DENTON, Texas — North Texas kept its perfect start alive with a 45-38 overtime win at Army, cutting the Black Knights’ series lead to 6-3. The Mean Green are now 4-0 for the first time since 2018 and can reach 5-0 against South Alabama next week.
Freshman Caleb Hawkins stole the show with four rushing touchdowns—tying a program record—while Makenzie McGill II added 101 yards and another score. QB Drew Mestemaker threw for 249 yards and a touchdown, completing 26-of-36 passes. Eight different players caught passes, highlighting UNT’s balanced offensive attack.
The Mean Green defense forced three turnovers, with standout performances from Shane Whitter, Ethan Wesloski, and Fatafehi Vailea II. New coordinator Skyler Cassity’s impact was immediate, as UNT held strong in key moments, including overtime.
UNT continues its streak of scoring 30+ points in every game this season and has now scored four or more rushing touchdowns in back-to-back contests for the first time since 2021. Special teams were perfect again, with kicker Kali Nguma hitting all six extra points and his lone field goal attempt.
Next up, UNT hosts South Alabama with a chance to start 5-0 for the first time since 1977. With a dynamic offense and opportunistic defense, the Mean Green are firing on all cylinders.
