Western Kentucky was the favorite to win Conference USA last season with the likes of quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley returning.
But the Hilltoppers dealt with some tough non-conference competition and lost close games against Liberty, Jacksonville State, and New Mexico State in league play.
However, WKU did beat Old Dominion in overtime in the Famous Toastery Bowl and, considering all the players the Hilltoppers added through the transfer portal this offseason, should have a chance of winning CUSA in 2024.
Western Kentucky Football’s Conference USA Title Odds
Western Kentucky’s odds to win Conference USA are +475, via BetMGM. WKU has the second-best odds to win the league behind only Liberty (-210).
Western Kentucky Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Western Kentucky’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Under 7.5 at +105 and Over 7.5 at -130.
Western Kentucky Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 @ Alabama
9/7 vs. Eastern Kentucky
9/14 @ Middle Tennessee
9/21 vs. Toledo
9/28 @ Boston College
10/10 vs. UTEP
10/16 @ Sam Houston
10/30 vs. Kennesaw State
11/9 @ New Mexico State
11/16 vs. Louisiana Tech
11/23 @ Liberty
11/30 vs. Jacksonville State
Bold indicates Conference USA contests
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Key Western Kentucky Football Returners
2023 All-Conference USA 2nd Team
DL Hosea Wheeler
Honorable Mention
DB Anthony Johnson Jr.
K Lucas Carneiro
KR Easton Messer
Western Kentucky Football Should Be Competitive With A Strong Transfer Class
While Reed is now gone, Western Kentucky brought in another quarterback who should be one of the best signal callers in Conference USA immediately.
TJ Finley was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention pick while at Texas State last season. He threw for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns – two marks which were in the top 25 in the FBS – and eight interceptions while completing 279 of 414 throws. He also ran for 81 yards and five touchdowns. Caden Veltkamp, who played in WKU’s bowl game and was 41 of 54 for 387 yards, five touchdowns, and one pick last year, could also compete for some playing time.
Finley is one reason why WKU has the top-ranked transfer class in CUSA, according to 247Sports. That group overall, which also features some former Power Four players, should help the Hilltoppers continue to win.
WKU also returns leading rusher Elijah Young, who ran for 474 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receivers Dalvin Smith, who was second on the team with 513 yards and six touchdowns on 50 catches last year, and Easton Messer, who was third with 484 yards and four touchdowns on 42 receptions, are back as well. Messer made the all-conference honorable mention list as a kick returner in 2023, averaging 22.2 yards per return.
WKU will certainly want to keep playing at a high level on offense. The Hilltoppers were second in CUSA in points scored per game (30.5) and yards gained per game (401.8) in 2023.
But they might not be too bad on defense, either. They return defensive lineman Hosea Wheeler, a second-team all-conference selection last year who tallied 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2023.
All-CUSA honorable mention defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. is also returning. He led the team with five pass breakups and four interceptions while chipping in 44 tackles. WKU’s leading returning tackler, Kylan Guidry, is also back after racking up 54 tackles, six for loss, and three sacks.
All-conference honorable mention kicker Lucas Carneiro should continue to give WKU a boost on special teams.
2024 Western Kentucky Football Season Prediction
I predict Western Kentucky won’t win Conference USA but will go Over 7.5 wins.
The Hilltoppers have one of the most talented rosters in the conference again this season. So while they might not win CUSA – Liberty is going to be superb again this season – I do think they will put together an impressive campaign.
I think WKU will beat Eastern Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, UTEP, Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and will lose to Alabama, Toledo, and Boston College. That means the Hilltoppers will have to beat either Jacksonville State or Liberty to reach eight wins – and potentially earn a spot in the CUSA Championship – and I think they are capable of doing so.
If WKU were to face Liberty in the CUSA title game, though, I imagine Liberty would be favored. But even an appearance in the league championship and another bowl game bid would be a positive year for Western Kentucky.
