WKU defensive coordinator Davis Merritt brings back same style of ball for 2026

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU football sees plenty of new faces on the roster and on the coaching staff this upcoming season, but one name that remains familiar is coach Davis Merritt, who is back for year four with the Hilltoppers.

He was promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the 2025 season, but this year, he’ll serve as the team’s sole defensive coordinator.

Last year, Merritt helped create a unit that finished second in Conference USA in scoring defense and second in third-down defense, but it was their red-zone work that turned heads.

WKU allowed opponents to score touchdowns just 34.7% of the time once reaching the red zone.

That mark ranked the Tops at No. 3. nationally.

Fans can expect Merritt to foster that same kind of defense this fall.

“Same philosophy: Play fast, physical and together. Some of the other coaches talk about what these guys can do best, but our style of play better show up. Guys running with their hair on fire with the football, being physical and just getting guys off the field, ” Merritt said. “That’s the name of the game, and then the scheme will take care of itself, but your brand of ball better show up on tape.”

What better way to showcase Western’s brand of ball then when it takes on two power-four opponents within the first month of the season.

After opening 2026 at Nevada on September 5th, the Tops will take on Georgia and Indiana, the defending national champions, in the following weeks.

This team feels that its a huge opportunity to be able to show the nation who Western Kentucky is.

“It’s  like a blessing getting to play those big, top caliber teams,” safety Dave Herard said. “Being able to showcase your talent and, you know, it’s going be on TV, so obviously that is going to be a lot of people watching.”

“To piggyback what (Herard) said, (head coach Tyson Helton) always says those are good opportunities for us,” safety Jaylen Lewis said. “WKU has always been playing big time teams. Previous year, we played Alabama. Last year, we played LSU. This is just another stepping stone to add for the Tops. That’s all it is.”