HOUSTON, Texas | October 18, 2025 – Homecoming at Durley Stadium turned into a celebration of dominance and history for Texas Southern University, as the Tigers demolished Virginia University of Lynchburg 61–7 on Saturday afternoon. The win not only electrified the home crowd but also marked a milestone moment — TSU’s first four-game winning streak since 2014.
It was a complete team performance in every phase of the game. Texas Southern scored four different ways — on offense, defense, special teams, and through the air — while racking up over 430 yards of total offense and holding the Dragons to fewer than 90 total yards.
Historic Day in Houston
The energy at Durley Stadium was palpable from the opening kickoff. With alumni, students, and fans packed into the stands for Homecoming, the Tigers delivered a performance worthy of the moment. Head coach Cris Dishman, in his first season leading the program, continued his early transformation of Texas Southern football, building a team that plays with swagger, physicality, and balance.
“This was about showing who we are becoming,” Dishman said postgame. “We’ve been talking about playing complementary football all season, and today, we finally put it all together — offense, defense, and special teams.”
Offensive Explosion Leads the Way
The Tigers wasted no time asserting their dominance. Behind a punishing ground attack, Texas Southern raced out to a 17–0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. By halftime, the score was 37–3, and the outcome was all but sealed.
Texas Southern’s run game was unstoppable, producing 327 rushing yards on 42 carries — an eye-popping 7.8 yards per rush. Running backs Athean Renfro and Jonathan Lewis shared the spotlight, finishing with 94 and 92 yards, respectively, and combining for multiple touchdowns.
The offensive line set the tone early, consistently opening holes against a beleaguered Virginia-Lynchburg front seven. “Our O-line dominated the line of scrimmage,” Renfro said. “Once we got rolling, we felt like nobody could stop us.”
Quarterbacks K.J. Cooper and Andrew Body managed the game efficiently, combining to complete 7 of 15 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. The biggest strike came midway through the second quarter, when Cooper hit Kerien Charlo downfield for a 69-yard touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Special Teams Steal the Spotlight
Texas Southern’s special teams unit continued to be a difference-maker — and on Saturday, it delivered one of the game’s signature moments. Return man Chaunzavia Lewis, one of the top return specialists in the SWAC, exploded for a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, showcasing elite speed and vision.
The score pushed the Tigers’ lead to 51–7 and capped a highlight-filled afternoon that had fans on their feet throughout the second half.
“Coach Dishman has emphasized special teams all season,” Lewis said. “We take pride in making big plays and setting the tone for the team. That return was for the fans — they’ve been waiting for a day like this.”
Defensive Domination Defines the Day
While the offense and special teams lit up the scoreboard, it was the defense that made life miserable for the visiting Dragons. Texas Southern suffocated Virginia-Lynchburg’s attack from start to finish, limiting the visitors to 87 total yards and an astounding –13 rushing yards on 25 attempts.
The defensive line consistently collapsed the pocket, while the secondary capitalized on errant throws, forcing three interceptions. True freshman Jaquavus Hallman stole the show, picking off two passes — including a pick-six that brought the crowd to its feet. Redshirt freshman Aaron Kizzee led the team with five tackles, highlighting the depth and youth emerging on the defensive side.
“Our defense played fast and fearless,” said Dishman. “They didn’t just defend — they attacked. That’s the identity we want for Texas Southern football.”
Momentum and Milestones
With the win, Texas Southern improved to 4–3 overall, a remarkable turnaround after early-season struggles. The Tigers have now outscored opponents 164–41 over their four-game win streak, showing balance and growth across the board.
Perhaps most impressively, the Tigers controlled possession for nearly 37 minutes, outgained the Dragons by more than 340 yards, and forced multiple turnovers — the hallmarks of a disciplined, well-coached football team.
For a program that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2000, the progress under Dishman is tangible.
“This is just the beginning,” Dishman said. “We’re not satisfied with four straight. We’re chasing consistency, and we’re building something that’ll last.”
Up Next
Texas Southern will look to extend its winning streak when it returns to SWAC action next weekend. The Tigers’ confidence is sky-high, and with both the offense and defense firing on all cylinders, TSU is suddenly one of the hottest teams in the conference.
As the band played and fans danced long after the final whistle, one message was clear: Texas Southern football is back — and it’s shining brighter than ever under the lights of Durley Stadium.
