ULM Defensive Coordinator Earnest Hill has been instrumental in the turnaround of the ULM football program. Through 10 games, Hill's defense has allowed 27.4 points per game, which is over a seven-point improvement from the 2023 season. The Warhawks began the season with a 5-1 record for the first time since 1987, and ULM allowed an impressive 13.8 points per game in victories during that stretch with ULM not surrendering a touchdown in two of those games. Hill has coached junior safety Wydett Williams Jr., who has made three interceptions this season to rank sixth in the SBC and 29th in the country and has made 8.6 tackles per game, which is fourth in the league. Williams Jr. was named SBC Defensive Player of the Week after the team's win over Jackson State week one. ULM junior edge rusher Billy Pullen ranks seventh in the Sun Belt with 0.5 sacks per game. Additionally, two Warhawks, Williams Jr. and Travor Randle, have recovered two fumbles each this season to lead the SBC. The Warhawks rank first in the SBC and fourth in the nation in 4th down conversion percentage defense (.294) and third in the conference and 17th in the country with two defensive touchdowns.
