Coastal Carolina Football Concludes Season with Bowl Defeat

Shreveport, Louisiana, January 1, 2026

Coastal Carolina Football ended its season with a 23-14 loss to Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. The Chanticleers started strong, leading at halftime, but fell short in the second half. Despite notable performances from key players like quarterback Tad Hudson and defensive standout Se’Von McDowell, the inability to maintain momentum proved costly. This game symbolizes the competitive nature of collegiate athletics and underscores the challenges faced throughout Coastal Carolina’s season.

Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina Football concluded its 2025 season with a 23-14 defeat against Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 30th in Shreveport, Louisiana. Despite a strong initial showing, leading 14-3 at halftime, the Chanticleers were unable to maintain their momentum in the second half, underscoring the demanding nature of top-tier collegiate competition. This outcome marks a challenging end to a season characterized by moments of significant effort and the pursuit of athletic excellence.

The Independence Bowl clash, held before a crowd of 30,298, saw Coastal Carolina’s offense, led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Tad Hudson, find success early, with two lengthy touchdown drives in the first half. However, a determined Louisiana Tech squad mounted a formidable comeback, scoring 20 unanswered points and ultimately securing the victory. This game, like every contest in the competitive landscape of college football in Myrtle Beach and across the state, highlights the unwavering dedication of student-athletes and the pivotal role of strategic execution.

Chanticleers’ First-Half Surge Meets Bulldogs’ Second-Half Drive

Coastal Carolina began the Independence Bowl with a clear offensive rhythm, as Tad Hudson connected for a 20-yard touchdown pass to freshman running back Dominic Knicely and a 15-yard touchdown to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Robby Washington, establishing a 14-3 lead by halftime. The Chanticleers’ defense also played a critical role in the first half, forcing four takeaways, including three deep in Louisiana Tech territory, keeping the team in a commanding position. Hudson finished the game with 311 passing yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Bryson Graves was a key target, hauling in six receptions for 99 yards. On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Se’Von McDowell recorded nine tackles and a tackle for loss, while redshirt junior Tray Brown contributed eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Louisiana Tech’s resurgence was sparked by an interception by Jordan McRae, which quickly led to a 52-yard touchdown pass from Trey Kukuk to Marlion Jackson. The Bulldogs then capitalized on strong field position, with Andrew Burnette scoring a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a clinching 35-yard field goal from Kaegen Kent in the final minute. Coastal Carolina’s offense struggled to respond, managing only 17 yards in the fourth quarter and committing two crucial interceptions. Trey Kukuk, Louisiana Tech’s quarterback, was named Offensive Player of the Game, accumulating 121 rushing yards and 114 passing yards with one touchdown. This dynamic illustrates how swiftly the tide can turn in high-stakes competition, requiring constant adaptation and resilience.

Season Overview and Program Resilience

The Independence Bowl loss brought Coastal Carolina’s final season record to 6-7. This reflects a challenging yet developing season for the Chanticleers, who also faced tough matchups throughout the year. Notable contests included a 45-40 loss at Georgia Southern in November 2025 and a 51-7 defeat against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in November 2025, where Coastal’s lone score came from a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Early in the season, the Chanticleers experienced a 48-7 loss to Virginia and a 38-0 shutout against East Carolina, alongside a win against Charleston Southern. These experiences, though at times arduous, serve as valuable lessons, fostering personal perseverance and team cohesion that are fundamental to future success. Each game provides an opportunity for growth, a testament to the character forged in competition.

Economic Engines: Athletics Fueling the Grand Strand

Beyond the gridiron, Coastal Carolina University’s athletic programs significantly contribute to the economic vitality of the Grand Strand region and the broader state of South Carolina. Last year, the university generated an economic impact of $565.8 million on South Carolina. This substantial financial footprint stems from various activities, including student and visitor spending, employment generation, and direct institutional expenditures. Major athletic events, such as bowl games and regular-season contests, draw visitors to Myrtle Beach, SC, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Sports tourism plays a crucial role in the area’s economy, as demonstrated by the region’s efforts to host various collegiate athletic events.

University leadership recognizes the potential of leveraging the Myrtle Beach area’s tourism economy to generate revenue and support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. This strategic approach highlights a commitment to responsible growth, integrating athletic success with regional economic prosperity. The continued success and visibility of college football in Myrtle Beach and other university sports directly translate into increased tourism and local spending, benefiting the entire community.

Fostering Talent and Community Engagement

Coastal Carolina University actively invests in the holistic development of its student-athletes through various programs. The “Teal Impact” initiative, launched in early 2025, is a comprehensive student-athlete development and engagement program. This program focuses on five core pillars: Career Development, Community Engagement, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Advocacy. Through intentional programming and individualized support, Teal Impact aims to equip student-athletes for success beyond their athletic careers, shaping them into leaders and engaged citizens.

The university also fosters community involvement through its “Chants in the Community” program, where student-athletes, coaches, and administrators participate in local service activities. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to self-reliance and community strength, ensuring that athletic endeavors are integrated with broader societal contributions. Such programs are vital for instilling values that extend far beyond athletic competition.

Private Initiative and Strategic Partnerships Drive Growth

The sustained success and growth of Coastal Carolina athletics are further bolstered by robust private initiatives and strategic partnerships. The “Coastal Sports Collective” plays a vital role in enhancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. This collective, supported by “Teal Nation” supporters, aims to strengthen the university’s competitive ability and substantially grow the economic impact of the area. In early 2024, Coastal Carolina University teamed with Altius Sports Partners to enhance its NIL operations, including the placement of an in-house NIL general manager, a pioneering move within the Sun Belt Conference. This demonstrates a proactive approach to navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, emphasizing entrepreneurship and initiative for student-athletes.

Furthermore, the university recently renewed its long-term sponsorship agreement with TD Bank Group, extending through April 2043. This partnership, which began in 2013, supports athletics scholarships and led to the creation of the TD Bank Sports Complex. Such private sector commitments are crucial for sustaining and enhancing athletic programs. Significant private donations, such as a landmark contribution by Pete Fitzpatrick in April 2025, have also redefined the future of CCU baseball and softball, providing unlimited scholarship funding and planned facility improvements. These investments highlight the value of competition and the power of private support in driving athletic excellence and growth, benefiting not only the student-athletes but also the overall university and community.

A Call to Action for Teal Nation

As Coastal Carolina University navigates the dynamic environment of college athletics, the role of community support and private initiative remains paramount. The performance of teams like Coastal Carolina football, while showcasing the spirit of competition, is intrinsically linked to the broader health and engagement of the surrounding area. Continued investment in student-athlete development, strategic partnerships, and community programs are vital for fostering responsible growth and personal perseverance.

We encourage all members of Teal Nation and the broader Myrtle Beach community to stay engaged and support student athletics through attending games, contributing to initiatives like the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation, and exploring opportunities with the Coastal Sports Collective. Your participation directly fuels the success of our Chanticleers, strengthens our community, and helps ensure Coastal Carolina University continues to be a driving force for athletic and economic prosperity in South Carolina.

FAQ Section

Q: What was the final score of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl?
A: Coastal Carolina fell to Louisiana Tech 23-14 in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Q: When and where was the Independence Bowl played?
A: The game was played on December 30, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Q: Which Coastal Carolina players scored touchdowns in the Independence Bowl?
A: Quarterback Tad Hudson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Knicely and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Robby Washington.

Q: What was Coastal Carolina’s record at the end of the 2025 football season?
A: Coastal Carolina concluded the season with a 6-7 record.

Q: What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
A: Last year, Coastal Carolina University generated an economic impact of $565.8 million on South Carolina.

Q: What is the “Teal Impact” program?
A: “Teal Impact” is Coastal Carolina University’s holistic student-athlete development and engagement program, focusing on career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy.

Q: How is Coastal Carolina University supporting Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for its student-athletes?
A: Coastal Carolina University has partnered with Altius Sports Partners to enhance NIL operations, including an in-house NIL general manager, and utilizes the “Coastal Sports Collective” to create NIL opportunities.

Q: Has Coastal Carolina University renewed any major sponsorships recently?
A: Yes, Coastal Carolina University Athletics renewed a long-term sponsorship agreement with TD Bank Group, extending through April 2043.

FAQ Schema

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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.