UCA’s Nathan Brown Details Offensive Identity, Staff, Depth

CONWAY, Ark. – Central Arkansas coach Nathan Brown is back in the play-calling role in 2025, aiming to guide the Bears’ offense with a mix of conviction and collaboration.

Brown, who credited his assistants for shaping the team’s offensive identity, emphasized the importance of balance and adaptability as the program prepares for a new season.

“I couldn’t do what I’m able to do with the offense and call plays, without a great staff,” Brown said.

Brown highlighted his staff’s experience. Offensive line coach Gunnar Boykin acts as “a security blanket,” and is “one of the best O-line coaches at this level of football.”

Wide receivers coach Jake Walker, who also serves as pass game coordinator, is praised for organization, consistency, and handling diverse personalities. Will Kennedy, the running backs coach, brings experience from Arkansas, and quarterback coach Chase Fourcade is recognized for his ability to develop his position group.

Veteran tight ends coach Brooks Hollingsworth, returning for his fourth or fifth stint at UCA, is valued for his knowledge and steadying presence.

Brown said he wants a balanced offense, but not necessarily an even split between run and pass.

“I’ve won a lot of games here where we’ve ran the ball 60 times and thrown it 30. I’ve had to win games where you had to throw it 50 times. So it’s really what the defense dictates,” he said. “The defense is the dictator of offensive scheme.”

Fans can expect an offense that is “very simple and fast to learn, but give[s] the illusion of complexity, whether that’s through tempo, motions and shifts, or alignments.”

Brown stressed the importance of ball security. “The football is the program. If we give the football to the other team, we’re lessening our chances of winning the game.”

The offensive line is expected to be a strength. Two preseason all-conference guards return, both with over 30 career starts and NFL potential. Brown also mentioned transfer tackles from UTSA and Rice, and a returning starter described as “the biggest kid I’ve ever coached” at 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds.

Tight end depth is a highlight. Two players are considered among the most talented in recent years, and a freshman has shown physical readiness to play immediately.

At running back, a returning player is expected to be the lead rusher.

“He’s waited for this time. He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s physical. If he stays healthy and consistent, he’s an easy thousand-plus yard rusher,” Brown said.

Transfers from Oklahoma and Southern Miss add speed, while other backs provide power options.

Brown said the wide receiver group could be the deepest he’s had, with top-end talent and seven or eight players with “quality upside and talent.” Individual receivers were praised for their roles and potential.

The quarterback battle remains open.

“The million-dollar question right now is the quarterback position,” Brown said. “We’ve got three guys that could go out right now and be our starting quarterback, and a fourth that probably could as a young freshman.”

A veteran was described as “one of the better quarterbacks I’ve coached, the way he navigates the pocket,” while another offers untapped potential.

Brown said the team’s success will rely on staff, depth, and protecting the football.

“We’re going to put together the best offense we can with the personnel we have. That’s the fun part — the opportunity to be creative and create something that’s unique,” he said.

Brown’s message is direct.

“The football is the program. Protect the football, and we give ourselves a chance to win every time.”