DALLAS – Graduate linebacker
Baron Hopson and redshirt junior offensive lineman
Nikola Milovac will join head coach
Jerry Mack in representing Kennesaw State at the 2026 Conference USA Football Kickoff on July 19-21 in Arlington, Texas. The CUSA Kickoff is the league's annual football media day.
Hopson, Milovac and Mack are among the 30 CUSA student-athletes and head coaches that will be at the Texas Live! Arena and Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center to preview their teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Coverage of the kickoff include its annual live ESPN+ show on Monday, hosted by ESPN's Mike Corey within the Texas Live! Arena, before traditional press conferences and media breakout sessions on Tuesday.
Hopson and Milovac and the rest of the CUSA student-athlete contingent will also take part in the league's annual "Playbook Leadership session" working with CUSA's top football leaders with guest speakers, as well as taking part in conference photoshoots and community initiatives, as well as an appearance on the its CUSA Insider Podcast.
Schedule of Events – 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff (Kennesaw State)
Sunday, July 19
- CUSA Playbook Leadership Session
Monday, July 20
- 12:10 p.m. ET: 2026 Conference USA Football Kickoff Show (ESPN+) – Kennesaw State
- The Owls join CUSA Insider Podcast
- Conference USA Team Outing
Tuesday, July 21
- Kennesaw State Press Conference – Coach Mack
- Breakout interview with local media
2026 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 Kennesaw State football season are on sale now! Tickets begin at just $125 and include home contests against in-state foes West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), as well as CUSA contests against Jax State (Oct. 7), Liberty (Oct. 22), Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Click
HERE for more info on tickets for the 2026 regular season!
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on X/Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
