news-category: Athletics Gardner-Webb wins Second Straight Conference Championship By Office of University Communications On November 20, 2023 Runnin’ Bulldogs Face Mercer in FCS Playoffs Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. in Macon, Ga. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs return to the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season, facing Mercer in the opening round on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. This is the second straight year Gardner-Webb has qualified for the FCS Playoffs. The Runnin’ Bulldogs earned the automatic bid to the playoffs from the Big South-OVC Football Association thanks to a 38-34 victory over UT Martin on Saturday, Oct. 28. GWU clinched their second straight conference championship with a 34-10 win over Charleston Southern on Saturday, Nov. 18. Own your piece of the history through championship apparel available in the GWU Barnes & Noble Campus Shop (in-store and on-line) and through the official GW Big South-OVC Football Championship pop-up store for a limited time. Contact Barnes and Noble or the BSN Championship Store for more details. Gardner-Webb made the 2022 FCS Playoffs last year, defeating Eastern Kentucky 52-41 in the first round before falling to #5 William & Mary 54-14 in the second round. This is Mercer’s first-ever trip to the FCS Playoffs. The Bears enter the game 8-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play out of the SoCon. Mercer has won four in a row, including a 45-38 victory over #10 Western Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 28. This will be the second meeting all-time between Mercer and Gardner-Webb. The then 16th ranked Bears rolled to a 45-14 victory over the Runnin’ Bulldogs inside Spangler Stadium on Sept. 24, 2022. The winner of the matchup between the Bears and the Runnin’ Bulldogs will head to Brookings, S.D. to face #1 South Dakota State on Saturday, Dec. 2. Kickoff between Mercer and Gardner-Webb is set for 3 p.m. The game will be streaming live on ESPN+. An audio broadcast via the Runnin’ Bulldog Sports Network presented by AlphaGraphics South Charlotte will also be available on the radio at WGNC 1450 AM/101.1 FM, or online via The Varsity Network App and at gwusports.com. Purchase tickets to the game. Listen online. For more information on Gardner-Webb football, fans can follow the team on Twitter/X at @GWUFootball or on Instagram at @gwufootball. Story courtesy of gwusports.com
News Article Gardner-Webb University Adds Two Sports, Realigns Athletics Portfolio for Long-Term Success Strategic Athletics Restructuring Expands Opportunities and Positions Gardner-Webb for Division I Growth BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb University announced a strategic restructuring of its athletics sponsorship offerings designed to strengthen Gardner-Webb’s position in the evolving Division I landscape by aligning resources with long-term priorities and expanding opportunities for student-athletes. The restructuring will add women’s flag […] Gardner-Webb University | February 17, 2026
News Article As the Super Bowl Approaches, GWU Alumni Coaches Reflect on Building Champions Mike Wilbanks, Darryl Brown, and Greg Lloyd Share How Leadership, Resilience, and Strong Team Culture Shaped Their State Title-Winning Seasons BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As football fans prepare for this weekend’s Super Bowl, the nation’s attention turns to the traits that elevate good teams into great ones—leadership, chemistry, resilience, and a commitment to collective success. Those same […] Office of University Communications | February 3, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Football Announces 2026 Schedule Gardner-Webb Opens Kris McCullough Era with 12‑Game Schedule Highlighted by Road Tests and Rivalry Matchups Family Weekend set for Sept. 19; Homecoming and Military Appreciation is Nov. 7 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—First-year head coach Kris McCullough and the Gardner-Webb football team have announced their full schedule for the upcoming 2026 season. The Runnin’ Bulldogs, coming off […] Office of University Communications | January 22, 2026
