GRAMBLING, La. — Confidence is building in Tiger Country. Grambling State returns home Saturday riding a two-game win streak and fresh off one of the program’s most significant victories in nearly a decade. Now, the Tigers look to sustain that momentum when they host Alabama A&M in a pivotal SWAC showdown at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT live on SWAC TV.

For Grambling State (5-3, 2-2 SWAC), the mission is clear: stay hot, defend home turf, and continue positioning themselves for a late-season surge. But this one carries added weight — a victory would secure the program’s first .500 season since 2019, signaling a meaningful step forward for the G-Men.

Breaking a Recent Hex

Historically, Grambling has commanded this matchup, leading the all-time series 21-9. However, Alabama A&M (4-4, 1-3) has held the edge recently, winning three straight meetings. The Tigers’ last win in the series came on Oct. 2, 2021, a 37-28 triumph.

With a revamped roster and renewed energy, Grambling sees Saturday as a chance to reclaim control in a rivalry that has shifted toward Huntsville in recent years.

Signature Win Fuels Grambling Momentum

The Tigers enter this contest fresh off a dramatic 26-24 upset over No. 12 Jackson State in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic — Grambling’s first win over a ranked opponent since lifting the HBCU National Championship in 2016.

Quarterback C’Zavian Teasett delivered one of the best performances of his career, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. His poise late set the stage for kicker Josh McCormick, who drilled a 44-yard game-winner with 21 seconds remaining.

“Our team showed heart and resiliency,” head coach Hue Jackson said earlier this week. “We want to build on that performance and keep improving.”

Defense Turning Heads

A fierce, opportunistic defense has played a key role in Grambling’s climb. The Tigers lead the SWAC with 17 sacks and rank 21st nationally in takeaways (13).

Key defensive playmakers include:

• Markel Linzer, FCS No. 2 in interceptions (4)

• Warren Robinson, second in the SWAC in sacks (6.5) and leading GSU with 7.0 TFLs

The Tigers have thrived off pressure, forcing mistakes and creating short fields — a formula they’ll lean on again Saturday.

Bradford’s Ground Game Changing the Equation

Offensively, Tre Bradford has emerged as Grambling’s workhorse and spark plug. The senior back ranks eighth in the SWAC in rushing (543 yards) and is averaging a strong 6.1 yards per carry. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in two of his last three games, helping stabilize the Tigers’ attack and take pressure off Teasett.

Alabama A&M Struggling to Find Traction

AAMU enters at a crossroads following a lopsided 56-13 defeat to rival Alabama State. While the Bulldogs boast the SWAC’s top passing offense (255.1 ypg), defensive lapses have derailed them. They sit near the bottom of the conference in:

• Total defense: 444.6 ypg (12th)

• Rushing defense: 218.0 ypg (12th)

• Scoring defense: 36.3 ppg (11th)

First-year head coach Sam Shade faces the challenge of stabilizing his team against a Grambling squad gaining confidence and rhythm.

Keys to Victory

Grambling State

• Establish Bradford early to control tempo

• Pressure AAMU’s passing game and force turnovers

• Maintain discipline and momentum from last week

Alabama A&M

• Offensive tempo and early scoring

• Defensive improvement against the run

• Limit explosive plays and special-teams miscues

Prediction

Grambling’s balanced attack, emerging defensive identity, and home-field advantage should prove decisive. With a milestone season and growing pride on the line, expect a determined Tigers team to rise to the moment.

Prediction: Grambling State 31, Alabama A&M 20

The G-Men move to 6-3, punch their first .500 season since 2019, and stay firmly in the SWAC conversation.