SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team had a historic Fall 2021 season. From being named the Southland Conference Champions to making it to the NCAA FCS Second Round, the Cardinals continued to rewrite the record book. In its final season in the Southland Conference, UIW had the winningest record in program history, ending the year 10-3 while staying undefeated at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium with a 6-0 home record.
 
The Cardinals enjoyed statement victories during the Fall 2021 season, winning their first game against a FBS opponent in program history when they defeated Texas State, 42-34, on Sept. 18. The program also had the highest-ranked win in its history with a victory over then-No. 6 Southeastern Louisiana (55-52) on Nov. 6. On Nov. 27, UIW celebrated an overtime victory against No. 20 Stephen F. Austin for its first FCS playoff win in program history.
 
Quarterback Cameron Ward received Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors following a recorded-breaking season. Ward broke the UIW program records for most career passing touchdowns (now at 71) and career passing yards (now with 6,908) against Sam Houston State University on Dec. 4. The sophomore also set single-game records for most passing touchdowns with seven and most passing yards with 610 against Southeastern Louisiana. Ward was named Week 10 FCS National Player of the Week and Week 13 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Week. He is also a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.
 
Wide receiver Taylor Grimes was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year following a historic first season as a Cardinal. Grimes broke UIW program records for most receiving touchdowns in a single game with four against Nicholls, most receiving yards in a game with 193 against Southeastern Louisiana, and most receptions in a game with 12, also against the Lions. Grimes also set the single-season records for most receiving yards and most pass reception touchdowns, finishing the season with 1,145 receiving yards and 15 TDs.
 
Linebacker Kelechi Anyalebechi was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week twice this season. He registered the most tackles in a single season in UIW program history, ending the year with 130. Anyalebechi earned a spot as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for his record-breaking season.
 
Wide Receiver Robert Ferrel broke the UIW program record for most passes caught in a single game against Stephen F. Austin. Ward connected with Ferrel 14 times against the Lumberjacks, topping the 2019 record of 11 catches in a contest. For his work as a punt returner on special teams, Ferrell was selected to the All-SLC first team. He was also chosen second-team All-SLC on the offensive side of the ball.
 
In his final season as UIW football's head coach, Eric Morris was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year, his second such honor. Morris took over a football program that was 1-10 in 2017. Over the last four years, UIW has won two Southland Conference championships (2018, Fall 2021) and has earned a trip to the FCS playoffs twice. Morris leaves UIW holding the program record for most wins while having two undefeated seasons at Benson Stadium.
 
UIW is conducting a national search for a new head football coach. Media inquiries can be made through UIW's Media and Public Relations Manager Michael Valdes at Michael.valdes@uiwtx.edu or Athletic Communications Coordinator Dominique Ramos at ddramos@uiwtx.edu.