The 2025 college football season kicks off Thursday night as the Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks host the St. Francis Red Flash in their season opener at Malone Stadium in Monroe, Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in via ESPN.

Ahmad Hardy #22 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks runs the ball in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

How to Watch St. Francis vs UL Monroe

  • Date: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM ET
  • Channel: ESPN
  • Stream: ESPN (Watch on ESPN)
  • Stream: ESPN, Hulu, Disney+ Bundle (Watch on ESPN)

Head coach Bryant Vincent enters his second season leading the Warhawks, who finished 5–7 last year, marking their best record since 2019. Despite being projected to finish last in the Sun Belt West, ULM opens at home, a setting where they’ve historically played well, particularly in season openers (20–7–2) and on Thursday nights.

The Warhawks return six All–Sun Belt players from 2024, including defensive lineman Kevontay Wells, and feature a seasoned coaching staff aiming to build consistency on both sides of the ball.

Meanwhile, St. Francis enters the 2025 season under 14th-year head coach Chris Villarrial after a 4–7 record in the Northeast Conference in 2024. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

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