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I remember the first time I drove through Buies Creek, North Carolina, and saw Campbell University's stadium lights cutting through the humid evening air. There was something quietly remarkable happening here, something most college football fans outside the Big South Conference would never notice. Having followed college football programs across divisions for over a decade, I've developed a sixth sense for programs with that special spark—and Campbell Football has it in spades. Most people would be surprised to learn this relatively young FCS program has been quietly building something special, and today I want to share five surprising facts that explain why this program deserves your attention.
When people think of college football in North Carolina, their minds typically jump to the ACC powerhouses or historic black college programs. Campbell Football only began its modern era in 2008, which makes what they've accomplished in just over a decade genuinely impressive. The Camels have rapidly evolved from a fledgling program to a legitimate contender in the Big South Conference. What's particularly striking is their home attendance numbers—they've consistently drawn crowds of 5,000-7,000 fans to Barker-Lane Stadium, remarkable figures for a program that didn't exist fifteen years ago. I've attended games at power-five conference stadiums that felt less energetic than some Campbell home games I've witnessed, proving that passion isn't solely determined by division classification or television contracts.
The program's growth trajectory took a significant leap forward when Mike Minter took over as head coach in 2013. Having played nine seasons in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, Minter brought professional-level expectations to Buies Creek. Under his leadership, the Camels achieved their first winning season in 2017, finishing 6-5, and then remarkably posted back-to-back winning seasons in 2018 and 2019. This consistency is uncommon for programs of Campbell's age and resources. I've always believed that coaching continuity is one of the most underrated factors in program building, and Campbell's decision to stick with Minter through the early growing pains has paid tremendous dividends. His NFL experience resonates with recruits who dream of playing at the next level, and it shows in the quality of athletes Campbell has been able to attract recently.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Campbell Football is its knack for developing NFL-caliber talent. In 2020, offensive lineman Zach Hennigan signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the first Camel to ink an NFL contract since the program's revival. Then in 2023, the program reached new heights when tight end Michael Wooten signed with the New England Patriots. Developing NFL talent is challenging for any FCS program, but for one as young as Campbell's, it's extraordinary. I've followed the draft journeys of players from various FCS schools, and Campbell's ability to place players in NFL camps suggests their strength and conditioning program punches well above its weight class. This development pipeline has become a powerful recruiting tool that continues to elevate the program's profile.
The 2022 season brought what I consider Campbell's most impressive achievement to date—their first-ever victory over an FBS opponent. Traveling to Huntington, West Carolina, the Camels defeated Marshall University 26-24 in a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world. Marshall had gone 7-6 the previous season and was favored by multiple touchdowns. I've watched countless FCS-over-FBS upsets over the years, but there was something particularly special about this one. Campbell didn't win with flukes or lucky breaks—they outplayed Marshall for four quarters, amassing 460 total yards of offense while holding the Thundering Herd to just 95 rushing yards. This wasn't a case of a top-tier FCS program beating a struggling FBS team either—Marshall would finish the season with nine wins, making Campbell's victory all the more remarkable.
Which brings me to quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, who perfectly embodies the program's rising trajectory. Williams has been nothing short of spectacular for the Camels, putting up video game numbers that would turn heads at any level of college football. During the 2021 season, he completed an incredible 71.2% of his passes while throwing for 2,376 yards and 18 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. But what makes Williams particularly special is his dual-threat capability—he also rushed for 542 yards and 10 touchdowns that same season. Having watched him play multiple times, I can confidently say he possesses that rare combination of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership that separates good quarterbacks from program-changing ones.
The future looks increasingly bright, especially with players like running back Bryant Brownlee entering the picture. I was particularly struck by Brownlee's comment during preseason camp: "I don't want to jinx myself, but I kind of got a good feel for it now." That quote perfectly captures the quiet confidence brewing within this program. Players aren't just hoping to compete anymore—they're developing that swagger that comes with knowing you belong on the field with anyone. Brownlee's sentiment reflects a program-wide mentality shift that's been years in the making. From my perspective, this psychological evolution is just as important as any physical facility upgrade or recruiting class ranking.
Looking at Campbell Football's journey holistically, what stands out to me isn't any single victory or individual achievement, but rather the remarkable consistency of their upward trajectory. They've methodically checked every box you'd want to see from a rising program: establishing a stable coaching foundation, developing professional talent, achieving milestone victories, and cultivating a winning culture. The Camels have increased their win total in four of the last six seasons, and I suspect we haven't seen their ceiling yet. While they may not yet be household names nationally, within college football circles, Campbell has become a program that commands respect—the kind of team that shows up on your schedule and immediately makes you nervous. For true fans of the game who appreciate program building and underdog stories, keeping an eye on Campbell Football isn't just recommended—it's essential.