STWF| GRAMBLING, La.| Nov. 8, 2025  — Behind a poised performance from freshman quarterback Hayden Benoit and a relentless defensive effort, the Grambling State Tigers closed out their regular-season home schedule with a 31–23 win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday afternoon at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.

The win lifts Grambling to 7–3 overall and 4–2 in SWAC play, clinching the program’s first winning season in six years, while Bethune-Cookman fell to 5–5 (4–2 SWAC) in a hard-fought matchup that featured big plays, defensive stops, and plenty of fireworks through the air.

Fast Start Fuels Grambling’s Momentum

The Tigers wasted little time making their mark in front of their home crowd. Grambling’s defense set the tone early, forcing a Wildcats fumble deep in their own territory, which the Tigers quickly converted into points with a 23-yard field goal by Theodore Caballero.

Moments later, Benoit capitalized on another short field opportunity, launching a 38-yard touchdown strike to Andrew Frazier that pushed Grambling ahead 10–0 midway through the opening quarter.

“That early momentum was key,” said head coach Hue Jackson. “We’ve been talking all week about starting fast and finishing stronger — today, we did both.”

Back-and-Forth Second Quarter

Bethune-Cookman clawed back in the second quarter with a field goal and an 11-yard touchdown run from quarterback Timmy McClain, cutting the deficit to 10–9 after a missed extra point.

But Benoit and the Tigers’ offense continued to answer every challenge. The freshman quarterback connected on a 59-yard bomb to Nae’Saan Dickerson, restoring a double-digit lead and sending the Grambling faithful into a frenzy.

After McClain responded with a 61-yard touchdown pass to Maleek Huggins, Benoit struck again, threading a 5-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Williams II to give Grambling a 24–20 halftime advantage.

At the break, the teams had combined for five touchdowns and 44 points, setting the stage for what seemed destined to be an offensive shootout.

Defense and Discipline Define the Second Half

Instead, the Tigers’ defense took control. Grambling held Bethune-Cookman scoreless for nearly the entire second half, limiting explosive plays and consistently pressuring McClain in the pocket.

Defensive lineman Marcellius Johnson led the charge with nine tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, while the front seven combined for four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Linebackers Jamal Jordan and Bryce Cage were constant disruptors, bottling up the Wildcats’ run game and forcing long third downs.

“Our defense stepped up big time,” Benoit said. “When they give us stops like that, it makes my job a whole lot easier.”

Benoit Shines in Commanding Performance

With the game still within reach in the fourth quarter, Benoit delivered the dagger. On a play-action pass from the red zone, he found Keith Jones Jr. on an 8-yard touchdown connection with 4:23 remaining, pushing Grambling’s lead to 31–20.

Bethune-Cookman kicker Juan Dominguez added a late field goal — his third of the game — but the Wildcats couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick as the Tigers ran out the clock to seal the victory.

Benoit finished the afternoon 12-of-20 passing for 220 yards and four touchdowns, capping off arguably his best collegiate outing yet. His chemistry with the Tigers’ receiving corps continues to evolve, particularly with Rockwell, Frazier, and Jones emerging as reliable targets downfield.

The ground game was equally efficient, as Andre Crews and Clyde McClendon Jr. combined for 183 rushing yards to keep Bethune-Cookman’s defense honest.

Wildcats’ Effort Falls Short

Despite the loss, Bethune-Cookman quarterback Timmy McClain put together an impressive showing — completing 15 of 18 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for another score. Maleek Huggins was his top weapon, catching six passes for 122 yards and a long touchdown.

But turnovers and missed opportunities inside the red zone proved costly for the Wildcats, who were twice stopped inside Grambling’s 30-yard line in the second half.

Coach Hue Jackson: “This Program Is Building Something Special”

For Grambling State, Saturday’s win was about more than numbers — it was symbolic of progress.

“This team has grown so much since the start of the season,” Jackson said postgame. “We’ve got a young quarterback, a tough defense, and a locker room that believes in itself again. Grambling football is back on the rise.”

The Tigers will now turn their attention to a pivotal regular-season finale against Alcorn State in Lorman, Mississippi. A win there would position Grambling for its best SWAC finish in nearly a decade.

Game Notes

• Grambling outgained Bethune-Cookman 417–327 in total yards.

• The Tigers went 3-for-3 in red-zone scoring.

• Benoit’s four passing touchdowns mark a career high.

• Grambling improved to 5–1 at home this season.

• The Tigers’ defense held Bethune-Cookman to just 9 points in the second half.

Up Next

Grambling State travels to face Alcorn State next Saturday at Spinks-Casem Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT on SWAC TV.