Aaron Swafford

19 Aaron Swafford
Aaron Swafford
  • Height:
    6-0
  • Weight:
    215
  • Hometown:
    Decatur, Tenn.
  • Position:
    LB
  • Year:
    So.
  • Previous School:
    Navy
  • gp
    11
  • tk
    72.0
  • sac
    3.5
  • int
    2
  • ffum
    1
Bio

2022: Saw action in 10 games in 2022 ... recorded 19 total tackles -- seven solo and 12 assisted ... had one tackle for-loss for two yards ... forced two fumbles and recovered one ... had a season-high seven tackles against Samford (9/17/22) ... forced and recovered a fumble at FBS Kansas (9/2/22).

Fall 2021: Did not see any action in 2021.

Fall 2020 (at Navy): Attended the Naval Academy Prep School, but season was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

HIGH SCHOOL: A highly-touted standout from Meigs County High, Swafford put together impressive numbers in his prep career, rushing for 4,996 and 98 touchdowns, while also passing for 5,067 yards and 63 touchdowns. Also had 268 tackles, 10 interceptions and six touchdowns on defense as a safety ... won the 2018 TSSAA Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award while placing as a finalist in the 2017 and 2019 seasons ... named to the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps team all four seasons ... four Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State selections ... named Region 3-AA MVP three times ... named to the Tennessee Blue/Gray All-State Team in 2019 ... led Meigs County to three region titles and a state runner-up at the TSSAA BlueCross Bowl at Tucker Stadium in 2019 ... was also an all-district selection in basketball and baseball ... 2019 season saw Swafford run for 1,124 yards and 32 touchdowns, while passing for 1,744 yards and 21 scores.

PERSONAL: The son of Jim and Nicole Swafford ... father Jim played football at Tech for two seasons from 1988-89 ... full name is James Aaron Swafford ... born February 18, 2002, in Knoxville.

ACADEMICS: Studying economics with an interest in going into law.

Player statistics
  Overall Conference
Solo tackles 28 14
Assists 44 21
Tackles 72.0 35.0
Tackles per game 6.5 5.8
Sacks 3.5 3.5
Sack yards 11 11
Interceptions 2 2
Returned for touchdown 0 0
Fumble recoveries 2 1
Fumble return TDs 1 1
Tackle for loss 7.5 5.5
Tackle for loss yards 22 19
Recent results
Recent Games
Date Opponent Result
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0
Game Log - Passing
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score comp att pct yds y/a td int sac yds
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - - - - -
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - - - - -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - - - - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - - - - -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - - - - -
Game Log - Rushing
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score rush yds y/a lng td fum lost
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - 0 0
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - - -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - - -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - 0 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - - -
Game Log - Receiving
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score rec yds y/r lng td fum lost
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - 0 0
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - - -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - - -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - 0 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - - -
Game Log - Kicking
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score fgm fga lng xpm xpa pts
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - 0
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - 0
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - 0
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - 0
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - 0
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - 0
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - 0
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - 0
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - 0
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - 0
Game Log - Punting
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score punt yds avg long in20 fc tb blk
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - - - -
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - - - -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - - - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - - - -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - - - -
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - - - -
Game Log - Returns
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score kr yds avg lng td pr yds avg lng td
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 - - - - - - - - - -
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 - - - - - - - - - -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 - - - - - - - - - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 - - - - - - - - - -
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 - - - - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 - - - - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 - - - - - - - - - -
Game Log - All-Purpose
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score gp rush rcv pr kr yds
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 1 - - - - 0
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 1 - - - - 0
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 1 - - - - 0
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 1 - - - - 0
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 1 - - - - 0
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 1 - - - - 0
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 1 - - - - 0
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 1 - - - - 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 1 - - - - 0
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 1 - - - - 0
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 1 - - - - 0
Game Log - Scoring
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score pts rush rec kr pr int fum xpm fgm saf misc 2pt
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 0 - - - - - 0 - - 0 0 -
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 0 - - - - - - - - 0 0 -
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 0 - - - - - - - - 0 0 -
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 6 - - - - - 1 - - 0 0 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 0 - - - - - - - - - 0 -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 0 - - - - 0 - - - 0 0 -
Game Log - Defense
Game Log - Defense
Date Opponent Score tack ast tot sack lost tfl yds ff fr td int yds td brup blk saf
Aug 31 at #6 Furman L, 45-10 4 8 12.0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 0 0 0
Sep 9 at New Mexico L, 56-10 1 4 5.0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 0
Sep 16 North Alabama L, 20-7 1 7 8.0 - - 0.5 1 1 - - - - - 1 - -
Sep 23 Kennesaw State W, 17-7 2 3 5.0 - - 0.0 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 7 at Lindenwood L, 23-0 3 4 7.0 1.5 5 2.5 9 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 0
Oct 14 at South Carolina State W, 28-7 6 1 7.0 - - 1.5 2 - - - - - - - - -
Oct 21 Southeast Missouri L, 28-3 3 1 4.0 - - 0.0 - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 28 at Robert Morris W, 38-13 2 4 6.0 1.0 4 1.0 4 0 1 1 0 0 - 1 0 0
Nov 4 UT Martin L, 44-41 2 6 8.0 - - 0.5 3 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 11 Gardner-Webb L, 35-0 1 4 5.0 1.0 2 1.5 3 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 18 at Tennessee State W, 35-0 3 2 5.0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0 - 2 52 0 0 0 0
Career Stats - Passing
Statistic gp comp att pct yds y/g y/a td int lg effic
2021-22 - - - - - - - - - - 0.0
2022-23 10 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
2023-24 11 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
2024-25 11 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
2025-26 13 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Total 45 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Career Stats - Rushing
Statistic gp rush yds y/g avg td lg fum lost
2021-22 - - - - - - - - -
2022-23 10 - - - - - - - -
2023-24 11 - - - - - - 0 0
2024-25 11 - - - - - - - -
2025-26 13 - - - - - - - -
Total 45 - - - - - - 0 0
Career Stats - Receiving
Statistic gp rec rec/g yds y/g avg td lg
2021-22 - - - - - - - -
2022-23 10 - - - - - - -
2023-24 11 - - - - - - -
2024-25 11 - - - - - - -
2025-26 13 - - - - - - -
Total 45 - - - - - - -
Career Stats - Kicking
Statistic gp fgm fga pct lg xpm xpa pct pts
2021-22 - - - - - - - - 0
2022-23 10 - - - - - - - 0
2023-24 11 - - - - - - - 0
2024-25 11 - - - - - - - 0
2025-26 13 - - - - - - - 0
Total 45 - - - - - - - 0
Career Stats - Punting
Statistic gp punt yds avg lg in20 fc tb blk
2021-22 - - - - - - - - -
2022-23 10 - - - - - - - -
2023-24 11 - - - - - - - -
2024-25 11 - - - - - - - -
2025-26 13 - - - - - - - -
Total 45 - - - - - - - -
Career Stats - Returns
Statistic kr yds avg td lg pr yds avg td lg
2021-22 - - - - - - - - - -
2022-23 - - - - - - - - - -
2023-24 - - - - - - - - - -
2024-25 - - - - - - - - - -
2025-26 - - - - - - - - - -
Total - - - - - - - - - -
Career Stats - All-Purpose
Statistic gp rush rcv pr kr yds ypg
2021-22 - - - - - 0 -
2022-23 10 - - - - 0 .0
2023-24 11 - - - - 0 .0
2024-25 11 - - - - 0 .0
2025-26 13 - - - - 0 .0
Total 45 - - - - 0 .0
Career Stats - Scoring
Statistic pts pts/g rush rec kr pr int fum xpm fgm 2pt misc
2021-22 0 - - - - - - - - - - 0
2022-23 0 0.0 - - - - - - - - - 0
2023-24 6 0.5 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
2024-25 0 0.0 - - - - - - - - - 0
2025-26 0 0.0 - - - - 0 - - - - 0
Total 6 0.1 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
Career Stats - Defense
Statistic gp tkl ast tot tkl/g sck yds tfl yds ff fr yds int yds brup blk
2021-22 - - - 0.0 - - - 0.0 - - - - - - - -
2022-23 10 7 12 19.0 1.9 0.0 0 1.0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
2023-24 11 28 44 72.0 6.5 3.5 11 7.5 22 1 2 52 2 52 2 0
2024-25 11 30 36 66.0 6.0 2.0 11 7.5 23 2 0 0 0 0 1 0
2025-26 13 52 43 95.0 7.3 3.5 22 11.0 39 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Total 45 117 135 252.0 5.6 9.0 44 27.0 86 6 3 52 3 52 5 0
Split Stats - Passing
Statistic gp comp att pct yds y/g y/a td int lg effic
Event
Total 11 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Conference 6 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Exhibition - - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Location
Home 5 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Away 6 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Neutral - - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Result
Wins 4 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Losses 7 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Month
August 1 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
September 3 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
October 4 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
November 3 - - - - - - - - - 0.0
Split Stats - Rushing
Statistic gp rush yds y/g avg td lg fum lost
Event
Total 11 - - - - - - 0 0
Conference 6 - - - - - - 0 0
Exhibition - - - - - - - - -
Location
Home 5 - - - - - - - -
Away 6 - - - - - - 0 0
Neutral - - - - - - - - -
Result
Wins 4 - - - - - - 0 0
Losses 7 - - - - - - 0 0
Month
August 1 - - - - - - 0 0
September 3 - - - - - - - -
October 4 - - - - - - 0 0
November 3 - - - - - - - -
Split Stats - Receiving
Statistic gp rec rec/g yds y/g avg td lg
Event
Total 11 - - - - - - -
Conference 6 - - - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - - - - -
Location
Home 5 - - - - - - -
Away 6 - - - - - - -
Neutral - - - - - - - -
Result
Wins 4 - - - - - - -
Losses 7 - - - - - - -
Month
August 1 - - - - - - -
September 3 - - - - - - -
October 4 - - - - - - -
November 3 - - - - - - -
Split Stats - Kicking
Statistic gp fgm fga pct lg xpm xpa pct pts
Event
Total 11 - - - - - - - 0
Conference 6 - - - - - - - 0
Exhibition - - - - - - - - 0
Location
Home 5 - - - - - - - 0
Away 6 - - - - - - - 0
Neutral - - - - - - - - 0
Result
Wins 4 - - - - - - - 0
Losses 7 - - - - - - - 0
Month
August 1 - - - - - - - 0
September 3 - - - - - - - 0
October 4 - - - - - - - 0
November 3 - - - - - - - 0
Split Stats - Punting
Statistic gp punt yds avg lg in20 fc tb blk
Event
Total 11 - - - - - - - -
Conference 6 - - - - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - - - - - -
Location
Home 5 - - - - - - - -
Away 6 - - - - - - - -
Neutral - - - - - - - - -
Result
Wins 4 - - - - - - - -
Losses 7 - - - - - - - -
Month
August 1 - - - - - - - -
September 3 - - - - - - - -
October 4 - - - - - - - -
November 3 - - - - - - - -
Split Stats - Returns
Statistic kr yds avg td lg pr yds avg td lg
Event
Total - - - - - - - - - -
Conference - - - - - - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - - - - - - -
Location
Home - - - - - - - - - -
Away - - - - - - - - - -
Neutral - - - - - - - - - -
Result
Wins - - - - - - - - - -
Losses - - - - - - - - - -
Month
August - - - - - - - - - -
September - - - - - - - - - -
October - - - - - - - - - -
November - - - - - - - - - -
Split Stats - All-Purpose
Statistic gp rush rcv pr kr yds ypg
Event
Total 11 - - - - 0 .0
Conference 6 - - - - 0 .0
Exhibition - - - - - 0 -
Location
Home 5 - - - - 0 .0
Away 6 - - - - 0 .0
Neutral - - - - - 0 -
Result
Wins 4 - - - - 0 .0
Losses 7 - - - - 0 .0
Month
August 1 - - - - 0 .0
September 3 - - - - 0 .0
October 4 - - - - 0 .0
November 3 - - - - 0 .0
Split Stats - Scoring
Statistic pts pts/g rush rec kr pr int fum xpm fgm 2pt misc
Event
Total 6 0.5 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
Conference 6 1.0 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
Exhibition 0 - - - - - - - - - - 0
Location
Home 0 0.0 - - - - - - - - - 0
Away 6 1.0 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
Neutral 0 - - - - - - - - - - 0
Result
Wins 6 1.5 - - - - 0 1 - - 0 0
Losses 0 0.0 - - - - - 0 - - - 0
Month
August 0 0.0 - - - - - 0 - - - 0
September 0 0.0 - - - - - - - - - 0
October 6 1.5 - - - - - 1 - - 0 0
November 0 0.0 - - - - 0 - - - - 0
Split Stats - Defense
Statistic gp tkl ast tot tkl/g sck yds tfl yds ff fr yds int yds brup blk
Event
Total 11 28 44 72.0 6.5 3.5 11 7.5 22 1 2 52 2 52 2 0
Conference 6 14 21 35.0 5.8 3.5 11 5.5 19 0 1 52 2 52 1 0
Exhibition - - - 0.0 - - - 0.0 - - - - - - - -
Location
Home 5 9 21 30.0 6.0 1.0 2 2.5 7 1 - - - - 1 -
Away 6 19 23 42.0 7.0 2.5 9 5.0 15 0 2 52 2 52 1 0
Neutral - - - 0.0 - - - 0.0 - - - - - - - -
Result
Wins 4 13 10 23.0 5.8 1.0 4 2.5 6 0 1 52 2 52 1 0
Losses 7 15 34 49.0 7.0 2.5 7 5.0 16 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Month
August 1 4 8 12.0 12.0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
September 3 4 14 18.0 6.0 0.0 0 0.5 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
October 4 14 10 24.0 6.0 2.5 9 5.0 15 0 1 52 0 0 1 0
November 3 6 12 18.0 6.0 1.0 2 2.0 6 0 0 0 2 52 0 0
News mentions
Coutras leads seven selections on PhilSteele.com All-Big South/OVC team
Coutras leads seven selections on PhilSteele.com All-Big South/OVC team

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – When your defense is sitting at the top of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association, it’s no surprise when your team takes home the accolades. PhilSteele.com agreed, giving Tennessee Tech five defensive honorees out of seven total as it announced its All-Big South/OVC honorees on Friday. Defensive back Tim Coutras was Tech’s first-team selection on defense, while defensive lineman Daniel Rickert and linebackers Jacquez McGowan and Aaron Swafford garnered second-team selections. Defensive lineman Hudson Tucker was picked to the third-team defense, while offensive lineman Nate Hodnett and punter Nick Bigelow were fourth-team selections on offense and special teams.

Golden Eagles get six on All-Big South/OVC teams
Golden Eagles get six on All-Big South/OVC teams

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With one of the top defensive units in the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association, it was no surprise on Tuesday as Tennessee Tech claimed five all-conference selections on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive lineman Daniel Rickert and defensive back Tim Coutras were named to the All-Big South/OVC first-team defense, while defensive lineman Hudson Tucker and linebackers Jacquez McGowan and Aaron Swafford were on the second-team defense. Kicker Hayden Olsen was named to the combined conferences’ All-Academic Team. The all-conference teams were voted on by the head football coaches and sports information contacts.

Swafford, Potts earn Big South-OVC player of the week honors
Swafford, Potts earn Big South-OVC player of the week honors

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Aaron Swafford set it up and Jordyn Potts knocked them down as they helped lead Tennessee Tech to its first shutout since 2013, fourth shutout since 2000 as well as the first shutout in the series against Tennessee State with the 35-0 victory on Saturday in Nissan Stadium. For their efforts, Swafford was named the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association’s Defensive Player of the Week, while Potts was the league’s Freshman of the Week, as voted on by the combined sports information contacts.

Tech football closes season with shutout win over Tennessee State
Tech football closes season with shutout win over Tennessee State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the clock hit zero at Nissan Stadium, tears of joy erupted on the Tennessee Tech sideline. For everything the Golden Eagles had gone through over the course of the 2023 campaign, that moment was the culmination of it all. The highest of highs, the lowest of lows – Tech had been through it all. On Saturday, head coach Dewayne Alexander told his Golden Eagle charges to just go out there and have fun. That they did – leaving Nissan Stadium with a 35-0 victory over Tennessee State. It is the first shutout in the series, while it is the first shutout win for the Golden Eagles since 2013 – blanking Austin Peay in that contest – and only the fourth for the program since 2000.

Golden Eagles close out season Saturday at Tennessee State
Golden Eagles close out season Saturday at Tennessee State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech heads to Nashville on Saturday to take on Tennessee State, it’s all about pride as the two teams square off. With UT Martin already clinching a share of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association championship and Gardner-Webb trying its best to knot it up this weekend at home against Charleston Southern, the Tigers and the Golden Eagles are both on the outside of the Football Championship Subdivision playoff picture. Ah, but pride is the prize. Tech’s second-longest remaining series in the current conference alignment behind UT Martin at 45, Saturday is the 37th meeting between TSU and the Golden Eagles.

Golden Eagles close out Tucker slate with visit from Gardner-Webb
Golden Eagles close out Tucker slate with visit from Gardner-Webb

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Saturday marks the final home game of the 2023 football season and it’s going to be a bittersweet day for the Tennessee Tech football team. With the home finale comes Senior Day and the Golden Eagles will recognize those departing players before the start of the contest against Gardner-Webb. Kickoff Saturday is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Roger Ealey and Frank Harrell will have the call on 98.5 KISS FM, while Dylan Vazzano and Metz will narrate the action on ESPN+ (subscription required).

Golden Eagles host No. 18/21 UT Martin Saturday for Homecoming
Golden Eagles host No. 18/21 UT Martin Saturday for Homecoming

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With three games remaining in Tennessee Tech’s 2023 football season, the Golden Eagles face a challenge, but there’s still plenty to play for. Tech’s final three opponents of the season – UT Martin, Gardner-Webb and Tennessee State – are all in the top tier of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association standings, but none of them enter their contests with the Golden Eagles undefeated. This week’s opponent – UT Martin – fell to Gardner-Webb last week in a 38-34 thriller. Gardner-Webb lost 27-25 to Tennessee State at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee State dropped a 20-10 decision to the Skyhawks.

Football's Rickert, Volleyball's Karlen named TSWA College Players of the Week
Football's Rickert, Volleyball's Karlen named TSWA College Players of the Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech claimed two of the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's awards this week as football's Daniel Rickert was named Football Co-Defensive Player of the Week and volleyball's Jordan Karlen was named the Volleyball Player of the Week when the organization announced its winners on Tuesday. Rickert forced two fumbles, recovered two and set up two of the Golden Eagles’ three defensive touchdowns in a 38-13 victory at Robert Morris. In the second quarter, Rickert sacked the RMU quarterback and picked up the loose ball himself, going 20 yards for the touchdown. In the fourth, Rickert sacked the quarterback again as the ball got over to Aaron Swafford, who returned it 52 yards for the second of three defensive scores. 

Rickert named FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive honorable mention
Rickert named FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive honorable mention

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – In a game where Tennessee Tech piled up the defensive highlights at Robert Morris, redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Daniel Rickert shined, earning honorable mention honors for the FedEx Ground National Defensive Player of the Week award Monday morning. Rickert was involved on all three fumble recoveries in the contest as he forced two touchdowns that were brought back for touchdowns – one on his own for a 20-yard scored, then setting up Aaron Swafford’s 52-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Both of those forced fumbles came on sacks.

Golden Eagles score on three turnovers to top Robert Morris
Golden Eagles score on three turnovers to top Robert Morris

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The Tennessee Tech defense meant business on Saturday. Tim Coutras had two interceptions, including one for a touchdown, Kanstin Brooks almost had a pick-six of his own, then Jyron Gilmore forced a fumble and Aaron Swafford took another fumble back to the house. Then there was Daniel Rickert. Seven tackles with two sacks. Solid game, but hold on, there’s more. Add on two forced fumbles – and he’s not done yet. He also had two fumble recoveries, including a 20-yard touchdown. The defensive effort was huge as the Golden Eagles left Pittsburgh with a 38-13 victory over Robert Morris on Saturday to earn their first Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association victory, improving to 3-5 on the season, 1-2 in the league.

Tech football heads to Robert Morris for conference clash
Tech football heads to Robert Morris for conference clash

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The Tennessee Tech football team has seen its fair share of new foes this season. Saturday’s game marks the third time in the 2023 campaign that the Golden Eagles will see an opponent for the first time as Tech heads to the Pittsburgh area to take on Robert Morris. Kickoff Saturday is set for an 11 a.m. Central time start. Roger Ealey and Dylan Vazzano will have the call on 98.5 KISS FM, while the game will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).

Golden Eagles host Southeast Missouri Saturday
Golden Eagles host Southeast Missouri Saturday

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With a big win last week at South Carolina State, the Tennessee Tech football team returns home for a Big South-Ohio Valley Conference showdown with defending OVC champ Southeast Missouri on Saturday. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. from Tucker Stadium. Saturday is also the team’s Gold Rush game with free T-shirts and gold rally towels available while supplies last. Roger Ealey and Frank Harrell will have the call on 98.5 KISS FM, while Dylan Vazzano and Metz will handle broadcast duties on ESPN+ (subscription required).

Tech hits the road to take on MEAC foe South Carolina State
Tech hits the road to take on MEAC foe South Carolina State

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Tennessee Tech hits the midpoint on the 2023 campaign on Saturday as the Golden Eagles take on their final non-conference opponent of the season with a visit to South Carolina State. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Central. Roger Ealey and Dylan Vazzano will have the call on 98.5 KISS FM, while the game will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required). The Bulldogs (2-3) have yet to play a conference game among their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foes, but have won two in a row with a 31-10 victory over The Citadel and a 56-6 win against Virginia-Lynchburg – both games on their home field.

Golden Eagles fall at Lindenwood in conference opener
Golden Eagles fall at Lindenwood in conference opener

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Tennessee Tech was able to get deep into Lindenwood territory, but as hard as the Golden Eagles tried, Tech was silenced on Saturday as the host Lions shut the Golden Eagles out 23-0 at Hunter Stadium. But the Golden Eagles were already fighting an uphill battle as Lindenwood returner Spencer Redd took Devin Parker's opening kickoff and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown – the first kickoff returned for a touchdown against the Golden Eagles since UT Martin in 2016.

Golden Eagle football opens Big South/OVC play Saturday at Lindenwood
Golden Eagle football opens Big South/OVC play Saturday at Lindenwood

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Tennessee Tech entered its open date last week with some momentum after the Golden Eagles picked up a victory over Kennesaw State. Now, with Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association play opening on their schedule this week at Lindenwood, Tech (1-3) looks to start the important part of the slate on a high note. Kickoff for the game Saturday is 1 p.m. Roger Ealey and Dylan Vazzano will have the call on 98.5 KISS FM, while the game will also be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).

Golden Eagles square off with Kennesaw State on Saturday
Golden Eagles square off with Kennesaw State on Saturday

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Ten years ago, Kennesaw State’s football program had never played a single game. Now, in the Owls’ ninth campaign and 95 games under their belt, the team is set to enter the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks as a member of Conference USA next season. For now, however, the Owls – with a 69-26 record in program history – compete as an independent in the Football Championship Subdivision and head to Tucker Stadium on Saturday for a matchup with the Golden Eagles. Roger Ealey and Frank Harrell will call the action on 98.5 KISS FM, while Dylan Vazzano and Metz will broadcast the game on ESPN+ (subscription required).

Tech football hosts North Alabama in home opener Saturday
Tech football hosts North Alabama in home opener Saturday

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Home sweet home. The Tennessee Tech football team gets to take the field for the first time this season in the friendly confines of Tucker Stadium on Saturday night as the Golden Eagles take on North Alabama. Kickoff on Saturday is set for 6:02 p.m. Roger Ealey and Frank Harrell will have the game on 98.5 KISS FM, while Dylan Vazzano and Metz will call the game on ESPN+ (subscription required). After two tough weeks on the road, the Golden Eagles are excited to kick off the home slate in front of the Tech fans in an event-packed contest featuring the annual Running of the Freshmen, as well as recognition of the Tech women’s basketball teams for their Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship and OVC sportsmanship award honors. This weekend is also Legends Weekend for both football and women’s soccer as football will honor the 1953 and 1958 championship teams, while women’s soccer will recognize the 25th anniversary of its 1998 OVC title.

Golden Eagles take to the skies to take on New Mexico Saturday
Golden Eagles take to the skies to take on New Mexico Saturday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Since 1984, the Tennessee Tech football team has made trips all over the country to face its bigger brothers in the Football Bowl Subdivision. There’s only been eight seasons in those 39 years where the Golden Eagles didn’t – 1989, 1992 through 1996, 2014 and 2020, though the last one is a misnomer as the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out scheduled FBS contests against Minnesota and Southern Miss, and the spring 2021 campaign was primarily on the Football Championship Subdivision level. This season, the Golden Eagles will load up the plane and soar to Albuquerque to take on the New Mexico Lobos out of the Mountain West Conference.

Turnovers spoil Golden Eagle opener at No. 6 Furman
Turnovers spoil Golden Eagle opener at No. 6 Furman

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Last season, Furman’s defense was a ball hawk, standing as one of the best pass defenses in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision. The No. 6-ranked Paladins returned most of those players in the 2023 campaign and picked up right where they left off, picking off four Tennessee Tech passes – returning two for touchdowns – as Furman topped the Golden Eagles 45-10 on Thursday night.  Tech (0-1) returns to action next Saturday as the Golden Eagles head to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico.  The Golden Eagles had six turnovers in all in the contest, those leading to 28 points for the Paladins. However, even with the miscues, there were still positives in the contest for Tech. Through the first three quarters, the Golden Eagles had put up better offensive numbers than the Paladins, a credit to both Tech’s offense moving the ball and the defense – led by Aaron Swafford’s 12 tackles and a fumble recovery – making Furman’s offense work for what it did collect. 

Tech Football opens campaign Thursday at No. 6 Furman
Tech Football opens campaign Thursday at No. 6 Furman

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Camp and workouts are over. As the Tennessee Tech football team loads up the busses for Thursday’s season opener at No. 6-ranked Furman, the Golden Eagles begin a new campaign ready to improve and work toward a Big South-OVC championship. Everything starts Thursday night at 6 p.m. Central. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Pete Yanity and Jay Sonnhalter handling the broadcast, while the game can be heard locally on 98.5 KISS FM with Roger Ealey and Dylan Vazzano on the call.