The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers is a football team representing the Western Kentucky University. The Hilltoppers won a national championship in 2002. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have won three division championships and have a bowl record of 11-6. Their coach, Tyson Helton, is in his sixth season. They helped players like Mike White, Bailey Zappe, Tyler Higbee, and many more to the NFL teams. Their three main rivals are Middle Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, and Murray State. The fans chant their fighting song ‘Stand Up and Cheer!’ during their matchdays. Their home stadium is the Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Their mascot is called the ‘Big Red’ and they have a supporting band known as the ‘Big Red Marching Band’.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers had a remarkable 2015 season, under head coach Jeff Brohm, the team concluded with an overall record of 12-2. They finished the regular season with an 8–0 record, and claimed the East Division Conference USA Championship. It was the first-ever victory in program history by a 45–28 margin over Southern Miss. The Hilltoppers were ranked 24 in the AP Top 25 for the first time since they began. The team won with a 45–35 scoreline against South Florida in the Miami Beach Bowl. The Hilltoppers were also remarkable in the 1973 season when coach Jimmy Feix led the team to a 12–1 record. They won the Ohio Valley Conference championship, advancing to the NCAA Division II Championship game before being defeated by Louisiana Tech.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Conference Wins
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have won 13 conference championships, as of December 2024.
| Year | Conference | Coach | Overall | Conference |
| 1932 | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association | Ernie Miller | 7–1 | 6–0 |
| 1952 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jack Clayton | 9–1 | 4–1 |
| 1963 | Ohio Valley Conference | Nick Denes | 10–0–1 | 7–0 |
| 1970 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 8–1–1 | 5–1–1 |
| 1971 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 8–2 | 6–1 |
| 1973 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 12–1 | 7–0 |
| 1975 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 11–2 | 6–1 |
| 1978 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 8–2 | 6–0 |
| 1980 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jimmy Feix | 9–1 | 6–1 |
| 2000 | Ohio Valley Conference | Jack Harbaugh | 11–2 | 7–0 |
| 2002 | Gateway Football Conference | Jack Harbaugh | 12–3 | 6–1 |
| 2015 | Conference USA | Jeff Brohm | 12–2 | 8–0 |
| 2016 | Conference USA | Jeff Brohm | 11–3 | 7–1 |
When was the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers' first season?
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ first season was in 1908.
What NCAA conference is the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in?
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are a member of NCAA Division I FBS.
In what conference do the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers play?
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers compete in the Conference USA.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers All-Americans
Here is the list of all the All-Americans who played for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
| Player | Year |
| James Edwards | 1987 |
| Bobby Sippio | 2000 |
| Mel Mitchell | 2001 |
| Chris Price | 2002 |
| Buster Ashley | 2004 |
FAQs on Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
A. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ mascot is called Big Red.
A. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers play in the Conference USA.
A. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers play at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium.
A. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ colors are Red and white.
