CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Jeff Faris is preparing for what will be his third season as the head coach of the Austin Peay football team, and this year, he’s looking for the Govs to return to their own standard: playing championship football.
In Faris’ first season, in 2024, the Govs understandably underwent some growing pains. That team finished with a 4-8 record, but four of those losses were by 10 points or fewer. Faris also had to contend with 60+ new players in his first season, so there were plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of 2025.
The Govs justified that optimism as soon as the 2025 season began. Ultimately, the Govs narrowly missed out on making the FCS Playoffs. However, the team accomplished its first FBS win since 1987, went undefeated at home, and quarterback Chris Parson had one of the best seasons from a passer in school history.
Now, the hope is that the Govs can build off that momentum and take that next step in 2026. Last weekend, the Govs finished off their spring practices with the Spring Showcase. After the event, Faris took time to speak with Clarksville Now about his observations from the spring and his expectations for the squad.
Jeff Faris explains why 2026-27 roster is special
When watching this team on the field, it’s easy to notice a couple of things: the depth and size. The Govs’ roster is loaded with massive student-athletes on both sides of the ball, and it already appears like there will be some tough position battles.
None of that would be possible if it weren’t for the retention of several key players though. Obviously, quarterback Chris Parson’s return was the big story, but keeping players like Jaden Robinson, Myles Wiley and Antori Hamilton was also huge.
“These kids love Clarksville. They love Austin Peay,” Faris told Clarksville Now. “They believe in what we’re building, and they know they get pushed every day. Plus, we have unfinished business.”
Of course, Faris is referring to the team being so close to a division title last season. A season-ending overtime loss to Tarleton State kept the team out of the postseason, and Faris made it known nobody has forgotten.
“Our guys have worked with a hunger this offseason that I’ve never been a part of,” Faris said. “(Our players) know there’s an incredibly high standard. It’s our player leadership holding everybody to a standard that is championship level.”
A major emphasis for Faris this offseason was increasing competition throughout the roster. The team was able to bring in a highly-rated transfer portal class that could include multiple new starters.
“The best teams have tremendous competition on both sides of the ball,” he said. “We didn’t have very much competition early on here in my tenure. Now, we’ve built the roster with a core of guys who understand what it takes.”
What to expect from Govs during upcoming season
When asked about what it would take for Faris to consider the 2026 season a success, the coach couldn’t have been clearer.
“We have to win a championship, that’s our standard,” said Faris. “We’ve brought in players and coaches that are capable of doing that, and we need to execute at a championship level every single day. When things get hard, we have to be at our best.”
Winning a championship is no easy task, but the Govs are in a good spot. The team has an experienced quarterback, solid depth, and a favorable schedule. The Govs get to play Tarleton State, Abilene Christian, and Eastern Kentucky at home this season, and the road schedule features two teams currently transitioning from Division II. The first game of the season for the Govs will be on Aug. 27 against Gardner-Webb.
“We’ve grown leaps and bounds in a short time,” Faris said. “I just can’t wait to see a full Fortera Stadium again.”
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