The 2025-2026 Gardner-Webb Basketball Crisis: 5 Shocking Takeaways From The Runnin' Bulldogs' Slow Start
The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs basketball program is currently navigating a challenging start to the 2025-2026 season, with the men's team facing a particularly difficult stretch in non-conference play. As of December 2025, the men's squad is working to find its first win, while the women's team is focused on building momentum before the Big South Conference schedule begins. The program's narrative this year is one of resilience and development under both head coaches, Jeremy Luther and Terri Williams, as they look to recapture the magic of their recent NCAA Tournament history.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the state of Gardner-Webb basketball, detailing the current team statistics, key players, and the historical context that defines the program's identity in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. From the Paul Porter Arena to the Big South battlegrounds, here is everything you need to know about the Runnin' Bulldogs' campaign.
Program Profile: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs Basketball History & Leadership
The Gardner-Webb University basketball program, competing in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference, has a history marked by a significant underdog moment that captured national attention.
- University Location: Boiling Springs, North Carolina
- Conference Affiliation: Big South Conference (since 2008)
- Home Arena: Paul Porter Arena
- Men's Head Coach: Jeremy Luther (Second Year)
- Women's Head Coach: Terri Williams
- Men's Program's Greatest Achievement: 2019 NCAA Tournament Appearance
- NCAA Tournament History: 1 Appearance (2019)
The men's team secured its first-ever NCAA Tournament bid in 2019 after winning the Big South Tournament Championship, a monumental achievement for the program. This historic run solidified the Runnin' Bulldogs' reputation as a resilient contender capable of upsets.
The men's coaching staff for the 2025-2026 season includes Head Coach Jeremy Luther, Associate Head Coach Jake DeLaney, and Assistant Coaches Adam Sweeney and Christian Turner.
The Men’s Team: Analyzing the 0-11 Start in 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 season has been a challenging opener for the men's Runnin' Bulldogs, who are currently sitting at a difficult 0-11 record in the early non-conference schedule. Under second-year Head Coach Jeremy Luther, the team has faced a rigorous slate, including a season-opening matchup at Minnesota.
The primary struggle for the squad has been consistent offensive production and defensive efficiency. The team is averaging 68.4 points per game (PS/G) while allowing a high 91.7 points per game (PA/G) to opponents, highlighting a significant scoring margin deficit.
Key offensive metrics reveal the team's struggles: their field goal percentage is currently just 39.1%, placing them near the bottom of all Division I teams.
Key Men's Players and Statistical Leaders (2025-2026)
Despite the win-loss record, several players have emerged as statistical leaders, providing a foundation for future improvement as the team heads into Big South play in January against teams like Winthrop and High Point.
- Jacob Hudson: The leading scorer, averaging 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Hudson’s performance is critical to the team’s offensive output.
- Jacob Hogarth: A strong presence on the glass, Hogarth is averaging 9.6 points and a team-leading 7.2 rebounds per game. His rebounding will be vital for controlling pace and possession.
- Darryl Simmons II: A sophomore guard who was a top performer in the previous season, Simmons II remains a key component of the backcourt, known for his electrifying play.
The team’s ability to convert scoring opportunities and tighten up the defense will determine its fate once the Big South Conference schedule is in full swing.
The Women’s Team: Building Momentum Before Conference Play
The Gardner-Webb women's basketball team, led by Head Coach Terri Williams, is also navigating a challenging non-conference schedule, but with a slightly better record than their male counterparts. The women's team has announced a 29-game schedule for the 2025-2026 campaign.
Recent results in December 2025 show the team fighting hard, including a 53-63 loss to App State and a 47-58 loss to Queens. However, the team has secured a few wins, putting their early-season record at 3-9 as they prepare for the Big South schedule.
Women's Team Standouts and Recent Performance
The women's squad has shown flashes of offensive potential, with multiple players capable of scoring in double figures.
- Makayla Legette: Legette has been a consistent presence, featuring prominently in recent box scores.
- Amina Gray: Gray is another key player whose contribution is essential for the team's success in the backcourt.
The Runnin' Bulldogs secured their biggest win of the season in a recent home game inside Paul Porter Arena, demonstrating their capability to perform strongly on their home court. The focus remains on fine-tuning their strategy before the high-stakes conference matchups begin.
5 Shocking Takeaways from the 2025-2026 Gardner-Webb Season
The current season has provided several surprising and compelling storylines for the Runnin' Bulldogs:
- The Men’s Historically Bad Start: The 0-11 start is a shocking development, especially for a program that tasted March Madness just a few years ago. It signals a significant rebuilding phase for Coach Luther.
- Defensive Struggles: Giving up an average of over 90 points per game is a major concern that must be addressed immediately to compete in the Big South.
- The 2019 NCAA Tournament Legacy: Despite the current struggles, the memory of the 2019 Big South Championship and the NCAA Tournament appearance remains a powerful symbol of the program's potential. This history provides a benchmark for the current team.
- New Promotional Focus: Gardner-Webb Athletics has introduced new promotional plans, including a "Business For Basketball Program," indicating a strong institutional commitment to growing the fan base and local community engagement despite the on-court results.
- The Need for Offensive Efficiency: The men's team's low field goal percentage (39.1%) suggests that shot selection and offensive execution will be the primary focus for improvement in the second half of the season.
As the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs transition from their non-conference challenges to the heart of the Big South schedule, the focus will shift entirely to conference wins. For both the men's and women's teams, the goal remains the same: secure a high seed for the Big South Tournament and earn another shot at the NCAA Tournament glory.
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