SENATOBIA - The long wait is finally over.

Following a light slate of Week 0 contests last weekend, the 2023 NCAA football schedule kicks into high gear on Thursday, with games running throughout Labor Day weekend. As always, Northwest will have a slew of players competing at the Division I level on national television.

One of the first matchups featuring Northwest alumni arrives tonight, when Samford quarterback Michael Hiers leads his Bulldogs against Shorter University. Hiers has racked up several preseason honors and is regarded as the top quarterback in the FCS ranks.

Another former Ranger taking the field tonight will be Jykevekous Hibbler, as N.C. State faces off against UConn on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff for that game is slated for 6:30 P.M. Central time.

In all, 42 former Rangers will take the field in Division I TV games this weekend. (Additionally, Northwest alums Fred Harris, Jr. and Cayden Betts will suit up for Mississippi Valley State in this weekend's Chicago Football Classic against Central State, scheduled for Saturday, September 2.)

(*NOTE: All games, dates, times and channels are subject to change. Times listed are Central Standard Time.)
($) - Subscription required to watch


Thursday, August 31
Samford vs. Shorter - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: SAM - Michael Hiers (QB), E. Jai Mason (WR), Zach Bond (OL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

UConn vs. N.C. State - 6:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: NCST - Jykeveous "Red" Hibbler (DL)
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports app

UAB vs. North Carolina A&T - 7 P.M.
Former Rangers: UAB - Jalen Nettles (OL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)


Saturday, September 2
Oklahoma vs. Arkansas State - 11 A.M.
Former Rangers: ASU - Kevin Diaz (TE)
Where to Watch: ESPN and ESPN.com

SMU vs. Louisiana Tech - 1 P.M.
Former Rangers: LA TECH - Omar Pew (DL)
Where to Watch: ESPNU and ESPN.com

Ole Miss vs. Mercer - 1 P.M.
Former Rangers: OM - Tavion Prather (DL)
Where to Watch: SEC Network+ or ESPN+ ($)

Ohio vs. LIU - 1 P.M.
Former Rangers: OHIO - Jacoby Jones (WR), Rayyan Buell (DL), Byron "Tank" Pearson (DB)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Jacksonville State vs. East Tennessee State - 1 P.M.
Former Rangers: JSU - Quinzavious Warren (DL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Wisconsin vs. Buffalo - 2:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: UB - Jamarr Davis (OL)
Where to Watch: FS1/FOXSports app

Western Kentucky vs. South Florida - 2:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: WKU - Desmyn Baker (LB)
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports app

Cincinnati vs. Eastern Kentucky - 2:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: CIN - Braden Smith (WR); EKU - Jaycob Horn (WR), Jakobe McLaurin (OL), Kylan Robinson (LB)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Mississippi State vs. Southeastern Louisiana - 3 P.M.
Former Rangers: SELU - Khamron Ford (DB)
Where to Watch: SEC Network and ESPN app

Georgia vs. UT Martin - 5 P.M.
Former Rangers: UTM - Vance Van Every (OL)
Where to Watch: SEC Network+ or ESPN+ ($)

UL-Monroe vs. Army - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: ULM - Jay Mickle (OL), Matt Williams (OL)
Where to Watch: NFL Network

Colorado State vs. Washington State - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: WSU - D.T. Sheffield (WR), Stephen Hall (DB)
Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports app

Memphis vs. Bethune-Cookman - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: MEM - Davion Carter (OL), Tanner Gillis (P), William Stewart (LS); BCU - Jordan Johnson (DB)
Where to Watch: ESPN3 and ESPN.com

Southern Miss vs. Alcorn State - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: USM - Ethan Bumgarner (OL), Trace White (DL); ALCORN - Monterio Hunt (WR), Tyson Keys (TE) 
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

North Alabama vs. Chattanooga - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: UNA - Jaylen Powell (DB)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Oklahoma State vs. Central Arkansas - 6 P.M.
Former Rangers: UCA - Dude Person (DB), Kiyon Williams (DL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee - 6:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: MTSU - Ren Hefley (QB), Sam Brumfield (LB)
Where to Watch: SEC Network+ or ESPN+ ($)

Louisiana vs. Northwestern State - 6:30 P.M.
Former Rangers: UL - Nijel McGriff (DL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

Tulane vs. South Alabama - 7 P.M.
Former Rangers: USA - Quentin Wilfawn (LB) 
Where to Watch: ESPNU and ESPN app

Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M - 7 P.M.
Former Rangers: TXSU - Thurman Rayborn (DL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)

McNeese State vs. Tarleton State - 7 P.M.
Former Rangers: MCNEESE - David Duvall (OL)
Where to Watch: ESPN+ ($)


Sunday, September 3
Florida A&M vs. Jackson State - 2 P.M.
Former Rangers: JSU - B.J. Washington (DB)
Where to Watch: ESPN and ESPN app