STWF Sports | GRAMBLING, La.| August 29, 2026 — Grambling State opened the 2026 season with authority Saturday night, overwhelming Clark Atlanta 49-7 in front of 11,337 fans at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers scored 28 unanswered points in the first half, controlled the game on both sides of the ball and added three more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to turn the opener into a convincing statement victory.
Grambling State’s Dominance in the Game
Grambling State begins the season 1-0, while Clark Atlanta falls to 0-1.
The Tigers piled up 487 yards of total offense, including 223 on the ground and 264 through the air. Grambling also finished with 28 first downs and averaged 6.6 yards per play.
Quarterback Reginald Johnson delivered an efficient debut, completing 15 of 17 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. His accuracy helped Grambling establish rhythm early and sustain drives throughout the first half.
The Tigers struck immediately on special teams when Tony Phillips Jr. returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, giving Grambling an instant 7-0 lead and energizing the home crowd.
Phillips added another score early in the second quarter, breaking free for a 20-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0.
Johnson then connected with Tyson George on an 11-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter, extending the lead to 21-0.
Grambling’s most impressive drive came just before halftime.
The Tigers marched 97 yards in 11 plays before finishing the possession with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jacobe Robinson to Byron Eaton Jr. with 17 seconds remaining in the half. The score sent Grambling to the locker room with a commanding 28-0 advantage.
Clark Atlanta found its lone breakthrough early in the third quarter when quarterback Xzavier Jackson hit Chry’shawn Sellers for a 64-yard touchdown.
Any hope of a comeback disappeared in the fourth quarter.
Clyde McClendon Jr. opened the period with a 21-yard touchdown run, and Zerrick Jones followed with a 4-yard score. D’Shaun Ford capped the night with a 2-yard touchdown run, completing a 21-point fourth quarter.
Grambling’s rushing attack proved especially effective, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Andre Crews led the Tigers with 50 yards on six attempts, including a 37-yard run. Ford added 41 yards and a touchdown, while McClendon contributed 24 yards and a score.
In the passing game, Jordan Bride led Grambling with seven receptions for 72 yards. George also caught seven passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.
The defense was equally impressive.
Grambling held Clark Atlanta to just 224 total yards, including 94 rushing yards. The Panthers managed only 10 first downs and converted just 1 of 13 third-down opportunities.
Jalen Guillard led the Tigers with five tackles and forced a fumble, while Markeis Sykes recorded a sack. Grambling finished with four tackles for loss and controlled possession for more than 34 minutes.
Special teams also contributed beyond Phillips’ opening touchdown. Alexander Davis averaged 44.8 yards on five punts, including a long of 54.
The performance gave Grambling exactly the kind of start it was looking for in the third season under head coach Mickey Joseph.
Balanced offense, disciplined defense and explosive special teams combined to deliver a complete opening-night victory — and an early reminder that the Tigers intend to be a factor in the SWAC race this fall.
