Hawkins scores 3 times to lead North Texas to 36-22 win over South Alabama and a 5-0 start

DENTON, Texas (AP) — Caleb Hawkins’ third touchdown of the game ensured North Texas’ 36-22 win over South Alabama on Saturday.

The Mean Green are 5-0 on the field for the first time since 1959. That’s not including 1977 when North Texas began 5-0 but only after a season-opening loss to Mississippi State was later forfeited by the Bulldogs.

Hawkins had 140 yards rushing on 16 carries with two scores and 78 yards receiving with a touchdown.

Hawkins has seven touchdowns in two weeks after scoring four times in a 45-38 overtime win over Army last week.

His final score was a 27-yard run with two minutes remaining during which he broke multiple tackles. That came after the Jaguars (1-4) closed to within six when Kentrel Bullock scored on a 2-yard run to cap an 10-play, 87-yard drive with 6:11 remaining.

Hawkins scored on a 6-yard run to give North Texas a 14-7 halftime lead then took a screen pass 68 yards early in the third quarter for a score.

Drew Mestemaker was 14-of-26 passing for 234 yards and a score for the Mean Green and also ran for a touchdown. Miles Coleman also ran for a TD.

Bishop Davenport was 17-of-34 passing for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Jaguars. He also ran for a score. Devin Voisin had 97 yards receiving on five catches and Rod Gibbs also had a TD catch for South Alabama, which has lost four straight.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up