GRAMBLING, La| Nov 1, 2025 — On an afternoon defined by grit, defense, and determination, Grambling State delivered a throwback performance worthy of Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium’s storied legacy. In a bruising SWAC battle, the Tigers clawed past Alabama A&M 13–10 on Saturday, securing the program’s first winning season since 2019 and extending their win streak to three.
GSU improved to 6–3 (3–2 SWAC), while the Bulldogs dropped to 4–5 (1–4 SWAC) in what became a defensive war of attrition. Grambling didn’t score a touchdown on offense, leaned on two young quarterbacks, and trailed 10–0 early — but none of it mattered in a game played on toughness and field position.
“It wasn’t pretty, but it was heart,” a jubilant Grambling coach said postgame. “This team refuses to quit.”
Defense Dominates, Again
If last week’s win over Jackson State showed Grambling’s resiliency, Saturday’s victory showcased its defensive teeth.
The Tigers held Alabama A&M to just 175 total yards, sacked the quarterback eight times — a season-high — and forced three turnovers. Defensive end Bryce Cage and linebacker Jamal Jordan spearheaded the charge with six tackles each, both registering sacks and setting the tone physically from the opening drive.
Jalen Guillard and Blake Davis turned defense into opportunity, each hauling in interceptions that halted promising AAMU possessions and flipped momentum in Grambling’s favor.
“Our defense keeps us in every game,” Jordan noted. “We believe we’re the best unit in the conference, and we play like it.”
QB Shuffle and Offensive Grit
With starting quarterback C’Zavian Teasett and backup Ashton Frye both sidelined, Grambling turned to youth under center. True freshmen A’Myne Darensbourg and Hayden Benoit were forced into action — and forced to grow up quickly.
Darensbourg opened the game but exited in the first quarter due to injury after completing 2-of-3 passes and rushing for nine yards. Benoit took over and showed poise, going 9-of-13 for 91 yards in relief.
Running back Andre Crews led the ground game with 38 tough yards on 15 carries.
It wasn’t always smooth — but it was enough.
Special Teams Spark the Comeback
Grambling trailed 10–0 in the first quarter after a David Faulk field goal and a 43-yard touchdown strike from AAMU’s Donovan Payne. But just as they did in Las Vegas last week, the Tigers responded.
After Jalen Guillard’s interception set up a field goal, kicker Josh McCormick knocked through kicks of 38 and 30 yards, cutting the deficit to 10–6 at halftime.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter — and it came courtesy of electric punt returner Delano Franklin.
With 7:39 left, Franklin fielded a punt and sliced through coverage for a stunning 64-yard touchdown return, sending the home crowd into frenzy and giving Grambling its first lead of the day, 13–10.
It was the game’s defining moment — and a spark that sealed a milestone season.
Closing Time — With Drama
After forcing a punt on the Bulldogs’ next possession, Grambling nearly handed the game back when Franklin muffed a punt. But instead of disaster, the Tigers received a gift — kick-catch interference on Alabama A&M kept the ball in Grambling’s hands. The offense ground out two first downs, chewed the clock, and sealed a win built on resolve.
A New Standard Taking Shape
With bowl eligibility secured and momentum building, Grambling turns its eyes to the stretch run — and perhaps a postseason push.
“This is what Grambling football looks like,” a veteran defender said. “Tough. Physical. Clutch.”
After years of rebuilding, culture retooling, and close calls, GSU is officially back on the right side of .500 — and back in the conversation across the SWAC.
The scoreboard may have read 13–10, but for Grambling, Saturday was a statement: the G-Men are rising again.
