210 Athletics Kicking Off The Year The Harding football team hits a record number winning streak. Following their national championship win in 2023, the Harding football team fixed their eyes on back-to-back titles—a difficult feat in collegiate sports. Senior linebacker Kekoa Carroll reflected on the team’s approach and strategy as they entered the 2024 season. “Nothing has changed this season,” Carroll said. “We’re always going to go out and give it our all each game, and that is what we have continued to do.” During their historic 2023 season, the Bisons ran for over 6,000 yards—a first in NCAA football history. The undefeated season ended with a 38-7 triumph over Colorado School of Mines in the national championship game in McKinney, Texas. Carroll said this was a great experience to show off the “Harding brand of football.” “It was nice to show our culture on the national scale and what the program is all about,” Carroll said. “We are trying to do the exact same thing this season.” Harding carried their historic winning streak into the new season, including a 62-0 win against Northwestern Oklahoma State. The win against the Rangers was Harding’s 25th consecutive victory. The streak broke an Arkansas collegiate record for the most wins in a row by a football team. The University of Arkansas set the original record from 1963–65 with 22 wins. Sophomore wide receiver Jackson Richardson said the added pressure of a national championship gave the team an extra boost on and off the field. “There can be a lot of pressure that comes with being the national championship team,” Richardson said. “But we want to bring on the pressure. We know we’re the champs. We know we’re good. We know we have the ability to do it again. That challenge is going to help us get better.” The Bisons displayed confidence on both sides of the ball. Leading the nation in rushing touchdowns, the Harding offense displayed their expertise in the flexbone formation. Richardson said the offense thrived because of their care for one another. “We have so many people that are selfless and do not care about stats,” Richardson said. “They are more worried about putting their team before themselves.” As the Harding defense led the nation in yards allowed per play, their perspective on the game reflected a similar message. “We don’t play for ourselves and we don’t play hero ball,” sophomore defensive lineman Tirrell Johnson said. “We play for the person right beside us with a high standard.” Whether in their first or last game of the season, the Bisons strove for excellence not only as a team but as a brotherhood under Christ. Written by Nic Fraraccio GROUP PIC After another win, the Bison football team come together for a group photo. For some seniors, this was their last home game. Photo by Abigail Callicoat
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