Nicholls State University will kick off its 2025 football season in a historic way, hosting UIW in a nationally televised Week 0 opener on ESPN2. The game will take place at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium on Saturday, August 23, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. CT.

This matchup will be the first college football game played on American soil in the 2025 season—following the Kansas State vs. Iowa State game in Dublin—and the first FCS game of the year.

Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant called the event “a monumental moment for the Southland Conference and a powerful testament to the rise and national impact of our football programs.” He noted that showcasing two championship-caliber teams so early in the year is more than just a game—it’s a display of what makes Southland football special: gritty, passionate, and unapologetically Southern.

Both teams come into the season as reigning Southland champions. Nicholls went undefeated in conference play to win the title in 2023, while UIW claimed the championship last season with a flawless league record.

The opener will also mark the debut of head coach Tommy Rybacki, who steps into the role after serving as the program’s defensive coordinator. “We’re incredibly excited to open the college football season at home on ESPN2,” Rybacki said. “Our guys have worked hard since January, and this is an amazing opportunity to showcase our program on a national stage.”

This will be the first in-conference Southland game broadcast on a national linear television network and the first Nicholls home game to air nationally.

Nicholls VP of Athletics and Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell summed up the excitement: “From packed tailgates to a sea of red in the stands, this broadcast isn’t just about football—it’s our hometown pride on full display. No one else will be playing in Louisiana but the Colonels!”