STWF SPORTS | ALDINE, Texas | October 31, 2026 – The Texas Southern Tigers delivered a dramatic finish Saturday night, defeating Grambling State 23-20 in overtime at W.W. Thorne Stadium behind a game-winning six-yard touchdown run from quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy.

In a Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown featuring explosive rushing performances, defensive takeaways and late-game drama, Texas Southern overcame three turnovers to secure its third consecutive victory over Grambling State.

The victory improved Texas Southern to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in SWAC play, while Grambling State dropped to 4-4 and 2-3 in conference competition.

Defensive Battle Sets Tone Early

Both defenses established an aggressive approach throughout the opening half, limiting scoring opportunities and forcing offenses to work for every yard.

Texas Southern broke the scoreless tie during the second quarter when kicker Miguel Arana III connected on a 47-yard field goal.

Grambling State responded before halftime as Theodore Caballero converted a 29-yard attempt, sending both programs into the locker room tied 3-3.

Despite the limited first-half scoring, the contest developed into an offensive battle after intermission.

Renfro Delivers Explosive Rushing Performance

Texas Southern running back Athean Renfro Jr. emerged as the game’s most dominant offensive player, finishing with 233 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.

Averaging an impressive 11.1 yards per attempt, Renfro repeatedly challenged Grambling State’s defensive front with explosive runs.

His two touchdown carries combined for 161 yards, including an electrifying 86-yard sprint that exposed Grambling’s secondary.

Renfro’s production helped Texas Southern accumulate 316 rushing yards and 431 total yards.

The Tigers averaged 7.8 yards per offensive play, creating significant challenges for a Grambling defense that struggled to contain the ground attack.

Despite those explosive gains, Grambling State remained competitive through defensive pressure and timely turnovers.

Grambling Capitalizes on Defensive Opportunities

Grambling State’s defense provided several critical momentum-changing plays, forcing three Texas Southern turnovers while protecting the football on offense.

Defensive back Lonell Cunningham intercepted McCoy and returned the ball 27 yards, while Jamal Jordan contributed a forced fumble.

Demone Green anchored the defensive front with eight tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Offensively, quarterback Ashton Frye accounted for both Grambling touchdowns.

Frye completed nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown while contributing 56 rushing yards and another score.

His six-yard touchdown connection with Lantavious Murphy helped Grambling remain within striking distance.

Tony Phillips Jr. added 61 rushing yards, while Nae’Saan Dickerson led the receiving corps with four catches for 61 yards.

The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on turnovers helped overcome Texas Southern’s significant advantage in total offense.

Regulation ended tied 17-17, setting the stage for a dramatic overtime finish.

McCoy Seals Victory in Overtime

Grambling State received the first overtime possession and advanced 11 yards before Caballero connected on a 31-yard field goal, giving the visitors a 20-17 advantage.

Texas Southern needed a touchdown to secure the victory.

McCoy delivered.

After advancing toward the goal line, the quarterback kept the football on an option play and powered into the end zone from six yards out.

The touchdown completed a three-play, 25-yard possession and secured the walk-off 23-20 victory.

McCoy finished with 115 passing yards and 46 rushing yards, including the decisive touchdown.

STWF Sports Final Takeaway

Saturday’s contest highlighted the importance of explosive plays and execution in critical moments.

Grambling State won the turnover battle 3-0 and controlled possession for more than 32 minutes but could not overcome Texas Southern’s dominant rushing performance.

Both teams recorded 16 first downs, although Texas Southern outgained Grambling 431-286.

For Grambling, the loss represents another frustrating chapter in a rivalry that has now produced three consecutive Texas Southern victories.

Texas Southern, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience by overcoming costly mistakes and delivering when the game was on the line.

For the Houston-based Tigers, Saturday’s overtime victory was more than another conference win. It reinforced their ability to overcome adversity, execute under pressure and finish a closely contested SWAC battle.

STWF Sports | HBCU Football Coverage | Southwestern Athletic Conference