The North Texas Mean Green have been one of the most exciting surprises of the 2025 college football season. After a thrilling 45–38 overtime win at Army, UNT improved to 4–0 and is now staring down a chance at history. A victory over South Alabama on Saturday in Denton would give UNT its first 5–0 start in more than six decades, dating back to 1959.
Head coach Eric Morris has built a balanced and disciplined team that excels on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has been the steady hand at the center of it all, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. His poise has allowed the Mean Green to capitalize on almost every scoring opportunity, as UNT ranks among the nation’s best in red zone efficiency — scoring on 26 of 27 trips.
Complementing the passing attack is a resurgent ground game, led by Caleb Hawkins, who gashed Army for 99 yards and four touchdowns last week. When the run game clicks, it opens up the entire offense and keeps opposing defenses guessing. That balance will be crucial against a South Alabama defense that has played well against the pass but struggled against the run.
Defensively, the Mean Green have quietly been just as strong. They are holding opponents to under 20 points per game and rank near the top nationally in pass defense. Containing South Alabama’s top receiver, Devin Voisin, who already has 360 yards and four touchdowns this year, will be a focal point. But with UNT’s secondary playing confidently, the matchup leans in the Mean Green’s favor.
The formula for victory is clear: keep finishing drives in the red zone, stay balanced offensively, win in the trenches, and continue protecting the football. If UNT executes those keys, they not only put themselves in position to win but also to make history in front of their home crowd.
Saturday isn’t just another game on the schedule — it’s a chance to stamp a new chapter in North Texas football. If the Mean Green stay locked in and play to their strengths, a 5–0 start is well within reach.
With everything clicking and momentum on their side, the Mean Green are poised to take the next step toward a season that could be remembered for decades in Denton.