Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

South Carolina State responded with a 21-17 victory in Orangeburg in 2018 before the series went dormant for seven seasons. The Bulldogs' 49-6 victory last October extended their current winning streak in the series to two games.
 

---

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
MILES (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) AT ALCORN STATE (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium — Lorman, Miss.
Weather: Lorman, Miss. Forecast
Watch: SWAC TV
Live Stats: Alcorn State Live Stats
Series: Alcorn State leads, 1-0 (Since 2017)
Last Meeting: Alcorn State 50, Miles 21 — Sept. 2, 2017, Lorman, Miss.

THE MATCHUP

Miles opens its 2026 season with a significant challenge Saturday night, traveling to Lorman to face Division I FCS opponent Alcorn State in the first meeting between the programs in nine years.

The Golden Bears enter the second season under head coach Chris Goode looking to rebound from a 3-8 campaign in 2025. Miles endured a difficult start, losing its first six games before showing considerable improvement down the stretch. The Golden Bears won three consecutive conference games against Lane, Clark Atlanta and Central State and finished the final five games of the season 3-2, with their two losses during that stretch coming by 10 points at Fort Valley State and one point against Tuskegee.

That late-season improvement is an important part of the outlook entering 2026. Miles was selected seventh in the SIAC preseason predicted order of finish, while senior defensive lineman Javontae Cooper earned Second Team Preseason All-SIAC recognition. Goode returns a team that gained valuable experience during a rebuilding season after the Golden Bears had to replace 20 of 22 starters from their 2024 SIAC championship team.

Alcorn State enters 2026 after finishing 5-7 overall in 2025 and was selected third in the SWAC West Division preseason poll. The Braves placed six players on the official Preseason All-SWAC Team, led by first-team selections Cameran Rogers, Eric Thomas Jr. and Demetrion Duvall. 
Saturday also begins a challenging opening stretch for both programs. Miles will play consecutive FCS opponents, traveling to Alabama A&M the following week, while Alcorn State follows the opener with road games against Southern Miss and North Alabama and a neutral-site SWAC matchup against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

For Miles, Saturday presents an opportunity to measure the progress made late last season against a Division I opponent. For Alcorn State, it provides a chance to establish momentum at home before embarking on a demanding early-season schedule.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MILES
DL Javontae Cooper — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Cooper is Miles' lone 2026 Preseason All-SIAC selection and returns as one of the anchors of the Golden Bears' defensive front. He recorded 33 tackles, including 16 solo stops, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in 11 games last season. His disruptive presence became particularly important as the Miles defense improved during the second half of the season.

Cooper also brings championship experience to a relatively young Miles roster, having been part of the Golden Bears' 2024 SIAC championship team before emerging as a defensive leader during the program's transition in 2025. 

ALCORN STATE
OL Cameran Rogers — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Rogers headlines Alcorn State's returning offensive front after earning First Team Preseason All-SWAC recognition. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman appeared on Alcorn's 2025 roster as a sophomore and enters 2026 as one of the Braves' highest-rated returning offensive players.

DL Eric Thomas Jr. — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Thomas returns as one of Alcorn State's most disruptive defenders after recording 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 12 games last season. He also registered four quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble. In addition to his official First Team Preseason All-SWAC selection, Thomas was named to the 2026 BOXTOROW HBCU Preseason All-America Team.

P Demetrion Duvall — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Duvall gives Alcorn State an experienced weapon in the field-position battle after earning First Team Preseason All-SWAC honors at punter. His selection gives the Braves preseason first-team representation in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams.

OL Abe Diallo — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Diallo joins Rogers among Alcorn State's preseason all-conference offensive linemen. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound returner gives the Braves another experienced piece up front as Alcorn looks to establish its ground game against the Golden Bears.

DL Kenneth Andrews — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Andrews gives Alcorn another preseason all-conference selection along the defensive front. Combined with Thomas, his presence creates an important early test for a Miles offense looking to build upon the progress it showed over the final five games of 2025.

DB Tayvion Haney — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Haney rounds out Alcorn State's six official preseason selections and gives the Braves returning all-conference-caliber experience in the secondary. His presence behind Thomas and Andrews provides Alcorn with preseason honorees at every level of its defense.

BY THE NUMBERS

3-8 — Miles' final record in 2025. The Golden Bears recovered from an 0-6 start to win three of their final five games. 
5-7 — Alcorn State's overall record last season. 
7th — Miles' position in the 2026 SIAC preseason predicted order of finish. 
3rd — Alcorn State's predicted finish in the 2026 SWAC West Division. 
6 — Alcorn State players selected to the official 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Team. 
1 — Miles player selected to the 2026 Preseason All-SIAC Team — defensive lineman Javontae Cooper. 
1-0 — Alcorn State's advantage in the documented series since 2017. 
50-21 — Final score of the programs' only documented meeting, played Sept. 2, 2017. 
614 — Total offensive yards produced by Alcorn State in the 2017 meeting, compared with 251 for Miles. 
314 — Alcorn State's rushing yards in the previous matchup. The Braves averaged 8.7 yards per carry and scored four rushing touchdowns. 
300 — Passing yards by Alcorn State against Miles in 2017. 
27-10 — Alcorn State's advantage in first downs in the previous meeting. 
3 — Fumbles lost by Miles in the 2017 game. Alcorn State lost one. 
2 — Interceptions recorded by Miles in the previous meeting, including a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown. 
10,751 — Attendance for the 2017 matchup at Spinks-Casem Stadium.

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Miles withstand Alcorn State's advantage at the line of scrimmage?

The trenches could provide the defining matchup Saturday night.

Miles enters 2026 with only one preseason all-conference selection, but that player — Javontae Cooper — is positioned directly in the middle of the battle the Golden Bears need to win. Cooper's ability to disrupt Alcorn State's ground game could be critical if Miles hopes to keep the game within reach.

The challenge is considerable. Alcorn State placed two offensive linemen on the official Preseason All-SWAC Team, including first-team selection Cameran Rogers and second-team selection Abe Diallo.

The historical matchup reinforces the importance of that battle.

When the programs met in 2017, Alcorn State overwhelmed Miles for 614 yards of offense, including 314 on the ground. Three different Braves rushed for at least 90 yards, led by De'Lance Turner's 131 yards. Quarterback Lenorris Footman added 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while P.J. Simmons produced 92 yards and a score.

Miles will also need to handle an Alcorn defensive front featuring preseason selections Thomas and Andrews. Thomas alone produced 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks last season.

But the Golden Bears have reason for optimism.

After an 0-6 start last season, Miles became a much more competitive football team down the stretch. The Golden Bears won three straight against Lane, Clark Atlanta and Central State and came within one point of Tuskegee in the season finale.

For Miles, staying out of obvious passing situations, protecting the football and preventing Alcorn from generating explosive rushing plays will be critical. The Golden Bears cannot afford to allow the type of quick-strike scores that turned the previous meeting into a 29-point defeat.

For Alcorn State, establishing its size and depth at the line of scrimmage while forcing Miles to play from behind could provide the formula for a successful season opener.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Alcorn State 50, Miles 21
September 2, 2017 — Spinks-Casem Stadium, Lorman, Miss.

Alcorn State used an explosive rushing attack and several big plays to defeat Miles, 50-21, before 10,751 fans.

The Braves established control early.

Quarterback Lenorris Footman scored on touchdown runs of 14 and six yards to give Alcorn State a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Miles immediately responded when Justin Hardy broke an 83-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

Alcorn added a 45-yard Corey McCullough field goal in the second quarter before Footman connected with De'Lance Turner for a 20-yard touchdown with four seconds remaining before halftime, giving the Braves a 24-7 advantage at the break.

Miles created a spark immediately after halftime.

N'Ktaviou Floyd intercepted Footman and returned the pass 42 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Alcorn advantage to 24-14 just 20 seconds into the third quarter.

But the momentum lasted only seconds.

On Alcorn State's next offensive snap, Turner broke an 88-yard touchdown run, restoring the Braves' 17-point advantage. Alcorn later added a field goal and a 72-yard punt-return touchdown by Marquis Warford, extending the lead to 40-14.

Miles scored once more when Li'Jon Cordier connected with Leonard Tyree for a 47-yard touchdown, but Alcorn answered again. P.J. Simmons broke a 64-yard touchdown run, and McCullough's third field goal produced the final 50-21 margin.

The final statistics illustrated Alcorn State's offensive dominance.

The Braves outgained Miles 614-251, finishing with 314 rushing yards and 300 passing yards. Alcorn averaged 8.5 yards per offensive play and accumulated 27 first downs compared with 10 for Miles.

Turner rushed nine times for 131 yards and a touchdown, Footman added 103 yards and two scores on 13 carries, and Simmons rushed for 92 yards and another touchdown. Footman also completed 22-of-29 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown.

Miles did create turnovers. The Golden Bears intercepted Footman twice, returning those picks for 61 yards and one touchdown, but Miles lost three fumbles of its own.

Hardy provided Miles' biggest offensive highlight, rushing 15 times for 111 yards and a touchdown, including his 83-yard first-quarter scoring run.
 

---

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
MOREHOUSE (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: War Memorial Stadium — Little Rock, Ark.
Game: Inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic
Weather: Little Rock, Ark. Forecast
Watch: SWAC TV
Live Stats: UAPB Live Stats
Series: Tied, 1-1 (Since 2017)
Last Meeting: Morehouse 34, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 30 — Sept. 1, 2018, Pine Bluff, Ark.

THE MATCHUP

Morehouse begins a new era Saturday night in Little Rock when the Maroon Tigers face Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic, renewing an SIAC-SWAC series that has been dormant for eight years.

The Maroon Tigers enter 2026 under first-year head coach Brad Sherrod after finishing 3-7 overall and 3-5 in SIAC play last season. Morehouse started 2025 with four consecutive losses before finding its footing in conference play, putting together a three-game winning streak over Tuskegee, Central State and Lane. The Maroon Tigers were competitive in several other contests, including a three-point loss at Edward Waters and a 48-45 season-ending shootout against Clark Atlanta.

Morehouse's strength in 2025 was its passing attack. The Maroon Tigers averaged 262.6 passing yards per game and finished with 2,626 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air. Overall, Morehouse generated 337.7 yards per game and averaged 22.7 points. The challenge was creating balance: the Maroon Tigers managed just 74.6 rushing yards per game and 2.8 yards per attempt.

Expectations have increased entering 2026. Morehouse placed a conference-high 10 players on the Preseason All-SIAC First and Second Teams, led by first-team defensive selections Zach Underwood and Sean Johnson. Quarterback Miles Scott and wide receiver Eric Stephens headline six preseason selections on offense.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff enters after finishing 4-8 overall and 2-6 in SWAC play in 2025. The Golden Lions demonstrated their potential with conference victories over Alcorn State and Southern and finished ninth in the SWAC in scoring at 24.0 points per game. UAPB's rushing attack produced 1,899 yards and 19 touchdowns, with running back Jaylen Jennings emerging as one of the conference's top offensive players.

UAPB placed five players on the 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Team, including first-team selections Jennings, wide receiver D'Avery Robinson and linebacker Danarius Hilliard. Offensive lineman Nick Carter and defensive tackle Marquis Cagle were selected to the second team.

Saturday therefore presents an immediate test for Sherrod's first Morehouse team against an FCS opponent with established playmakers on both sides of the football—and an opportunity for the Maroon Tigers to repeat one of their more memorable Division I victories.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MOREHOUSE
DL Zach Underwood — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Underwood returns as one of Morehouse's top defensive playmakers after recording 38 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025. He also forced three fumbles, giving the Maroon Tigers a disruptive presence along the defensive front against a UAPB offense that will look to establish its rushing attack behind Jennings.

LB Sean Johnson — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Johnson led Morehouse with 88 tackles, including 45 solo stops, while adding eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season. He also recorded an interception, forced a fumble and recovered five fumbles, making him one of the Maroon Tigers' most productive returning defenders.

QB Miles Scott — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Scott returns to lead a Morehouse passing attack that averaged 262.6 yards per game in 2025. He also contributed on the ground with three rushing touchdowns. His ability to direct the Maroon Tigers' passing game will be especially important against a UAPB defense that surrendered 33.3 points per game last season.

WR Eric Stephens — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Stephens gives Scott an established target in a Morehouse offense built heavily around the passing game. His return provides continuity for a unit that threw for 2,626 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

OL Christopher Allen — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Allen earned preseason recognition after helping anchor the Morehouse offensive front in 2025. His role becomes particularly important entering 2026 as the Maroon Tigers look to improve a rushing attack that averaged only 74.6 yards per game last season.

OL Theodis Collins — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Collins joins Allen among Morehouse's preseason offensive-line selections and gives the Maroon Tigers returning experience up front. Morehouse's ability to create greater offensive balance could begin with the veteran presence of Collins and Allen.

DL Luca Chuecos — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Chuecos recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025 while forcing two fumbles. Combined with Underwood, he gives Morehouse two returning defensive linemen who each recorded 4.5 sacks last season.

LB Stephen Rowser — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Rowser finished 2025 with 42 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks in nine games. He and Johnson provide Morehouse with experienced production at linebacker entering an opener against one of the SWAC's top returning running backs.

DB Joshua Maye — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Maye recorded 35 tackles, five tackles for loss and a half-sack in 10 games last season. His presence in the secondary will be important against a UAPB offense returning First Team Preseason All-SWAC receiver D'Avery Robinson.

P Seve Spruill — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Spruill gives Morehouse preseason all-conference representation on special teams and could play an important role in the field-position battle against an FCS opponent. His selection completes Morehouse's conference-high group of 10 Preseason All-SIAC honorees.

ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
RB Jaylen Jennings — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Jennings returns as one of the SWAC's premier offensive weapons after rushing for 939 yards and a conference-leading 11 touchdowns in 2025. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and surpassed 100 yards four times, highlighted by a 226-yard, four-touchdown performance against Lincoln (Calif.). Jennings also caught 12 passes for 157 yards and another touchdown.

WR D'Avery Robinson — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Robinson emerged as UAPB's leading receiver as a freshman, catching 46 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked seventh in the SWAC in both receptions and receiving yards and produced a season-high 95 yards with a touchdown against Florida A&M.

LB Danarius Hilliard — First Team Preseason All-SWAC
Hilliard returns as the centerpiece of the Golden Lions' defense after earning First Team All-SWAC and BOXTOROW First Team All-America honors. He recorded 90 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while leading the SWAC at 8.2 tackles per game. He also forced two fumbles and recovered another. 

OL Nick Carter — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Carter made an immediate impact as a true freshman, starting all 11 games at right tackle. He finished the season with an 89-percent blocking grade and allowed only two sacks, providing protection while helping UAPB produce one of the SWAC's more productive rushing attacks.

DT Marquis Cagle — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Cagle started nine games and recorded 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 2025. His ability to disrupt the interior could be particularly significant against a Morehouse offense looking to dramatically improve its rushing production.

BY THE NUMBERS

10 — Morehouse players selected to the 2026 Preseason All-SIAC Team, the most of any program in the conference. 
5 — Arkansas-Pine Bluff players selected to the 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Team. 
3-7 — Morehouse's record in 2025, including a 3-5 mark in SIAC play. 
4-8 — UAPB's 2025 record, including a 2-6 SWAC mark. 
262.6 — Passing yards per game produced by Morehouse last season. 
939 — Rushing yards by UAPB's Jaylen Jennings, who also led the SWAC with 11 rushing touchdowns. 
90 — Tackles recorded by UAPB linebacker Danarius Hilliard in 2025. 
88 — Tackles recorded by Morehouse linebacker Sean Johnson last season. 
1-1 — Series record between Morehouse and Arkansas-Pine Bluff since 2017. 
34-30 — Morehouse's victory in the most recent meeting in 2018. 
567 — Total offensive yards produced by Morehouse in the 2018 victory. UAPB finished with 579. 
305 — Rushing yards by Morehouse in the previous meeting. 
463 — Passing yards produced by Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 2018 matchup. 
159 — Rushing yards by Morehouse's Santo Dunn in the last meeting, including touchdown runs of 77 and 31 yards. 
244 — Receiving yards by UAPB's Josh Wilkes in the previous meeting, including two touchdowns. 
2 — UAPB fumbles lost in 2018. Morehouse did not commit a turnover.

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Morehouse establish the offensive balance it lacked in 2025?

That may be the most important question surrounding the Maroon Tigers entering the Brad Sherrod era.

Morehouse demonstrated that it could move the football through the air last season, averaging 262.6 passing yards per game, but the Maroon Tigers generated only 74.6 rushing yards per contest and averaged 2.8 yards per carry.

The pieces are in place for improvement. Scott returns at quarterback with Stephens among his targets, while Allen and Collins provide preseason all-conference experience along the offensive line.

But UAPB presents an immediate challenge.

Hilliard gives the Golden Lions one of the SWAC's most productive linebackers, while Cagle anchors the interior. The more significant matchup may come when UAPB has possession.

Jennings rushed for 939 yards and led the SWAC with 11 rushing touchdowns last season. Morehouse counters with a defensive front featuring Underwood and Chuecos and linebackers Johnson and Rowser. Those four combined for 28.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 2025. 
That creates a compelling strength-on-strength matchup.

Morehouse's defense allowed 134.0 rushing yards per game last season, considerably better than its own offensive rushing production. If the Maroon Tigers can prevent Jennings from controlling the game on early downs, they can force UAPB into situations where Underwood, Chuecos and the Morehouse pass rush become factors.

The turnover battle also deserves attention because of what happened the last time these teams met.

In 2018, UAPB actually outgained Morehouse 579-567 and threw for 463 yards. But the Golden Lions lost two fumbles while Morehouse played turnover-free football. The Maroon Tigers converted that advantage into a four-point victory.

For Morehouse, creating offensive balance, containing Jennings and avoiding turnovers could provide a path toward another FCS victory.

For Arkansas-Pine Bluff, establishing its ground game and forcing Morehouse into a one-dimensional passing attack would allow Hilliard and the Golden Lions' defense to dictate the matchup.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Morehouse 34, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 30
September 1, 2018 — Simmons Bank Field, Pine Bluff, Ark.

Morehouse used explosive plays, a dominant rushing performance and turnover-free football to earn a 34-30 road victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the programs' most recent meeting.

The Maroon Tigers struck first on Ronald Bradley's one-yard touchdown run late in the opening quarter. Morehouse extended the advantage to 14-0 early in the second when Tamarick Vanover Jr. caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Tremell Gooden.

UAPB responded with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Shannon Patrick to Josh Wilkes, but Morehouse answered with another explosive play when Michael Sims connected with Ryan Edwards for a 57-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-7.

Then came a frantic final 87 seconds of the first half.

UAPB's Taeyler Porter scored on a 29-yard run to make it 21-14. Just 21 seconds later, Morehouse's Santo Dunn broke a 77-yard touchdown run to restore the two-score advantage. The Golden Lions answered again when Patrick found Tyrin Ralph for a 12-yard touchdown with 26 seconds remaining, sending Morehouse into halftime ahead 28-20.

UAPB cut the deficit to 28-23 with a third-quarter field goal, but Dunn struck again early in the fourth, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run to give Morehouse a 34-23 advantage.

The Golden Lions made one final push.

Patrick connected with Wilkes for a 77-yard touchdown with 4:55 remaining, pulling UAPB within four at 34-30, but Morehouse protected the lead and secured the road victory.

The game featured an extraordinary 1,146 combined yards of total offense.

UAPB actually held a slight 579-567 advantage in total yardage, powered by 463 passing yards. Morehouse countered with 305 rushing yards and 262 passing yards, averaging 8.0 yards per offensive play.

Dunn was spectacular, carrying 14 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. Frank Bailey Jr. added 106 yards as Morehouse produced two 100-yard rushers.

Patrick completed 17-of-25 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns for UAPB, while Wilkes caught seven passes for 244 yards and two scores.

Ultimately, turnovers and explosive rushing plays helped separate the teams. Morehouse committed no turnovers, while UAPB lost two fumbles.

SERIES HISTORY

Series tied, 1-1 (Since 2017)

Arkansas-Pine Bluff won the first matchup, defeating Morehouse 23-10 on Sept. 2, 2017, in Pine Bluff.

The Maroon Tigers returned to Arkansas the following season and answered with their 34-30 victory on Sept. 1, 2018, to even the series at 1-1.

Saturday's Natural State Kickoff Classic will be the third meeting since 2017 and the first played away from UAPB's campus. The previous two meetings were both played in Pine Bluff, while Saturday's contest moves approximately 45 miles north to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
 

---

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
CLARK ATLANTA (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) AT GRAMBLING STATE (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium — Grambling, La.
Weather: Grambling, La. Forecast
Watch: SWAC TV
Live Stats: Grambling State Live Stats
Series: Grambling State leads, 1-0 (Since 2017)
Last Meeting: Grambling State 31, Clark Atlanta 20 — Sept. 30, 2017, Chicago, Ill.

THE MATCHUP

Clark Atlanta opens a new era Saturday night when the Panthers travel to Grambling State for their first meeting with the Tigers in nine years.

The Panthers enter 2026 under first-year head coach Terry Sims, who inherits a team that finished 3-7 overall and 2-6 in SIAC play last season. Clark Atlanta showed considerable offensive potential in 2025, averaging 27.7 points and 370.3 yards of total offense per game, including an impressive 274.7 yards through the air. The Panthers scored at least 40 points three times and closed the season with a dramatic 48-45 victory over rival Morehouse.

Much of the optimism entering 2026 centers around quarterback Xzavier Jackson. The 2025 SIAC Freshman and Newcomer of the Year returns after throwing for 2,103 yards and 18 touchdowns in only seven games. His 300.4 passing yards per game led the conference, and he was selected First Team Preseason All-SIAC entering his sophomore season.

Clark Atlanta also returns first-team preseason defensive lineman Jaiden Cleveland and second-team kick returner Chry'shawn Sellers. The Panthers were selected 10th in the SIAC preseason predicted order of finish.

Grambling State enters 2026 after posting a 7-5 overall record and 4-4 mark in SWAC play last season. The Tigers won four consecutive games during the second half of the year, including a 26-24 victory over Jackson State, before closing the regular season with narrow losses to Alcorn State and Southern.

Grambling averaged 24.1 points and 317.4 yards of total offense per game in 2025. The Tigers were more productive on the ground, rushing for 1,712 yards and 15 touchdowns, while throwing for 2,097 yards and 17 scores. Defensively, Grambling allowed 337.9 yards per game and ranked fourth in the SWAC in rushing defense at 141.6 yards per contest.

The Tigers placed three players on the 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Second Team — offensive lineman Alexander Vigil, linebacker Marcellius Johnson and return specialist Jay'Shaun Johnson.

Saturday therefore pairs one of the SIAC's most productive returning quarterbacks with an FCS opponent that won seven games last season and has already shown an ability to handle SIAC competition. Grambling defeated Kentucky State 37-31 in 2025, giving Clark Atlanta a recent measuring stick for the challenge awaiting it in Louisiana.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CLARK ATLANTA
QB Xzavier Jackson — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Jackson returns after one of the SIAC's most impressive freshman seasons, completing 166-of-277 passes for 2,103 yards and 18 touchdowns in only seven games. He averaged a conference-best 300.4 passing yards per game and threw only four interceptions, earning both SIAC Freshman and Newcomer of the Year honors. Jackson closed the season by completing 25-of-35 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns in Clark Atlanta's 48-45 victory over Morehouse.

DL Jaiden Cleveland — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Cleveland returns as one of the anchors of the Clark Atlanta defensive front after recording 50 tackles, five tackles for loss and five sacks in 2025. He also registered three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. His ability to disrupt the backfield will be particularly important against a Grambling offense that rushed for 1,712 yards last season.

KR Chry'shawn Sellers — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Sellers developed into one of Clark Atlanta's most versatile young playmakers in 2025. As a return specialist, he handled 23 kickoffs for 520 yards, averaging 22.6 yards per return, while adding 52 yards on five punt returns. Sellers was also productive offensively, catching 21 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 917 all-purpose yards during his freshman season.

GRAMBLING STATE
OL Alexander Vigil — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Vigil returns as an experienced anchor along the Grambling State offensive line after playing more than 600 snaps and grading at 72 percent last season. He helped an offensive front pave the way for 1,712 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while protecting a passing attack that generated another 2,097 yards and 17 scores.

LB Marcellius Johnson — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Johnson returns as one of Grambling State's leading defenders after finishing second on the team with 51 tackles, including 21 solo stops. He added 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, giving the Tigers an experienced presence in the middle of the defense against Clark Atlanta's high-volume passing attack.

RS/DB Jay'Shaun Johnson — Second Team Preseason All-SWAC
Johnson gives Grambling an explosive weapon in the return game after averaging 29.0 yards on 10 kickoff returns for 290 yards and one touchdown last season. His signature play came against Texas Southern when he returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Johnson also contributed defensively with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery.

BY THE NUMBERS

3-7 — Clark Atlanta's final record in 2025, including a 2-6 mark in SIAC play. 
7-5 — Grambling State's overall record last season. The Tigers finished 4-4 in SWAC play. 
300.4 — Passing yards per game by Clark Atlanta quarterback Xzavier Jackson in 2025, the best average in the SIAC. 
18 — Touchdown passes thrown by Jackson in just seven games.
370.3 — Total offensive yards per game generated by Clark Atlanta last season. 
274.7 — Clark Atlanta's passing yards per game in 2025.
317.4 — Total offensive yards per game produced by Grambling State last season. 
141.6 — Rushing yards per game allowed by Grambling, fourth-best in the SWAC. 
3 — Preseason All-SIAC selections for Clark Atlanta: Xzavier Jackson, Jaiden Cleveland and Chry'shawn Sellers. 
3 — Preseason All-SWAC selections for Grambling: Alexander Vigil, Marcellius Johnson and Jay'Shaun Johnson. 
1-0 — Grambling State's advantage in the documented series since 2017. 
31-20 — Final score of the programs' previous meeting at Soldier Field in Chicago. 
428 — Total offensive yards produced by Clark Atlanta in the 2017 matchup compared with 313 by Grambling. 
371 — Passing yards by Clark Atlanta quarterback Johnathon McCrary in the previous meeting. 
4 — Clark Atlanta interceptions thrown in the 2017 game. Grambling did not commit a turnover. 
23-15 — Clark Atlanta's advantage in first downs in the previous meeting. 
32:40 — Clark Atlanta's time of possession in 2017, more than five minutes longer than Grambling. 
16,429 — Attendance for the previous meeting at Soldier Field.

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Clark Atlanta's passing attack avoid the mistakes that decided the previous meeting?

Clark Atlanta has a legitimate weapon at quarterback in Jackson, who led the SIAC at 300.4 passing yards per gameduring his freshman season. The Panthers as a team averaged 274.7 passing yards per contest, making the passing game the clear strength of an offense that produced 370.3 total yards per game.

Grambling's defense allowed 196.3 passing yards per game in 2025 while intercepting 10 passes. The Tigers also feature Johnson at linebacker and return several experienced defensive backs from a unit that helped Grambling win seven games.

The matchup becomes particularly interesting when viewed through the lens of the teams' only documented previous meeting.

Clark Atlanta actually outgained Grambling 428-313, produced eight more first downs and held the football for more than five additional minutes in 2017. The Panthers threw for 371 yards while holding Grambling to just 74 rushing yards.

But Grambling won by 11.

The primary difference was turnovers.

Clark Atlanta threw four interceptions, while Grambling played turnover-free football. Two of those interceptions immediately led to Grambling scoring possessions — one producing a second-quarter field goal and another setting up a third-quarter touchdown drive that extended the Tigers' advantage to 31-13.

That makes Jackson's efficiency especially significant. He threw only four interceptions on 277 attempts last season while producing 18 touchdowns.

There is another important matchup on the opposite side of the football.

Clark Atlanta surrendered 180.5 rushing yards per game in 2025, while Grambling rushed for 1,712 yards and 15 touchdowns. Sims has emphasized running the football and stopping the run as foundational pieces of his program, making Cleveland and the Panthers' defensive front important from the opening possession.

For Clark Atlanta, protecting Jackson, limiting turnovers and preventing Grambling from controlling the game on the ground could create an opportunity to challenge the FCS Tigers.

For Grambling, the formula is to pressure Jackson into difficult decisions, establish the running game and force the Panthers to play from behind.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Grambling State 31, Clark Atlanta 20
September 30, 2017 — Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.

Grambling State overcame a significant statistical advantage by Clark Atlanta and capitalized on four Panthers interceptions to earn a 31-20 victory in the Chicago Football Classic before 16,429 fans at Soldier Field.

Clark Atlanta opened the scoring with an impressive 13-play, 88-yard drive, settling for a 29-yard Carlos Saldana field goal and an early 3-0 advantage.

Grambling responded with explosive plays.

Devante Kincade connected with Darrell Clark for a 23-yard touchdown, and less than two minutes later found Jordan Jones for a 59-yard score, turning the early deficit into a 14-3 Grambling advantage.

A Clark Atlanta interception early in the second quarter gave Grambling possession at the Panthers' 23-yard line, leading to a 25-yard Marc Orozco field goal and a 17-3 lead.

The Panthers answered.

Johnathon McCrary directed an eight-play, 82-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Deandre Jackson for an 11-yard score. Saldana then hit a 42-yard field goal with 1:19 remaining in the half, pulling Clark Atlanta within 17-13 at halftime.

Grambling immediately regained control after the break.

Kincade found Devante Davis for a 36-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the third quarter. Later in the period, Grambling intercepted McCrary again and turned the takeaway into a six-play, 65-yard scoring drive capped by Lyndemian Brooks' two-yard touchdown run, extending the advantage to 31-13.

Clark Atlanta continued to move the football but could not overcome the turnovers. The Panthers drove to the Grambling 29 before missing a field goal and later had three additional second-half possessions end with interceptions.

McCrary eventually found Jackson for a 25-yard touchdown with 3:53 remaining, producing the final 31-20 margin.

Statistically, Clark Atlanta had the better offensive day.

The Panthers outgained Grambling 428-313, held a 23-15 advantage in first downs, threw for 371 yards and controlled possession for 32:40. Clark Atlanta averaged 5.6 yards per play compared with Grambling's 4.9.

McCrary completed 23-of-55 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns, but his four interceptions proved costly. Jackson was the game's leading receiver, catching eight passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

Kincade provided the efficiency Grambling needed, completing 19-of-31 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Grambling finished with only 74 rushing yards but scored on three Kincade touchdown passes and played turnover-free football.

In many ways, the 2017 game was a textbook example of why total yardage can be misleading: Clark Atlanta gained 115 more yards, produced eight more first downs and controlled possession — but Grambling won the turnover battle 4-0 and the game by 11 points.

SERIES HISTORY

Grambling State leads, 1-0 (Since 2017)

The only matchup came on Sept. 30, 2017, when Grambling defeated Clark Atlanta 31-20 in the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field.

Saturday therefore marks the second meeting since 2017, but the first played on either school's campus. The 2017 contest was played at a neutral site in Chicago, while the 2026 matchup sends Clark Atlanta to Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium for its first trip to Grambling.
 

---

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
ALBANY STATE (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) AT FLORIDA A&M (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium — Tallahassee, Fla.
Weather: Tallahassee, Fla. Forecast
Watch: SWAC TV
Live Stats: Florida A&M Live Stats
Series: Florida A&M leads, 13-3
Last Meeting: Florida A&M 33, Albany State 25 — Sept. 13, 2025, Tallahassee, Fla.
Last ASU Win: Albany State 14, Florida A&M 6 — 1993

THE MATCHUP

Albany State begins defense of its SIAC championship Saturday night with one of the most compelling storylines in college football's opening weekend, traveling to Tallahassee to face former Golden Rams head coach Quinn Gray and former Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles.

Gray spent three seasons at Albany State and transformed the Golden Rams into one of Division II's elite programs. After consecutive second-place SIAC finishes in his first two seasons, Gray led Albany State to a historic 12-2 record in 2025, an undefeated SIAC regular season, the SIAC championship and a run to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.

Gray finished his Albany State tenure 24-11 overall and 20-4 in SIAC play before returning to his alma mater in December to become Florida A&M's 20th head football coach.

Now his first game as FAMU's head coach comes against the program he just led to a championship.

And Gray brought his championship quarterback with him.

Isaiah Knowles, who directed Albany State's offense during the Golden Rams' historic 2025 season, transferred to Florida A&M and has officially been named the Rattlers' starting quarterback. That means Gray and Knowles will begin their FAMU careers against many of the same players they coached and practiced alongside less than a year ago.

Albany State enters a new era under head coach David Bowser, but the Golden Rams are hardly starting over. ASU returns talent from a team that won 10 consecutive games following last season's loss at Florida A&M and developed into one of the nation's top Division II teams.

Albany State was selected fourth in the 2026 SIAC preseason predicted order of finish, behind Edward Waters, Benedict and Tuskegee.

Florida A&M, meanwhile, enters Gray's first season looking to rebound from a 5-7 overall record in 2025.

Saturday will be the 17th meeting between the programs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

ALBANY STATE
DL Derrick Drayton — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Drayton returns as one of the anchors of an Albany State defense that was among the best in Division II during the Golden Rams' championship season. He recorded 32 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2025, consistently creating disruption from the defensive front.

Drayton's matchup Saturday carries an unusual familiarity factor. He will be attempting to pressure former Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles while facing an offense directed by his former head coach. Drayton shared a sack in last season's game against FAMU and will be central to Albany State's attempt to prevent another big passing performance by the Rattlers.

KR/PR Cameron Watts — First Team Preseason All-SIAC Kick Returner / Second Team Punt Returner
Watts emerged as one of the nation's most dangerous return specialists last season. He returned 19 kickoffs for 601 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 31.6 yards per return, while adding 283 yards on 20 punt returns.

Watts gives Albany State the ability to change field position without taking an offensive snap and could be particularly valuable in a road opener against an FCS opponent.

FLORIDA A&M
QB Isaiah Knowles — Former Albany State Starting Quarterback
Knowles has officially been named Florida A&M's starting quarterback for 2026. He reunites with Gray after helping direct Albany State's historic championship season and will make his FAMU debut against his former teammates. 

BY THE NUMBERS

13-3 — Florida A&M's advantage in the broader series after entering the 2025 meeting ahead 12-3 and defeating Albany State 33-25.
3 — Albany State victories in the historical series: 1972, 1986 and 1993.
33 — Years since Albany State's most recent victory over Florida A&M, a 14-6 Golden Rams win in 1993.
12-2 — Albany State's record during its historic 2025 championship season under Gray.
10 — Consecutive victories by Albany State following its 2025 loss to FAMU before the streak ended in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.
24-11 — Gray's overall record during three seasons as Albany State's head coach.
20-4 — Gray's conference record at Albany State.
8-0 — Albany State's SIAC regular-season record in 2025.
33.1 — Points per game produced by Albany State's championship team last season.
14.6 — Points per game allowed by the Golden Rams in 2025.
396.6 — Albany State's total offensive yards per game.
258.5 — Total yards per game allowed by Albany State.
81.9 — Rushing yards per game surrendered by the Golden Rams, with opponents averaging only 2.8 yards per carry.
5-7 — Florida A&M's overall record in 2025.
33-25 — FAMU's victory over Albany State in the previous meeting.
462-321 — Florida A&M's advantage in total offense in last season's matchup.
371 — Passing yards produced by the Rattlers against Albany State in 2025.
14-3 — Albany State's largest lead in the previous meeting.
16 — Third-quarter points by Florida A&M as the Rattlers erased a 14-10 halftime deficit.
14,370 — Attendance for last season's meeting at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

WHAT TO WATCH

Familiar Faces, Opposite Sidelines

Less than nine months after leading Albany State through one of the greatest seasons in program history, Quinn Gray will stand on the opposite sideline trying to defeat the program he helped build into an SIAC champion.

Gray knows Albany State's personnel.

Albany State knows Gray.

And quarterback Isaiah Knowles makes the familiarity even greater.

Knowles spent last season practicing against the Albany State defense he will now attempt to beat. The Golden Rams' returning defenders know his tendencies, while Knowles understands the personnel and capabilities of the defense he faced throughout practices during the 2025 championship season.

The strategic chess match could therefore become one of the most fascinating elements of the game.

Albany State's challenge will be determining how much of Gray's offensive identity remains recognizable now that he has taken over at FAMU. Gray will have the opposite challenge: Bowser inherits many players Gray recruited and coached, but Albany State's schemes and approach could change under its new staff.

Can Albany State solve Bragg Memorial Stadium?

The Golden Rams have been competitive in each of their two recent trips to Tallahassee but have been unable to finish.

FAMU defeated Albany State 23-13 in 2022 and 33-25 in 2025.

Last year's game was particularly frustrating for ASU because the Golden Rams led 14-3 before Florida A&M rallied.

FAMU generated 462 yards, including 371 passing yards, against a defense that would subsequently become one of Division II's most dominant units.

Albany State's defense allowed just 258.5 yards per game for the entire season, making FAMU's 462-yard performance even more striking.

That makes Drayton and the Golden Rams' pass rush critical.

If Albany State can prevent Knowles from becoming comfortable against his former teammates and force FAMU into long-yardage situations, the Golden Rams have an opportunity to dictate the game defensively.

Can Albany State end a 33-year drought?

The broader series history gives this matchup another storyline that was missing when we used only the Sidearm database.
Albany State has beaten Florida A&M before.

The Golden Rams defeated the Rattlers in 1972, 1986 and 1993.

But not since.

That means Bowser's first game as Albany State head coach gives him an opportunity to accomplish something no Golden Rams team has done in more than three decades: beat Florida A&M.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Florida A&M 33, Albany State 25

September 13, 2025 — Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Fla.
Albany State appeared positioned to earn its first victory over Florida A&M since 1993 before the Rattlers erased an 11-point deficit and rallied for a 33-25 victory.

Gray's Golden Rams established control early.

Albany State drove 77 yards on 11 plays on its opening possession, with Tiant Wyche scoring from one yard out to give ASU a 6-0 lead.
After FAMU answered with a field goal, Albany State struck again. Knowles helped move the Golden Rams into scoring position before Aljhanod Thomas scored on a 10-yard run. A successful two-point conversion extended Albany State's advantage to 14-3.

FAMU responded with a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.

The game changed almost immediately after the break.

On FAMU's first offensive snap of the second half, RJ Johnson III connected with Kenari Wilcher for a 71-yard touchdown, giving the Rattlers their first lead.

Johnson later found Jamal Hailey for another touchdown, helping FAMU outscore Albany State 16-3 in the third quarter and take a 26-17 advantage into the fourth.

Florida A&M then produced the game's defining possession: a 99-yard, 18-play touchdown drive that consumed 10:35. The march ended with a Thad Franklin Jr. touchdown and gave FAMU a 33-17 lead.

Albany State refused to fold.

Knowles directed an eight-play, 65-yard drive and connected with Jamill Williams for a 25-yard touchdown. The Golden Rams converted the two-point attempt to cut the deficit to 33-25.

Albany State eventually got one final opportunity and drove into FAMU territory, but a field-goal attempt with 49 seconds remaining was unsuccessful, allowing the Rattlers to escape with the eight-point victory.

FAMU finished with a 462-321 advantage in total offense, including a 371-201 advantage through the air.

The defeat would prove to be a turning point rather than a setback for Gray's team.

Albany State did not lose again during the regular season.

The Golden Rams proceeded to win 10 consecutive games, capture the SIAC championship and advance to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.
And now, less than one year later, the head coach and quarterback from that Albany State team will be wearing Florida A&M colors.

SERIES HISTORY

Florida A&M leads, 13-3

The 1993 meeting is especially significant because it represents Albany State's most recent victory in the series. The Golden Rams defeated Florida A&M 14-6, meaning Saturday marks ASU's latest opportunity to end a 33-year drought against the Rattlers.

THE QUINN GRAY CONNECTION
2023: Gray takes over Albany State.
2023-24: Golden Rams finish second in the SIAC in consecutive seasons.
2025: Albany State goes 12-2, undefeated in SIAC regular-season play, wins the SIAC Championship and reaches the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.
December 2025: Gray leaves Albany State to become Florida A&M's head coach. 
2026: Former Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles follows Gray to FAMU and is named the Rattlers' starting quarterback. 
August 29, 2026: Gray's first game as FAMU head coach is against Albany State.
 

---

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
LANE (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) AT BETHEL (TENN.) (0-0, 0-0 MID-SOUTH)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Walter Butler Stadium — McKenzie, Tenn.
Weather: McKenzie, Tenn. Forecast
Watch: TBA
Live Stats: Bethel Live Stats
Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting

The matchup will be the first football meeting between Lane College and Bethel University, two West Tennessee programs separated by roughly 45 miles.

THE MATCHUP

Lane opens its 2026 season looking for a fresh start when the Dragons make the short trip from Jackson to McKenzie for the first-ever meeting with NAIA opponent Bethel.

The Dragons enter the second season under head coach Stanley Conner after finishing 0-10 overall and 0-8 in SIAC play in 2025. Lane struggled offensively throughout the season, averaging 11.4 points and 230.1 total yards per game, but the Dragons became increasingly competitive during portions of the second half of the schedule.

Three of Lane's final five losses were decided by 10 points or fewer. The Dragons fell to Miles 23-13, Fort Valley State 23-19 and Tuskegee 18-13, giving Conner's program some encouraging stretches despite the final record.

Defensively, Lane returns its most productive player from last season in Jeremiah Malbroue, who led the Dragons with 54 tackles and was selected to the 2026 Preseason All-SIAC Second Team. Lane will lean heavily on Malbroue as it attempts to establish a stronger defensive identity in Conner's second season.

Bethel enters its second season under head coach Chris Springer after finishing 4-5 overall and 3-3 in Mid-South Conference play in 2025. The Wildcats finished tied for fourth in the conference standings and were 3-1 at home.

Like Lane, Bethel is looking for growth in Year 2 under its head coach.

Springer took over the program in January 2025 after spending eight seasons as Bethel's defensive coordinator. His first Wildcats team produced victories over Webber International, Faulkner, Cumberland and Georgetown before dropping its final two games against Campbellsville and Lindsey Wilson.

Bethel enters 2026 with an unusually large roster turnover.

The Wildcats return 51 players and 11 starters, while adding 83 newcomers. Springer has identified the defensive line as Bethel's most experienced position group, while competition remains particularly strong along the offensive line and in the secondary.

That makes Saturday an interesting opener for both programs.

Lane is attempting to demonstrate that the close losses late in 2025 can translate into victories in 2026. Bethel, meanwhile, must integrate a massive group of newcomers while replacing several of its top performers from last season.

And unlike nearly every other game on the SIAC Week 0 schedule, there is no previous matchup to provide a blueprint.
Saturday will establish the history.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LANE
DB Jeremiah Malbroue — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Malbroue enters 2026 as the centerpiece of Lane's defense after leading the Dragons with 54 tackles last season. He also recorded one interception and four pass breakups and was named Lane's Defensive MVP by the coaching staff. His consistency and leadership earned him Second Team Preseason All-SIAC recognition entering his senior season.

Malbroue's presence becomes particularly important against a Bethel roster undergoing significant change. With the Wildcats bringing 83 newcomers into the program, Lane's experienced secondary will be challenged to quickly identify how Bethel intends to distribute the football.

BETHEL
DB Durrell Miller — Returning First Team All-Mid-South Selection
Miller enters 2026 as one of Bethel's most established returning defenders after earning First Team All-Mid-South Conference honors in 2025. He has also been selected as one of the Wildcats' five team captains. Miller showed his playmaking ability last season with a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown against Georgetown, helping Bethel earn one of its four victories.

RB Ryan Kirk — Team Captain
Kirk is one of the returning Wildcats specifically identified by the Bethel staff as being poised for a breakout season. He has also been named a team captain. Kirk increasingly became a factor in the Bethel backfield late last season, including a 168-yard rushing performance against Lindsey Wilson in the finale.

BY THE NUMBERS

1st — Saturday marks the first football meeting between Lane and Bethel. 
0-10 — Lane's overall record in 2025. 
4-5 — Bethel's overall record last season. 
3-3 — Bethel's Mid-South Conference record in 2025.
3-1 — Bethel's record at home last season. 
11.4 — Points per game scored by Lane in 2025. 
230.1 — Total offensive yards per game generated by the Dragons.
109.8 — Lane's rushing yards per game.
120.3 — Lane's passing yards per game.
360.9 — Total yards per game allowed by the Dragons last season. 
54 — Tackles by Lane defensive back Jeremiah Malbroue, the most on the team. 
3 — Lane's number of losses by 10 points or fewer over its final five games of 2025.
4 — Points separated Lane and Fort Valley State in a 23-19 loss.
5 — Points separated Lane and Tuskegee in an 18-13 loss. 
51 — Returning players on Bethel's 2026 roster. 
11 — Returning starters for the Wildcats.
83 — Newcomers added to Bethel's roster entering 2026. 
3 — Bethel's home victories in four games at Walter Butler Stadium last season.

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Lane turn competitive performances into a season-opening victory?

For Lane, the 2026 opener is less about what happened over the entirety of last season and more about whether the Dragons can convert the progress they showed in stretches into victories.

The final record was 0-10, but Lane was within striking distance in several games.

The Dragons trailed Fort Valley State only 16-13 entering the fourth quarter before losing 23-19. One week later, Lane went to Tuskegee and lost 18-13, its closest road result of the season.

The problem was offensive consistency.

Lane averaged only 230.1 total yards and 11.4 points per game. The Dragons scored more than 20 points only once all season and were held below 20 in nine of 10 games. Lane also finished with a negative turnover margin, committing 10 interceptions and losing multiple fumbles over the course of the year.

An improved offense would significantly change the equation because Malbroue gives Lane an established defensive leader.
Bethel presents a different challenge.

The Wildcats are an NAIA program, but Springer has experience building strong defenses. Before becoming head coach, he spent eight seasons as Bethel's defensive coordinator and helped the Wildcats go 11-0 during the 2022 regular season, when Bethel ranked among the NAIA's top 10 in scoring defense, pass defense, takeaways, interceptions and third-down defense.

Springer's current roster is undergoing substantial change.

Bethel lost several all-conference standouts from last season but returns 51 players and has brought in 83 newcomers, meaning Lane could see a substantially different Wildcats team from the one that finished 4-5 last season.

That puts an emphasis on the opening quarter.

Neither team has film of the other playing its current personnel and schemes in a regular-season game. Lane must adjust quickly to Bethel's new personnel, while the Wildcats must determine how Conner has changed the Dragons entering his second season.

There is also a geographic component.

This is not a typical long-distance SIAC nonconference trip. Lane and Bethel are both located in West Tennessee, making Saturday essentially a regional matchup between programs that, surprisingly, have never met in football. Bethel itself has promoted Lane as its West Tennessee neighbor.

For Lane, limiting turnovers, generating more explosive offensive plays and keeping Bethel from establishing an early advantage at home could create an opportunity to end its losing streak immediately.

For Bethel, the goal will be to use its experience on the defensive front, establish the run and allow its large group of newcomers to settle into the game without being forced into obvious passing situations.

FIRST TIME THEY MEET

Lane vs. Bethel — First Meeting

Saturday marks the first football game between Lane College and Bethel University, creating a new matchup between two programs located in West Tennessee.

A NEW WEST TENNESSEE MATCHUP
Lane and Bethel are separated by only a short drive in West Tennessee, yet the football programs have never played.

The matchup also provides an interesting NCAA Division II vs. NAIA crossover.

Lane represents the SIAC and NCAA Division II, while Bethel competes in the Mid-South Conference at the NAIA level. Bethel finished 4-5 and 3-3 in the Mid-South last season, while Lane seeks its first victory under Conner after the winless 2025 campaign.
 

---

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
TUSKEGEE (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) VS. WEST ALABAMA (0-0, 0-0 GSC)

Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT
Location: Cramton Bowl — Montgomery, Ala.
Event: Red Tails Classic
Weather: Montgomery, Ala. Forecast
Watch: ESPN2
Live Stats: Tuskegee Live Stats
Series: Tuskegee leads, 7-5
First Meeting: West Alabama 38, Tuskegee 27 — 1975
Last Meeting: Tuskegee 13, West Alabama 10 — Sept. 17, 2022, Livingston, Ala.

The 2026 matchup will serve as the sixth edition of the Red Tails Classic, with Tuskegee returning to the event after defeating Winston-Salem State 20-17 in last year's game. West Alabama will make its Red Tails Classic debut.

THE MATCHUP

Tuskegee and West Alabama renew an in-state series for the first time in four years when the Golden Tigers and Tigers meet under the lights at Cramton Bowl in the Red Tails Classic.

The programs have met 12 times, with Tuskegee holding a narrow 7-5 advantage following its 13-10 victory in Livingston in 2022. That most recent matchup produced one of Tuskegee's most significant milestones: the 700th victory in program history.

The 2026 meeting brings together programs that enter the season from very different positions following 2025.

Tuskegee finished 4-7 overall and 3-5 in SIAC play last season. The Golden Tigers opened 2-0 with victories over Winston-Salem State and Central State before dropping six consecutive games. Tuskegee recovered late, defeating Lane and Miles in back-to-back games before closing the season against Alabama State.

The numbers show exactly where Tuskegee will be looking for improvement. The Golden Tigers averaged 17.9 points and 289.7 total yards per game, including just 97.5 rushing yards. Defensively, Tuskegee allowed 25.0 points and 353.9 yards per contest. 
There is reason for optimism entering 2026.

Tuskegee was picked third in the SIAC preseason predicted order of finish and placed four players on the league's preseason all-conference teams: wide receiver EJ Hall, defensive lineman Masiah Wells and kicker Lorcan Ryans on the First Team, along with running back Johnny Morris on the Second Team.

West Alabama, meanwhile, enters Year 2 under head coach Scott Cochran after finishing 5-4 overall in his debut season. The Tigers opened 2025 with five consecutive victories, including a 27-17 win over SIAC member Fort Valley State, before dropping their final four contests.

UWA was one of Division II's more productive offensive teams, averaging 34.0 points and 423.1 total yards per game. The Tigers were particularly balanced, averaging 198.6 yards rushing and 224.6 yards passing.

West Alabama's expectations are reflected in its preseason honors.

UWA placed a GSC-high 11 players on the 2026 Preseason All-GSC Team, including running back Brayden Jenkins, receiver TD Parker, center Ben Newton, offensive linemen Barrett Cain and Mason Hiller, defensive lineman Exavier McDowell, linebacker Anthony Oatis, defensive back Lake Gurley, defensive back Chrissean Jones, defensive back Jacobi Green and Elijah Guyton.

That creates a compelling Week 0 matchup: Tuskegee's veteran playmakers against a West Alabama team that returns significant talent from an offense that averaged more than 400 yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TUSKEGEE
WR EJ Hall — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Hall established himself as Tuskegee's premier big-play weapon in 2025, leading the Golden Tigers with 30 receptions for 681 yards and five touchdowns. His remarkable 22.7 yards per reception illustrates the explosive element he brings to the Tuskegee passing game. Hall also contributed on special teams, averaging 19.3 yards on 15 kickoff returns and taking one 92 yards for a touchdown.

DL Masiah Wells — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Wells returns as one of the anchors of the Golden Tigers' defensive front after recording 55 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks in 2025. He also forced a fumble and recovered one. His ability to disrupt the backfield will be particularly important against a West Alabama offense that averaged nearly 200 rushing yards per game last season.

K Lorcan Ryans — First Team Preseason All-SIAC
Ryans gives Tuskegee an established scoring weapon in the kicking game. Tuskegee converted 14 of 21 field-goal attempts as a team in 2025, and Ryans enters the season as the SIAC's preseason First Team kicker.

RB Johnny Morris — Second Team Preseason All-SIAC
Morris led Tuskegee's rushing attack with 368 yards on 90 carries in 2025, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also caught nine passes for 73 yards. With Tuskegee averaging only 97.5 rushing yards per game last season, establishing Morris early could be essential to keeping West Alabama's offense off the field.

WEST ALABAMA
RB Brayden Jenkins — Preseason All-GSC
Jenkins rushed for 433 yards and seven touchdowns on 107 carries despite appearing in only seven games last season. He averaged 61.9 rushing yards per game and added 13 receptions for 90 yards. UWA's preseason release notes that Jenkins ranked third in the GSC in rushing yards per game.

WR TD Parker — Preseason All-GSC
Parker was one of the GSC's premier vertical threats in 2025, catching 25 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns. His 19.6 yards per reception gives West Alabama an explosive perimeter weapon that will test the Tuskegee secondary.

DL Exavier McDowell — Preseason All-GSC
McDowell recorded 23 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks in 2025 while adding seven quarterback hurries. His ability to create pressure from the defensive front could be particularly significant against a Tuskegee offense that surrendered 27 sacks last season.

LB Anthony Oatis — Preseason All-GSC
Oatis recorded 28 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack in eight appearances last season. He also recovered two fumbles and registered five quarterback hurries, giving UWA another disruptive presence around the line of scrimmage.

DB Chrissean Jones — Preseason All-GSC
Jones returns after being named the 2025 GSC Defensive Freshman of the Year. He appeared in six games and recorded 11 tackles and two pass breakups during his debut season.

BY THE NUMBERS

7-5 — Tuskegee's advantage in the all-time series.
13-10 — Tuskegee's victory in the most recent meeting in 2022. 
700 — Tuskegee's 2022 victory over West Alabama represented the 700th win in Golden Tigers football history.
4-7 — Tuskegee's 2025 overall record. 
5-4 — West Alabama's 2025 overall record. 
5-0 — West Alabama's start to the 2025 season before losing its final four games. 
17.9 — Tuskegee's points per game in 2025.
289.7 — Total offensive yards per game produced by Tuskegee.
97.5 — Tuskegee's rushing yards per game. 
34.0 — West Alabama's points per game in 2025.
423.1 — UWA's total offense per game.
198.6 — West Alabama's rushing yards per game.
224.6 — West Alabama's passing yards per game. 
11 — West Alabama players selected to the 2026 Preseason All-GSC Team, the most in the conference. 
4 — Tuskegee players selected to the 2026 Preseason All-SIAC First or Second Team. 
681 — Receiving yards by Tuskegee's EJ Hall last season.
22.7 — Hall's yards per reception in 2025. 
308-230 — Tuskegee's advantage in total offense in the 2022 meeting. 
156-23 — Tuskegee's advantage in rushing yards in that game. 
41:39 — Tuskegee's time of possession in the 2022 victory, compared with just 18:21 for West Alabama.

WHAT TO WATCH

Can Tuskegee slow West Alabama's balanced offense?

This may be the most important matchup of the night.

West Alabama averaged 423.1 yards per game last season, including 198.6 rushing and 224.6 passing. The Tigers also converted 43.2 percent of their third downs and averaged 6.2 yards per offensive play.

Tuskegee allowed 353.9 yards per game in 2025 and surrendered 25 points per contest, but the Golden Tigers return one of the SIAC's better defensive linemen in Wells.

The battle up front becomes especially important because UWA returns Jenkins behind an offensive line featuring multiple Preseason All-GSC selections.

Can Tuskegee establish the run?

The Golden Tigers averaged only 97.5 rushing yards per game and scored just four rushing touchdowns across 11 games last season. 
That is a dramatic contrast to what Tuskegee accomplished the last time these teams played.

In 2022, the Golden Tigers ran for 156 yards while holding West Alabama to only 23. Tuskegee ran 72 offensive plays to UWA's 60 and possessed the ball for an extraordinary 41:39.

Johnny Morris gives Tuskegee an experienced back, but the Golden Tigers will need better production around him if they hope to keep UWA's offense on the sideline.

EJ Hall could change the game with one touch

Hall's 2025 numbers demand attention.

His 681 receiving yards came on only 30 catches, and he produced five receiving touchdowns while averaging 22.7 yards per catch. He also returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.

Against a West Alabama team that surrendered 256.9 passing yards per game last season, Tuskegee's ability to create explosive plays through Hall could be the equalizer.

The kicking game could matter again

The previous meeting was ultimately decided by a field goal.

Tuskegee kicker Arnes Huskic made kicks from 42 and 29 yards, with his 29-yarder with 5:38 remaining providing the final points in the 13-10 victory. 

Four years later, Tuskegee again enters the matchup with a preseason all-conference kicker in Lorcan Ryans.
In another tightly contested game, that could become significant.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Tuskegee 13, West Alabama 10
September 17, 2022 — Tiger Stadium, Livingston, Ala.

Tuskegee earned one of the most memorable victories in program history when the Golden Tigers went into Livingston and defeated West Alabama 13-10, securing the program's 700th all-time victory.

Tuskegee struck first.

The Golden Tigers opened the game with a 10-play, 50-yard drive, with Huskic connecting on a 42-yard field goal to give Tuskegee a 3-0 advantage.

West Alabama immediately answered with a 26-yard Gabriel Dunkle field goal, tying the game at three.

UWA took its first lead early in the second quarter after Shamar Lewis intercepted Bryson Williams and returned the ball 31 yards to the Tuskegee 16. Three plays later, Tucker Melton found John Hilbert for a 16-yard touchdown, giving West Alabama a 10-3 lead.

Tuskegee responded with perhaps its most important drive of the afternoon.

Starting at its own 40, the Golden Tigers marched 60 yards on 10 plays and consumed 6:21. Williams completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Corey Petty with 50 seconds remaining before halftime, tying the game 10-10.

Neither team scored in the third quarter.

With the game still tied midway through the fourth, Tuskegee took possession at the West Alabama 49 and moved into scoring position. A 29-yard completion from Williams to Keynon Webb moved the Golden Tigers to the UWA 1-yard line.

West Alabama's defense kept Tuskegee out of the end zone, but Huskic converted a 29-yard field goal with 5:38 remaining, giving the Golden Tigers a 13-10 advantage.

UWA had one final opportunity.

Taking possession at its own 20 with 34 seconds remaining, West Alabama moved to midfield. With one second left, however, Melton's final pass was intercepted by Zelly Aldridge, who returned it 15 yards and sealed the victory.

The final statistics illustrate how Tuskegee controlled the game despite the narrow score.

The Golden Tigers held a 308-230 advantage in total offense and an overwhelming 156-23 advantage on the ground. Tuskegee recorded 21 first downs to West Alabama's 15 and possessed the ball for 41:39, more than twice UWA's 18:21.

Williams completed 19-of-28 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown, while Taurean Taylor led Tuskegee with 94 rushing yards on 11 carries. Webb caught six passes for 64 yards, while Petty added five receptions for 51 yards and the game's only Tuskegee touchdown. 

Melton finished 18-of-44 for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception for West Alabama.

SERIES HISTORY

Tuskegee leads, 7-5

The programs have met 12 times, with Tuskegee holding a narrow 7-5 all-time advantage.

The series began in 1975, when West Alabama defeated Tuskegee 38-27.

The teams' most recent meeting came 47 years after that initial matchup, with Tuskegee's 13-10 victory in 2022 moving the Golden Tigers' series advantage to 7-5.

That makes Sunday's Red Tails Classic the 13th meeting between the programs and the first in four years.

The 2022 game also added significant historical weight to the series because Tuskegee's victory represented win No. 700 in program history.

RED TAILS CLASSIC SPOTLIGHT
The Red Tails Classic celebrates the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and has become a fixture of college football's opening weekend in Montgomery. The 2026 matchup will be the sixth edition of the game.

Tuskegee is familiar with the setting.

The Golden Tigers opened their 2025 season at Cramton Bowl and defeated Winston-Salem State 20-17 before 15,005 fans.

This time, the opponent comes from the same state.

West Alabama makes the trip from Livingston to Montgomery looking to avenge its 2022 loss and give Cochran a season-opening victory in his second year as head coach. Tuskegee arrives trying to build on consecutive wins over Lane and Miles late in the 2025 SIAC schedule and demonstrate why the Golden Tigers were picked third in the conference entering 2026.

The setting, national television audience and series history make this one of the SIAC's marquee Week 0 matchups.

 FOLLOW THE SIAC
Stay connected by following the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Facebook, Instagram and X @TheSIAC.

SIAC NEWS
Sign up for SIAC News to be among the first to receive media releases, updates and more!
 

---

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and eight women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.