The Rise Of The Bears: 5 Key Reasons University Of Pikeville Football Is A Must-Watch Program In 2025

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) Bears football program is currently undergoing a massive transformation, positioning itself as one of the most exciting small-college teams to follow in the Appalachian region. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, the program is riding a wave of momentum fueled by a landmark postseason upset, a dynamic coaching staff, and a monumental investment in new facilities that promises to change the landscape of the NAIA’s Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).

This deep dive provides the most recent and critical updates on the UPIKE Bears, highlighting the key players, the visionary leadership, and the $50 million campaign that is set to redefine the future of football in Pikeville, Kentucky. The Bears are no longer just a regional competitor; they are building a national-caliber program from the ground up.

Head Coach and Program Leadership: Corey Fipps Biography

The stability and vision for the University of Pikeville football program are anchored by Head Coach and Athletic Director, Corey Fipps. Fipps has quickly established a culture of winning and academic excellence since his arrival, leading the Bears to their most successful seasons in recent memory.

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• Full Name: Corey Fipps
• Born: 1982 (Age 42-43 as of 2025)
• Current Position: Head Football Coach & Athletic Director, University of Pikeville (UPIKE)
• UPIKE Tenure: Began as Head Coach for the 2021 season.
• Coaching Highlights at UPIKE:
  • Led the Bears to a remarkable 7-3 overall record and a 5-1 conference record in their inaugural year in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
  • Secured a historic postseason upset in the 2024 season, which was the first football postseason win for any AAC team.
  • Oversaw a 6-5 season in 2024, winning six of the last seven games.
• Prior Experience: Fipps previously served as Head Coach and Athletic Director at Kentucky Christian University and held various roles at other institutions, including Missouri Southern University, bringing a wealth of experience in program building.
• Impact: Fipps holds a dual role, which has allowed him to align the football program's goals directly with the university’s broader athletic vision, culminating in the massive new facilities campaign.

1. The $50 Million Facilities Campaign: A Game-Changer

The single most significant development for the UPIKE football program is the university's massive $50 million fundraising campaign, which includes plans for state-of-the-art athletic facilities. This investment signals a major commitment from the administration to elevate the entire athletic department, with football at the forefront.

A New Home for the Bears

The current home field for the Bears is the historic Hambley Athletic Complex, which has been the site of UPIKE football since its first season in 2001. However, the new campaign is planning a dramatic upgrade that will fundamentally change the program’s recruiting and competitive edge.

• New Football Stadium: The centerpiece of the campaign is the construction of a brand-new football and soccer stadium. This modern venue will provide an elite game-day experience for the team and the enthusiastic fan base, known for their support, including the UPIKE marching band and mascot, Pikey the Bear.
• Expanded Athletic Complex: The campaign also includes plans for a new baseball field, a softball field, and an archery range, supporting the university's growing athletic offerings.
• Recruiting Advantage: A facility upgrade of this magnitude immediately puts UPIKE on the map for top-tier high school talent, allowing the Bears to compete with larger NAIA and even NCAA Division II programs for recruits. This investment is crucial for the long-term success of the program.

2. The 2024 Postseason Upset and Rising AAC Dominance

The 2024 season marked a pivotal moment for the UPIKE Bears. Finishing the season with a 6-5 record, the team’s late-season surge saw them win six of their last seven games, culminating in a historic victory in the postseason.

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This win was not just a program milestone; it was a conference one, as it represented the first-ever football postseason victory for any team in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). This accomplishment instantly boosted the program's reputation and established the Bears as a major contender within the conference, which they joined in 2022. The 2024 season record, which included a 4-2 conference finish, demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level of the AAC.

The 2025 Schedule: Renewing Rivalries

The recently released 2025 schedule promises an exciting slate of games that will test the Bears’ newfound dominance. Key matchups include familiar foes from their days in the Mid-South Conference, such as Georgetown College and Campbellsville. These rivalry games are crucial for maintaining momentum and proving that the 2024 success was a sign of a permanent shift in the program's trajectory.

3. Key Players and Standouts to Watch in 2025

A strong program is built on elite talent, and the University of Pikeville is loaded with playmakers who have earned significant accolades. The team's success is a direct result of strong individual performances, particularly from players who have earned All-Conference and All-American honors.

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2024 NAIA & AAC Standouts

The 2024 season saw quarterback Lee Kirkland earn NAIA Second Team All-American honors, in addition to being named the AAC Offensive Player of the Year. Kirkland’s leadership was central to the team's late-season success and historic postseason run.

Top Players for the 2025 Season

The Bears return a deep roster of talent, with multiple players earning recognition on the All-AAC and Kentucky Collegiate All-Commonwealth Teams for the 2025 season. These players form the core of the team's topical authority and competitive strength:

• Xavier Malone (QB): A key signal-caller who has earned both All-AAC and All-Commonwealth honors, sharing the quarterback duties and providing a dynamic offensive threat.
• Brandon Newton (WR/TE): A major receiving threat who has been named to both the All-AAC and All-Commonwealth Teams, known for connecting with his quarterbacks for crucial touchdowns.
• Jordan Williams (LB/DL): A defensive stalwart who has earned both All-AAC and All-Commonwealth recognition, anchoring the Bears’ defense.
• Amon Williams (DB): A top performer in the defensive backfield, recognized for his All-AAC play.
• Other Noteworthy Entities: The roster depth extends to players like Grant Scott, Najmir Bellegarde, Levi Evans, Alex Hatton, Brett Coleman, and Micah Lee, all of whom have received recent accolades, ensuring the Bears have talent across all three phases of the game.

4. The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Landscape

UPIKE football competes in the highly competitive NAIA, specifically as a key member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). This conference affiliation is a crucial element of the team's identity and competitive schedule.

The Bears' move to the AAC has provided a fresh set of regional rivalries and a clear path to the NAIA playoffs. The historic postseason victory in 2024 solidified their position as a leading program in the league. The conference is known for its strong emphasis on student-athlete development, and UPIKE's success helps to raise the overall profile of the AAC in the national college football landscape.

5. A Culture of Excellence and Future Outlook

Under the leadership of Corey Fipps, the University of Pikeville football program has established a culture focused on continuous improvement and high expectations. The team utilizes the Bob Amos Complex for practice, a facility that supports their rigorous training schedule. The combination of a top-tier coaching staff, including Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Chris Elliott, and a deep roster of talent is the perfect recipe for sustained success.

With the $50 million facilities campaign promising a new stadium, a deep pool of experienced and decorated players, and the momentum from a historic postseason win, the UPIKE Bears are poised for a breakout era. The 2025 season is not just another year on the schedule; it is the beginning of a new chapter for the University of Pikeville football program, one that is built on ambition, investment, and a proven ability to win when it matters most.