By: Grambling State Athletics
GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State football hits the road Saturday looking to get back in the win column when the Tigers travel to Daytona Beach, Florida, to face Bethune-Cookman in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) matchup at Daytona Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST, with the contest streaming live on SWAC TV.
Grambling State (4-5 overall, 2-4 SWAC) enters the matchup following a heartbreaking 35-32 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 7. Despite the setback, the Tigers showcased their offensive potential, totaling 408 yards of offense while keeping the game competitive until the final seconds.
Quarterback Jacobe Robinson completed 15 of 23 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown against the Golden Lions. Running back Jamarion Parker rushed for 116 yards on 14 carries, while wide receiver Byron Eaton Jr. hauled in three receptions for 91 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown reception.
The Tigers have averaged 34.3 points and 397.6 yards of total offense per game this season. Grambling has been productive through both phases of its offense, averaging 226.6 passing yards and 171 rushing yards per contest.
Robinson leads the passing attack with 962 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Reginald Johnson has added 581 passing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Tyson George leads the Tigers with 42 receptions for 533 yards and seven touchdowns. Nae'Saan Dickerson has contributed 415 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, Jamarion Parker leads Grambling with 315 rushing yards, averaging 7.0 yards per carry. D'Shaun Ford has added 275 rushing yards and six touchdowns, providing another option in the Tigers' backfield.
Defensively, Grambling will face a Bethune-Cookman offense that relies heavily on its rushing attack. The Wildcats average 207.9 rushing yards per game, led by running back Rashon Brown, who has accumulated 882 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
Quarterback Tyler Jefferson provides another dimension to the Wildcats' offense. Jefferson has thrown for 753 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 322 rushing yards and three scores.
Grambling's defense will need a strong performance from its front seven to slow down Brown and prevent Bethune-Cookman from establishing its ground game. Marcellius Johnson leads the Tigers with 64 tackles, while Jon Horton has recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Lonell Cunningham has contributed 47 tackles and an interception.
Bethune-Cookman (5-5, 3-3 SWAC) enters Saturday's contest following a 45-17 loss to Southern. The Wildcats surrendered 381 rushing yards in the defeat and will look to rebound in front of their home crowd.
Offensively, Bethune-Cookman averages 26.1 points and 324 yards per game. Brown has been the Wildcats' leading offensive weapon, while wide receiver Josh Evans leads the team with 391 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, Bethune-Cookman has recorded 12 interceptions and 23 sacks this season. Isaiah Washburn leads the Wildcats with 11 tackles for loss, while Naim Lassiter has registered 58 total tackles. The Tigers will need to remain disciplined against a defense that has shown the ability to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Special teams could also play an important role in Saturday's matchup. Grambling's Jordan Bride returned a kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, while Tony Phillips Jr. has recorded two kickoff-return touchdowns this season. Kicker Theodore Caballero has converted 10 of 13 field-goal attempts.
Grambling State holds an 12-5 advantage in the all-time series against Bethune-Cookman. The Tigers defeated the Wildcats 31-23 in their most recent meeting on Nov. 8, 2025, at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Grambling also earned a 24-21 victory in Daytona Beach in 2024.
FOLLOW GRAMBLING STATE ATHLETICS
For complete coverage of Grambling State Athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /GramblingStateTigers1901 (Facebook), @gramblingathletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.Â
