The UT Martin Skyhawks’ 42-10 blowout loss to the Missouri State Bears has them facing a potential 0-5 start for the first time in 18 years.

In 2007, which was Head Coach Jason Simpson’s second season with UT Martin, the team began the year 0-6. The Skyhawks finished the year 4-7 and won the last three games of the season.

Now in 2025, Simpson’s Skyhawks face similar adversity. The Skyhawks opened the season against three FBS opponents in the first four games and have yet to play their first conference game. Simpson, who played a role in assembling the team’s schedule, took accountability for the team’s difficult slate of games to open the season while meeting with media after the team’s loss to the Southern Illinois Salukis.

“The schedule (is) my fault. I never should have let it happen. Sometimes you need a game to get your feet on the ground and get your confidence, but there’s still no excuse,” said Simpson. 

Throughout the first four weeks of the 2025 collegiate football season, Simpson’s Skyhawks have been outscored a total 148 points and allowed to 44 points scored.

With tough stretches and losing streaks, a dark cloud can encompass a locker room. However, that seems to not be the case for the Skyhawks as they keep their eyes towards the future. Redshirt sophomore long snapper Hayden King said that while the locker room is frustrated with how the team has played thus far, they know that the remaining games on the schedule are all that they can control. 

“I’d say as a team we just know that these conference games are the ones that truly matter. Obviously those non-conference games can help you get in the playoffs like they did last season, but we have to continue to keep our eyes forward,” said King.

Since the beginning of 2024 season, the Skyhawks held an 8-8 record, going 6-2 in conference play. With the remaining eight games being against conference opponents, there is real opportunity for the Skyhawks to turn the season around.

When a team is on a losing streak, there can be a loss of focus or failing fundamentals. This often leads to mistakes during the game. King said that the players and coaches are taking practice day by day, making sure they lift their teammates up and play the Skyhawk’s brand of football.

“We’ve got to get back to playing clean football. We have not played clean football so far and we know we can win games when we do,” said King.

WUTM 90.3 the Hawk’s Christian Bryson, who does color commentary for Skyhawk football games, said that the team and its fans should not fear the national narrative of the season being over after an 0-4 start to the season, and you have to take into an account the level of competition so far.

“You have to put it into perspective. UT Martin has not had a cupcake schedule,” said Bryson.

“There’s some other schools in the conference that have not played this level of competition. UT Martin has only played one home game so far. This schedule has just been brutal, but at the end of the season I expect this team to be where it needs to be,” said Bryson.

For the Skyhawks to turn around the 2025 season, they must stop the opponent’s runs and run the ball efficiently themselves. Simpson’s Skyhawks are continuously put into position where they are down multiple scores because they can not stop the oppositions run game, leading to the Skyhawk being fully reliant on the arm of Senior quarterback (QB) Jase Bauer.

Bryson has been impressed with Bauer’s pocket presence and decision making throughout the losing streak, even while being asked to throw more to score points quickly.

“It’s crucial that they (Skyhawks) are able to play their style of football. When you are down 31 to zero, you have to change the way you play,” said Bryson. “They want to have a well balanced attack while letting Bauer play his game as a passer. Bauer has been efficient, but the big plays fields just haven’t been there as they are not able to create space or run the ball efficiently this season so far.”

The Skyhawks return home Sept. 27 to host the 1-3 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.