THOROBREDS BEAT REIGNING SIAC CHAMPS, TIE FOR FIRST AT 4-1

ALBANY, GA - Kentucky State football picked up one of its biggest wins of the season Saturday, defeating reigning SIAC champion Albany State 24-16 on the road.

The win moves the Thorobreds to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in SIAC play, putting them in a tie for first place with Edward Waters. Albany State entered the season as the defending conference champion after winning the 2025 SIAC title.

Kentucky State's offense finished with 406 total yards, including 303 through the air. Juan Gainous completed 14 of 18 passes for 178 yards, while Denim Johnson added 125 passing yards and a touchdown. Darius Cyprian led the Thorobreds with six catches for 96 yards, while Aiyon Carter added three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also came up big against the Golden Rams. Kentucky State recorded five sacks and nine tackles for loss, holding Albany State to 246 total yards and just 81 rushing yards. Carlos Bazert Jr. had two sacks and three tackles for loss, while Elijah Henderson added a sack.

The victory also ended a long wait for the Thorobreds. Kentucky State had not defeated Albany State since a 19-13 win in 2003.

Now, Kentucky State heads to Jacksonville next week to face Edward Waters, which is also 4-1 and 3-0 in the SIAC. The matchup will have first place on the line.

After that, the Thorobreds are scheduled to return home for Homecoming against Miles on Oct. 10.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable

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PLAYER OF THE GAME: CARLOS BAZERT JR.

Bazert Jr. was a major part of the Thorobreds' defensive performance with six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

--- Photography Credit: Austin Stuckey, The Stable