.

Key Facts

The 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They went 4–4 in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 2017 season
Head coach Jason Simpson led the team in his 11th season at UT Martin
The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee
Quarterback Andrew Ritter started most games, throwing for 1,984 yards and 13 touchdowns

Overview

The 2017 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, who was in his 11th season at the helm. The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, located on campus in Martin, Tennessee.

That season, the Skyhawks finished with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play. While they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the team showed resilience in a competitive OVC field. The 2017 campaign featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought victories, highlighting the team's development under long-term leadership.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference, demonstrating competitive balance.
Head Coach:Jason Simpson served as head coach for his 11th consecutive season, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in the FCS at the time.
Home Stadium: The Skyhawks played their home games at Graham Stadium, a 7,500-seat venue in Martin, Tennessee, known for its strong fan support.
Quarterback Play:Andrew Ritter started most games at quarterback, throwing for 1,984 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 11 games.
Key Game: A 28–21 victory over Southeast Missouri State in October was a pivotal win that kept postseason hopes alive late in the season.

How It Works

The structure and operation of an NCAA Division I FCS football program like UT Martin involve recruiting, conference scheduling, and player development within strict NCAA guidelines. Each season follows a defined timeline from spring practice to the regular season, culminating in potential playoff eligibility for top teams.

Division I FCS:The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I football, featuring a 24-team playoff to determine the national champion each year.
Conference Affiliation: As a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, UT Martin plays a nine-game conference schedule and competes for the automatic playoff bid awarded to the OVC champion.
Roster Size: The team operated with a roster of approximately 105 players, including scholarship and walk-on athletes, adhering to NCAA limits of 63 scholarship players.
Recruiting: The 2017 class included 22 new signees, primarily from Tennessee and surrounding states, focusing on speed and defensive athleticism.
Season Length: The Skyhawks played an 11-game regular season schedule, with the potential for up to 15 games if they advanced deep into the FCS playoffs.
Player Eligibility: All athletes must meet NCAA academic standards, including full-time enrollment and progress toward a degree, to maintain eligibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks compared to other OVC teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	OVC Record	Points For	Points Against
UT Martin	5–6	4–4	278	319
Eastern Kentucky	3–8	2–6	261	327
Tennessee State	5–6	4–4	287	301
Morehead State	2–9	2–6	189	352
SEMO	7–4	6–2	336	274

The Skyhawks ranked in the middle of the OVC standings, tied with Tennessee State in both overall and conference records. However, Southeast Missouri State outperformed them in scoring and conference wins, ultimately finishing second in the OVC. UT Martin’s defense allowed more points than it scored, a key factor in their near-.500 season. Despite this, their performance reflected steady program consistency under long-term coaching.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was significant for maintaining the Skyhawks’ reputation as a competitive mid-major FCS program. While not a playoff year, it contributed to the team’s long-term stability and development under head coach Jason Simpson.

Program Stability:Eleven seasons under one coach is rare in college football, allowing for consistent culture and long-term recruiting strategies.
Player Development: Several 2017 players, including defensive end Jaleel Jackson, developed into key contributors in subsequent seasons.
Recruiting Pipeline: The team strengthened its presence in West Tennessee and Memphis, building regional talent networks.
Academic Success: The program maintained a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) above 80%, reflecting strong academic support.
Community Engagement: Home games at Graham Stadium boosted local economic activity and school spirit in Martin, Tennessee.
Foundation for Improvement: The 2017 season laid the groundwork for a stronger 2018 campaign, where the Skyhawks posted a 7–4 record.

Overall, the 2017 UT Martin Skyhawks exemplified the challenges and opportunities of FCS football—balancing athletic performance, academic standards, and long-term growth in a highly competitive environment.