Texas A&M-TexArkana is making waves in the NCAA Division II football scene! 🏈 But it's not just the size of the state that's impressive; it's the ambitious hiring strategy of this start-up program.
A bold move by the university has been to bring in Joshua Eargle, a coaching veteran, to lead the charge. And Eargle is wasting no time in assembling a top-notch staff, with sources revealing a series of stunning hires.
First up is Brock Caraboa, a defensive mastermind with an impressive resume. Caraboa has experience in the Power Conference, having worked alongside Eargle at the University of Kansas. But here's where it gets intriguing: Caraboa also boasts experience at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level with North Alabama and even received a FootballScoop Coach of the Year nomination during his time in the NAIA.
Eargle's not done yet! He's bringing in Jourdan McNeil from UTEP, a Football Bowls Subdivision (FBS) program, and Richard Hutchings, who has experience at both Arkansas Tech and North Alabama. These hires showcase Eargle's commitment to blending experience from various levels of college football.
With Eargle's background as a head coach in Texas, having led East Texas Baptist, the program is in good hands. He's also made assistant coaching stops at renowned programs like Kansas, Memphis, FIU, and most recently, UTEP under Scotty Walden. And let's not forget his time at SEC powerhouse LSU.
The university is pulling out all the stops, with plans to build their own football stadium, aiming for a grand opening in the 2028 season. This start-up program is clearly aiming high, and the coaching staff is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with.
But what does this mean for the Lone Star Conference? Texas A&M-TexArkana is set to make its debut in 2027, and with these hires, they're sending a clear message: they're here to compete. Will this spark a new era of competition in the conference? Only time will tell, and the anticipation is building!
What do you think about this ambitious start-up program? Are they on the right track to success, or is this a risky strategy? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!