MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan University football team is preparing for the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Paul Johnson for the third consecutive year, as Conference Carolinas reinstates football this season.

For the first time since the 1974-75 academic year, football will be played in Conference Carolinas in the fall of 2025. The conference slate opens in week two on Saturday, September 13.

Conference Carolinas will have seven teams in 2025 including Barton College, Chowan University, Erskine College, Ferrum College, North Greenville University, Shorter University and UNC Pembroke.

The Hawks finished last season with a 3-7 overall record and a 2-5 mark in the perennial powerhouse Gulf South Conference. As the Hawks transition into Conference Carolinas, Chowan will be led by key returning players, including wide receiver Jakobe Lane, a GSC First Team All-Conference honoree, and quarterback Maurice Smith, both of whom are poised to play a crucial role in the Hawks' success in the 2025 season.

The Hawks have 10 regular season games scheduled for the 2025 season, with four being on the road and six being hosted at Garrison Stadium. 

"Competing in Conference Carolinas and having those crossover games with the Gulf South Conference will definitely provide some strong competition and valuable experience for the team," stated Paul Johnson, Head Football Coach at Chowan.

Chowan football opens their 2025 season with three home games, beginning with an August 30th matchup against Elizabeth City State, a team that finished last year with a 3-7 record. The Hawks will then host West Alabama, who finished 9-2 last season, on September 6th. After a week off, Chowan will face Valdosta State on September 20th, the reigning Gulf South Conference champions, who finished the season 13-1 and made an appearance in the NCAA D2 football championship. 

The Hawks will hit the road for their first away game against Shorter on September 27th, a team that finished last season with a 3-7 record. The Shorter match-up marks the team's first game in Conference Carolinas play. North Greenville will then travel to Murfreesboro on October 4th. This game will also serve as the Hawks' Homecoming. Chowan will follow that with a visit to West Florida on October 11th, who posted a 7-3 record last season. The Hawks will then face the Barton Bulldogs on October 18th. The Bulldogs are coming off their final season in the Southern Athletic Conference, finishing 3-8. The Hawks' schedule continues with a home game against UNC Pembroke on October 25th. 

The Hawks will travel to play Erskine on November 1st, a team that finished 2024 with a 1-8 record. Chowan will then wrap up their regular season at home on November 8th, hosting Ferrum College for Senior Day and the Hall of Fame celebration. Ferrum and Chowan will revamp their friendly rival from the junior college and NCAA D3 days.

          2025 Chowan Football Schedule