5 Key Facts About Kentucky Christian University Football Division: NAIA, AAC, And Their Breakthrough Season
The Kentucky Christian University (KCU) Knights football program is currently classified under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division, competing as a football-only member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). This classification firmly places the Knights within the landscape of small-college athletics, a division known for its competitive spirit and commitment to student-athlete development. As of the current date, December 20, 2025, the program is riding a wave of momentum following a successful 2025–26 season that saw them achieve a program-best showing on the AAC All-Conference Teams, signaling a major turning point for the team.
For fans and prospective student-athletes researching the KCU football division, understanding their affiliation is crucial, as it dictates their schedule, opponents, and postseason opportunities. While primarily an NAIA program, the Knights also maintain an affiliation with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), providing an additional avenue for regional and national recognition. The move from the Mid-South Conference (MSC) to the AAC has redefined their competitive environment, pitting them against a new set of rivals and establishing a fresh identity in the Appalachian region.
Kentucky Christian University Football Program Leadership and Key Personnel
The recent success of the KCU Knights football program is directly tied to the stability and expertise of its current leadership. The university's commitment to building a competitive program is evident in the experienced coaching staff and athletic administration. This list provides a snapshot of the key figures driving the team's direction and recent achievements.
- University Location: Grayson, Kentucky (Carter County)
- Athletic Director: David Manning
- Head Coach: Jason Aubry
- Offensive Coordinator: Joby Sullivan
- Defensive Coordinator: Roland Brady
- Primary Division Affiliation: NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
- Secondary Affiliation: NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association)
- Football Conference: Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC)
- Key Offensive Player (2025–26): QB Jackson Wasik (AAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year)
- Key Skill Player (2025–26): WR Jalen Briscoe (Top deep-threat receiver)
Athletic Director David Manning has been instrumental in navigating the university's conference transitions, ensuring the Knights have a stable and competitive platform within the NAIA. Head Coach Jason Aubry has been credited with instilling a winning culture, culminating in the team's breakthrough performances in the 2025–26 season. The performance of sophomore quarterback Jackson Wasik, who earned the prestigious AAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year award, highlights the caliber of talent the program is now attracting and developing.
The NAIA/AAC Landscape: KCU's Competitive Division
Kentucky Christian University's football division status is defined by its membership in the NAIA and its competition within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Understanding this structure is essential for appreciating the level of play and the program's long-term goals.
NAIA: The National Division
The NAIA is a national governing body for small-college athletics, offering scholarships and a path to national championships that is distinct from the NCAA. NAIA football is highly competitive, featuring 20 conferences and a national playoff system that culminates in the NAIA Football National Championship. KCU's affiliation means they adhere to NAIA rules regarding eligibility, scholarships, and competition standards. The Knights' memorable 35–27 victory over NCAA Division II opponent Central State was a signature moment for the NAIA program, validating their competitive level against higher-division opponents.
Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC)
The AAC is the primary conference for the KCU Knights football team. While KCU is a full member of the River States Conference (RSC) for most other sports, football is governed by the AAC, which is an NAIA-affiliated conference. The transition from the Mid-South Conference (MSC) to the AAC marked a strategic realignment for the program, placing them in a new competitive environment with rivals like Reinhardt University and Pikeville (KY). The AAC is known for its strong football programs, making KCU's recent success in the conference, including a 2-4 conference record in the 2025–26 season, a significant achievement.
A Program on the Rise: Recent Breakthrough and Performance
The KCU Knights have firmly established themselves as a program on the rise, with the 2025–26 season serving as a watershed moment. The team's performance metrics and individual accolades paint a clear picture of a program that is maturing and becoming a force in the AAC.
The 2025–26 season saw the Knights finish with an overall record of 4-6, a marked improvement from the previous 2024–25 season's 2-9 finish. This jump in win percentage reflects the coaching staff's development efforts and the rising talent level on the roster. Statistically, the team's offense was potent, averaging 33.4 points per game and accumulating 423.6 total yards per game, with a heavy emphasis on the passing game (316.4 passing yards per game).
Key Program Milestones (2025–2026)
- Program-Best All-Conference Showing: KCU celebrated its highest-ever number of players named to the AAC All-Conference Teams, a clear indicator of the program's overall improvement and increased respect within the league.
- Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Quarterback Jackson Wasik became the face of the program's offensive firepower by earning a major conference award. His performance was central to the team's success.
- Signature Victory: The Knights secured a major upset by defeating NCAA Division II Central State, a win that garnered national attention for the NAIA program and provided a massive boost to team morale and recruiting efforts.
- Statistical Dominance: The offense demonstrated an ability to move the ball consistently, showcasing a balanced attack that kept opponents on their heels, with wide receiver Jalen Briscoe providing a top deep-threat option.
The future of Kentucky Christian University football is bright within the NAIA's Appalachian Athletic Conference. The combination of a stable conference home, dedicated leadership under Athletic Director David Manning and Head Coach Jason Aubry, and a demonstrated ability to recruit and develop award-winning talent like Jackson Wasik positions the KCU Knights for continued success. As the program continues to build on its "breakthrough" 2025 season, fans can expect the Knights to become a perennial contender in the AAC football standings, further solidifying their place in the competitive NAIA division.
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