A strong comeback performance from senior quarterback Maverick McIvor sparked a 27-16 WKU Football win over Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl.

With freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. struggling in the first half, McIvor returned under center for the first time since the Hilltoppers faced FIU on Oct. 14. McIvor totaled 199 yards passing and added 48 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. 

Tisdale Jr. threw for just 65 yards and an interception before exiting the game. The Hilltopper offense combined for just 84 yards with Tisdale Jr. under center. 

After settling for two field goals in the first half, the Hilltopper offense made the most of their red zone opportunities, scoring touchdowns in both trips in the second half.

Freshman running back Marvis Parrish delivered the dagger, rushing for a 54-yard touchdown with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Parrish finished with seven carries for 65 yards on the ground. 

The Hilltopper defense regrouped following a poor performance against Jacksonville State, allowing just 16 points, the fourth time the defense allowed under 20 points in a game this season. 

The defense stood strong in the red zone, forcing two field goals in both trips from the Golden Eagles’ offense. After giving up 293 rushing yards against the Gamecocks, the Hilltoppers held the Golden Eagles to just 119 on the ground. 

Senior linebacker Jaylen Wester totaled 12 tackles, with seven solo tackles, and a sack in his final game as a Hilltopper. Senior linebacker Anthony Brackenridge concluded his Hilltopper career with an 11-tackle performance, with six solo tackles and a sack.

The win marks the fifth bowl win for the Hilltoppers in the Tyson Helton era, and the first since the Hilltoppers 38-35 win over Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl on Dec. 18, 2023.

The Hilltoppers conclude the 2025 season at 9-4, their fourth nine-win season in the Helton era, and first since the 2022 season.