Cowboys Build Early-Season Identity Through Team Chemistry By: Aniekeme Andy

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) football has opened the 2026 season with a 2-0 record after defeating Chapman 44-24 on Sept. 5 and No. 12 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 28-20 on Sept. 12. After two games, Cowboys players have emphasized team chemistry and consistency as important parts of its early success.

“I would describe the team's performance as dominant and to the standard,” Shawn Kazouh, a sophomore business major from Fort Worth and safety No. 25, said.

The Cowboys opened the season with 450 total yards against Chapman before traveling to Wisconsin for a matchup against the nationally ranked Eagles. HSU earned 474 total yards in the 28-20 victory, including 218 rushing yards. The Cowboys also overcame three lost fumbles in the game to remain undefeated. 

“I think the team has really done a great job of enhancing the family and just becoming really close as a football team and really focusing on what we can do best off the field as much as we focus on what we can do best on the field,” Kazouh said.

The trip to Wisconsin gave Kazouh a moment that demonstrated the team’s ability to come together. The Cowboys entered the game against UW-La Crosse ranked No. 14 nationally, while the Eagles were ranked No. 12. HSU left La Crosse with a 28-20 victory. 

“Week two when we went to Wisconsin to face La Crosse I saw a group of guys with one goal in common and it was to take care of business and it was just awesome to see everyone locked in on one goal,” Kazouh said. “Coach ”B” (Jesse Burleson) talks about being vertically aligned and we were exactly that on that trip.”

Zavyn Jenkins, a sophomore business major from Fort Worth and cornerback No. 21, said the Cowboys have continued to improve throughout the opening weeks of the season.

“I would say our team has been doing pretty good so far. We have had some good games and some things that we still need to work on,” Jenkins said. “I feel like we are getting better every week and learning from our mistakes. The biggest thing is that we are staying together and continuing to compete.”

Jenkins said consistency is one area the Cowboys need to continue developing as the season progresses.

“I think we need to improve on consistency,” Jenkins said. “We have shown that we can play at a high level, but we also have to bring that same energy and focus to every game. If we can stay consistent and limit our mistakes, I think we can put ourselves in a better position.”

For Kazouh, the relationships within the team have helped establish an identity that extends beyond the field.

“The relationships, when you walk into the locker room it just feels like you’re in a room with all your best friends and the closest teams wins championships,” Kazouh said.

Jenkins said that closeness is reflected in the work the Cowboys put in when there is no audience.

“I would say the work we put in during practice when nobody outside the team is watching,” Jenkins said. “There are days when we are tired or things are not going our way, but we still push each other to finish the work. Those moments show how much we really care about getting better.”