GRAMBLING, La. (Sept. 13, 2025) — Grambling State delivered a finish for the ages on Saturday night at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, rallying from multiple deficits before defensive back Tyrell Raby etched his name in Tiger lore. His 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown in overtime sealed a dramatic 37-31 victory over Kentucky State, sending 5,025 fans into celebration as Grambling evened its record in thrilling fashion.

Raby’s Heroics Cap Wild Finish

With the game tied at 31-31 in overtime, Kentucky State appeared poised to strike first. The Thorobreds advanced to the Grambling 17-yard line when Raby stripped the ball loose and scooped it up in stride. He sprinted the length of the field untouched, igniting pandemonium as the Tigers completed their comeback with one of the most memorable plays in recent program history.

“Instinct just took over,” Raby said postgame. “All I could think about was getting to the end zone. This one was for my brothers and for this crowd.”

Teasett Powers the Offense

While Raby delivered the final blow, quarterback C’zavian Teasett was the heartbeat of Grambling’s comeback. The junior quarterback threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns while adding 99 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.

Teasett’s dual-threat ability kept Grambling afloat after a sluggish start and ultimately positioned the Tigers for their late heroics. “He just kept us believing,” head coach Mickey Joseph said. “Every time we needed a play, he made it.”

Overcoming Early Deficits

Kentucky State stunned Grambling early, scoring two quick touchdowns in the first quarter to seize a 14-0 lead. Grambling settled in during the second quarter, getting a 23-yard field goal from Josh McCormick before Teasett found Keith Jones Jr. on a 12-yard strike to cut the deficit.

The Thorobreds responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass to restore their cushion, but Teasett kept Grambling within striking distance with a 13-yard rushing score just before halftime. The Tigers entered the break trailing 21-17 but brimming with momentum.

Trading Punches in the Second Half

Grambling seized its first lead midway through the third quarter when Teasett once again connected with Jones Jr., this time for a 36-yard touchdown to go up 24-21. But special teams miscues nearly cost the Tigers in the fourth quarter.

A muffed punt gave Kentucky State prime field position, and the Thorobreds capitalized with a 33-yard touchdown strike. They then recovered an onside kick, tacking on a 43-yard field goal to stretch their advantage to 31-24 with under two minutes left.

That’s when Teasett showcased his poise under pressure. Engineering an eight-play, 75-yard drive, he capped it with a 17-yard touchdown run with just 10 seconds remaining, tying the game at 31-31 and sending the contest into overtime.

Defense Delivers the Knockout

While Grambling’s offense fueled the comeback, the defense delivered the decisive play. After bending for much of the night against a resilient Kentucky State squad, Raby’s strip and sprint proved the exclamation mark on a game filled with twists and momentum swings.

“This was about resilience,” Joseph said. “We talk all the time about never being out of a game, and tonight the guys showed that belief. Tyrell’s play is one they’ll be talking about around here for a long time.”

Looking Ahead

The win pushed Grambling to 2-1 on the season and provided an emotional lift heading deeper into non-conference play before resuming the grind of the SWAC schedule. Kentucky State, meanwhile, fell just short of a signature road victory despite capitalizing on turnovers and special teams opportunities.

For Grambling, the night underscored both the vulnerabilities and the promise of a young squad. Miscues nearly proved costly, but the Tigers’ resilience — led by Teasett’s all-around brilliance and Raby’s unforgettable heroics — showed a team capable of responding when tested.

As the Tigers walked off the field to the roar of the home faithful, one thing was clear: September Saturdays at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium can still produce moments for the history books.