GRAMBLING, La. (Oct. 10, 2025) — It’s Homecoming weekend at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, and the Grambling State Tigers are looking to make it a celebration to remember. After a much-needed bye week and a humbling 28–13 loss to Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, Grambling (3–2, 0–1 SWAC) returns to action Saturday night with a crucial divisional matchup against Texas Southern (2–3, 2–1 SWAC). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and KTSU 90.9 FM.

For both programs, this game carries significant weight in the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division race — and for Grambling, it’s about redemption, rhythm, and protecting home turf.

Grambling’s Focus: Reset and Refocus After the Bye

Head coach Mickey Joseph, in his first season leading the Tigers, used the bye week as a period of self-evaluation and recovery. Following the team’s inconsistent start, Joseph emphasized internal growth and fundamentals rather than game planning for the opponent.

“During the bye week we wanted to focus on ourselves — Grambling vs. Grambling,” Joseph said. “It was about improving execution, third downs on offense, and gap integrity on defense. We also wanted to give younger players reps, because we’re going to need them down the stretch.”

Joseph also made a point of giving players and coaches time to recharge mentally.

“We gave them a couple of days off to see their families,” he added. “You can get another job, but you can’t get another family. That break was good for everybody.”

Offensively, Grambling has relied on quarterback C’zavian Teasett, a transfer from Southern University who has averaged 155.8 passing yards per game, while receiver Jordan Bride ranks sixth in the SWAC in receiving yards (60.6 per game). On defense, Bryce Cage and Warren Robinson have been consistent disruptors, ranking among the conference’s top 10 in tackles for loss.

Still, the Tigers are searching for consistency on both sides of the ball. They’ve been able to move the football through the air, but struggles in red-zone efficiency and tackling have cost them key possessions in tight games.

Texas Southern Riding Momentum After Statement Win

On the opposite sideline, first-year head coach Cris Dishman has Texas Southern trending upward after a dominant 51–7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff last weekend in Houston. The Tigers exploded for 557 total yards while limiting UAPB to just 227, marking their most complete performance of the season.

Dishman, a former NFL defensive back, has emphasized physicality and balance, and it showed last week. Quarterback KJ Cooper, who returned from an injury that sidelined him in 2024, led the offense efficiently, while running back Kerien Charlo continued to make an impact in the return game — helping TSU lead the SWAC with 29.7 yards per kick return.

Defensively, TSU boasts one of the league’s most active units. Linebackers Isaiah Bogerty (47 tackles), Charles George (43), and Matthew Cooks (39) all rank in the SWAC’s top six in total tackles per game.

“Texas Southern is really good — that’s why they call it the Wild, Wild West,” Joseph said. “They can look flat one week and like superstars the next. You’ve got to stay consistent and focused because you never know which version you’ll face.”

The Tigers’ defense has also shown opportunistic tendencies, recording five interceptions through five games — something Grambling’s offensive line and Teasett will have to be mindful of when dropping back to pass.

Historical Context and What’s at Stake

Grambling and Texas Southern share a long history of spirited matchups, especially in Homecoming games. TSU has played Grambling 13 times for Homecoming since 1989 but has only managed two wins during that span — in 1997 and 1999. Their last road win at Grambling came in 2013, and they haven’t won consecutive meetings since 2012–13.

In 2022, Texas Southern posted its largest-ever margin of victory over Grambling (34 points), a game that Joseph says his players haven’t forgotten.

“There’s always pride involved when you play Texas Southern,” Joseph said. “They’re a physical team, but this is our house, our Homecoming, and our fans expect us to respond.”

Grambling was picked to finish fifth in the SWAC West during preseason polls, but with divisional play tightening, Saturday’s matchup presents an opportunity to climb back into contention. Meanwhile, Texas Southern — picked fourth — can solidify its position with a road win.

Keys to Victory

For Grambling, containing Texas Southern’s running game and keeping Teasett poised in the pocket will be critical. Establishing a rhythm early, minimizing turnovers, and improving third-down efficiency remain top priorities.

For Texas Southern, maintaining offensive balance and continuing to win the field position battle on special teams could be the deciding factors.

Kickoff Details

Game: Texas Southern at Grambling State
When: Saturday, Oct. 11 | 6 p.m. CDT
Where: Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, Grambling, LA
Watch: ESPN+ | Listen: KTSU 90.9 FM

Both teams enter Saturday with something to prove — and with Homecoming lights shining bright, Grambling aims to give its fans the performance they’ve been waiting for