FRISCO, Texas – Kennesaw State football running back
Coleman Bennett was lauded for his performance in the Owls' thrilling 19-15 victory over Jax State to be crowned 2025 Conference USA Champions, being named the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Bennett was critical to the Owls' (10-3) offensive attack in the championship game, amassing 124 all-purpose yards and one touchdown on 24 total touches.
He rushed for 82 yards on 17 carries (4.8 yards per carry) and hauled in seven catches for 42 yards – tied for second-most on the team.
His touchdown kicked off the scoring for the game as he capped a 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 3-yard burst up the middle in the second quarter. He also converted a do-or-die fourth down on the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, gaining 3 yards on a power rush to get the fourth-and-1.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest-running college football all-star game in the nation and gives top players a chance to showcase their talents to professional football scouts and a national TV audience. The 101
st Shrine Bowl is set for Jan. 27, 2026 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
The selection process for the teams in the game is on-going.
On the momentum of winning the Conference USA Championship, Bennett and the Owls will head to Conway, S.C. to play in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl -- Kennesaw State's first-ever bowl appearance in its second year of FBS action. Fans are encouraged to purchase their Myrtle Beach Bowl tickets from KSU Athletics by
CLICKING HERE in order to guarantee being seated in blocks with other Kennesaw State fans in attendance.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
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