During the 1980s, the Carson-Newman football team was the squad to beat at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic level. 

The Eagles played for the NAIA national championship six times from 1983 through 1989, winning five times – 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1989. They had a runner-up finish in 1987.

That’s the definition of a dynasty and something Carson-Newman has been chasing since joining the NCAA Division II ranks in 1993.

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It’s not that the Eagles have been unsuccessful – it’s just really hard to win a national title.

Since making the move, Carson-Newman has made the playoffs another 17 times – including 2024 – and even played in the title game three times from 1996-1999. Unfortunately, the Eagles lost each time (1996, 1998 and 1999), though they’re still one of just two active SAC teams to have played for it all. 

After a few down years following their break for COVID-19, the Eagles saw a resurgence in 2024, winning nine games overall and topping the Mountain Division standings (7-1) in the two-division South Atlantic Conference.

Though Carson-Newman lost to Wingate in the SAC championship game (28-13) and was denied its 22nd SAC title, the Eagles’ success during the season was good enough to earn a spot in the Division II Football Championship – their first time in the playoffs in five years.

Carson-Newman and Wingate both lost in the opening round of the postseason, while SAC rival Lenoir-Rhyne picked up one win before bowing out.

With the SAC going from 12 teams to 10 and eliminating its divisional format for the 2025 campaign, Carson-Newman will attempt to mirror its success under new circumstances. 

The Eagles’ 2025 season will get underway at home against West Virginia State on Aug. 30. 

After a pair of nonconference games at home, Carson-Newman will hit the road Sept. 13 to kick off its SAC schedule against Mars Hill.

How To Stream Carson-Newman Football Games In 2025

Every SAC and home Carson-Newman football game will stream live on FloCollege and the FloSports app. 

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will also be available on both platforms.

Carson-Newman Football Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern

• Aug. 30 (Sat): Noon vs. West Virginia St.
• Sept. 4 (Thu): 6 p.m. vs. SC Central Christian College
• Sept. 13 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Mars Hill
• Sept. 20 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Lenoir-Rhyne
• Sept. 27 (Sat): 6 p.m. at Wingate
• Oct. 4 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Emory & Henry
• Oct. 18 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Anderson
• Oct. 25 (Sat): 3 p.m. vs. Virginia-Wise – Homecoming
• Nov. 1 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Catawba
• Nov. 8 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Newberry
• Nov. 15 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Tusculum

What Was The Carson-Newman Football Record In 2024?

9-3 (7-1 SAC)

• Carson-Newman 50, Reinhardt 7
• Carson-Newman 56, West Virginia State 25
• Carson-Newman 31, Wingate 28 (OT)
• Carson-Newman 35, Catawba 34
• Carson-Newman 28, Barton 17
• Carson-Newman 28, Mars Hill 27
• Carson-Newman 35, Virginia-Wise 23
• Emory & Henry 17, Carson-Newman 10
• Carson-Newman 28, Anderson 7
• Carson-Newman 56, Tusculum 14
• Wingate 28, Carson-Newman 13
• Miles 14, Carson-Newman 13 (NCAA First Round)

2025 SAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll

1. Lenoir-Rhyne
2. Wingate
3. Carson-Newman
4. Emory & Henry
5. Mars Hill
6. Catawba
7. Newberry
8. Anderson
9. UVA Wise
10. Tusculum

When Do The 2025 NCAA Division II College Football Playoffs Start?

The first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II Playoffs will be Nov. 22.

The 2025 Division II Football Championship title game will be played Dec. 20, 2025, at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas

College Football Rankings 2024 – Final AFCA Division II Coaches Poll

End Of 2024 Season

1. Ferris St. (Mich.) (27) 14-1  
2. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 13-1  
3. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 12-2  
4. Harding (Ark.) 12-2  
5. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-1  
6. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 11-2  
7. Minnesota St. 11-4  
8. Colorado St.-Pueblo 10-2  
9. Central Oklahoma 11-2  
10. Western Colorado 11-2  
11. Virginia Union 10-4  
12. California (Pa.) 10-3  
13. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 10-4  
14. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 10-2  
15. Charleston (W.Va.) 11-1  
16. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 10-3  
17. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 8-3  
18. West Alabama 9-2  
19. Indianapolis (Ind.) 10-2  
20. Angelo St. (Tex.) 9-3  
21. Wingate (N.C.) 9-2  
22. Miles (Ala.) 10-3  
23. Ashland (Ohio) 9-4  
24. Central Washington 8-4  
25. Augustana (S.D.) 8-4  

Others Receiving Votes: Colorado School of Mines, 56; Carson-Newman (Tenn.), 47; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 38; Central Missouri, 35; West Florida, 20; Southern Arkansas, 16; Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 14; New Haven (Conn.), 1; Truman St. (Mo.), 1.

Carson-Newman, Mars Hill And More Dominated In Week 10 Of College Football | 2024 SAC Football

Check out some of the top SAC moments from the 2024 collegiate football season.

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