GRAMBLING, La. (Oct. 11, 2025)  — The Texas Southern Tigers spoiled Grambling State’s homecoming celebration on Saturday night, holding on for a dramatic 21–20 victory at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Behind a gritty performance from quarterback KJ Cooper and a breakout game by running back Athean Renfro, Texas Southern overcame an electric Grambling crowd and a late rally to earn a key Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) West Division win.

Cooper and Renfro Lead the Way

Cooper did it all for Texas Southern (3–3, 3–1 SWAC), passing for a touchdown and rushing for another. The sophomore completed 11 of 20 passes for 89 yards, including a 7-yard scoring strike to Xavier Phipps, and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter that ultimately sealed the victory.

Renfro was the difference-maker on the ground, torching Grambling’s defense for 152 rushing yards on 18 carries, highlighted by a 60-yard touchdown burst late in the first half that swung the momentum in TSU’s favor.

“Renfro’s been waiting for that breakout game,” said Texas Southern head coach Cris Dishman. “He ran with patience, he hit the holes, and the offensive line did their job. That touchdown run before halftime was huge.”

Running back Jacob Washington also contributed 69 rushing yards on 11 attempts as Texas Southern racked up 228 yards on the ground, pounding the football to control the clock in the second half.

Grambling’s Missed Opportunities

Grambling State (3–3, 0–2 SWAC) outgained Texas Southern 358–317 in total offense but was undone by costly mistakes — committing four turnovers, including a heartbreaking fumble inside the TSU five-yard line in the final minutes.

Quarterback Ashton Frye started for the G-Men and completed 9 of 11 passes for 81 yards while rushing for 43 yards and a touchdown. However, Frye’s fumble in the third quarter not only halted a promising drive but also forced him out with an injury. Freshman A’Myne Darensbourg took over briefly before C’zavian Teasett, returning from injury, nearly authored a comeback. Teasett went a perfect 4-for-4 passing for 62 yards, leading a late drive that put Grambling in scoring range before the crucial fumble.

“Turnovers killed us tonight,” Grambling head coach Mickey Joseph said postgame. “You can’t give away possessions in this league — especially inside the five-yard line. Our guys played hard, but we have to protect the football.”

Wild Swings Define Second Half

After a tightly contested first half that ended with Texas Southern leading 14–13, Grambling seized the momentum early in the third quarter. Jay’Shuan Johnson ignited the homecoming crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, putting the Tigers ahead 20–14.

But the celebration was short-lived. On the ensuing kickoff, Chaunzavia Lewis returned it 38 yards to midfield, setting up Cooper’s six-play, 50-yard touchdown drive that ended with his 1-yard plunge to retake the lead at 21–20.

From there, defense ruled the night. Grambling’s offense stalled on consecutive drives, and despite one last push in the fourth quarter, Clyde McClendon Jr.’s fumble deep in Texas Southern territory ended their hopes. TSU ran out the clock to secure its first win in Grambling since 2013.

By the Numbers

• Total Offense: Grambling 358, Texas Southern 317

• Rushing Yards: Grambling 215, Texas Southern 228

• Turnovers: Grambling 4, Texas Southern 1

• Time of Possession: Texas Southern 33:12, Grambling 26:48

Grambling’s Tre Bradford shined in defeat, rushing for 120 yards on 11 carries, while Byron Eaton Jr. added a 1-yard touchdown late in the first half.

For Texas Southern, the defense stood tall in crucial moments, forcing four turnovers and capitalizing on each mistake. Isaiah Bogerty led the defensive charge with eight tackles, and Charles George added a sack and a forced fumble.

What’s Next

Texas Southern (3–3, 3–1) continues its SWAC campaign next week at home against Southern University, while Grambling (3–3, 0–2) looks to regroup on the road against Alcorn State.

“This one hurts,” Joseph admitted. “Homecoming means something here. But we’ll learn from it and get better. That’s what Grambling football is built on — resilience.”

Meanwhile, Dishman’s Tigers head home riding high — a team once rebuilding now squarely in the SWAC West title conversation.

“This was a statement win,” Dishman said. “We’re growing up, and we showed tonight we can win on the road in a hostile environment. That’s what championship teams do.”

Final Score: Texas Southern 21, Grambling State 20.