Nicholls Opens Season with 20–6 Win Over Incarnate Word
Nicholls made a statement in the first Division I college football game of the 2025 season, defeating Incarnate Word 20–6 in Thibodaux under new head coach Tommy Rybacki.
The Colonels leaned on a stifling defense that forced three interceptions and limited the Cardinals to just 204 total yards. The game’s momentum shifted late in the second quarter when defensive back Ty Marsh jumped a pass and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, giving Nicholls a 13–3 lead.
Incarnate Word threatened early in the fourth quarter, driving deep into Nicholls territory, but Anthony Rodgers came up with a crucial interception at the goal line to end the drive. Just a few plays later, quarterback Deuce Hogan connected with Karaaz Johnson on a 55-yard touchdown strike that put the game out of reach.
Hogan was efficient throughout the afternoon, completing 21 of 35 passes for 221 yards and the game-sealing score. Johnson finished with two catches for 58 yards, while the defense set the tone with relentless pressure and timely takeaways.
Key Stats
| Category | Nicholls | Incarnate Word |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 20 | 6 |
| Passing | Deuce Hogan: 21/35, 221 yds, 1 TD | Richard Torres: 23/35, 175 yds, 3 INT |
| Receiving | Karaaz Johnson: 2 rec, 58 yds, 1 TD | — |
| Defensive Highlights | Ty Marsh: 29-yd pick-six Anthony Rodgers: goal-line INT |
— |
| Total Offense | 366 yards | 204 yards |
| Turnovers | Forced 3 INTs | 0 |
| Venue/Attendance | John L. Guidry Stadium – 8,779 | — |
Summary
Nicholls set the tone for the FCS season with a gritty defensive performance and timely offensive execution. Behind Deuce Hogan’s steady play and a defense that refused to break, the Colonels opened the Rybacki era with a convincing 20–6 victory over a nationally respected Incarnate Word program.
