VALDOSTA – The 16th-ranked Valdosta State University Blazers football team (2-0) faces its first road challenge today, Saturday, September 12, 2026, in a matchup against undefeated Fayetteville State University (2-0). The game at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, N.C., is set for an 11 a.m. ET kickoff, a change from the original 6 p.m. start time due to forecasted weather concerns in the area. This contest marks a significant step for the Blazers after two comfortable home victories, testing their early-season momentum against a strong opponent.
Valdosta State is coming off a dominant 59-10 win last week against the Warner Royals. In that game, the Blazers’ offense amassed 405 total yards, including 275 rushing yards, and secured 26 first downs with six rushing touchdowns. Seven different players recorded double-digit rushing totals, and five different players scored rushing touchdowns, with Kenai Grier leading the team with two trips to the end zone. Defensively, the Blazers continued their strong start, recording two interceptions—one each from Curtis Janvier and LaBarryon Moore—with Janvier returning his for a pick-six. The Black Swarm defense pressured Warner’s quarterbacks, limiting them to 11 completions on 37 attempts for only 63 yards. They also forced two fumbles, registered six tackles for loss, six pass breakups, a sack, and six quarterback hurries, resulting in Warner finishing with 180 total yards.
Fayetteville State, under the leadership of 10th-year head coach Richard Hayes Jr., holds a 61-34 record and won the CIAA Championship in 2022. The Broncos enter today’s game also with a 2-0 record, demonstrating their strength through two contrasting victories. They secured a 13-point win against Shaw in Week 1, scoring 33 points, and then clinched a tight 10-7 defensive battle against UNC Pembroke last week. Against UNC Pembroke, the Broncos recorded 298 total yards, with 219 yards coming through the air and 79 on the ground, alongside 20 first downs. Their defense also made key plays, securing two interceptions and holding the Braves to 297 total yards.
Fayetteville State’s scoring against UNC Pembroke began late in the second quarter after the Braves took the lead with a 9-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Jamir Dismukes then connected with Jaden Butler for a 3-yard touchdown pass to tie the game in the third quarter. John Hernandez-Vargas sealed the win with a 34-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Dismukes completed 18 of 26 passes for 219 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in that game, despite taking three sacks. Wide receiver Marcus Fleming caught seven passes for 128 yards, contributing to his season total of 10 catches for 171 yards. Redshirt sophomore running back Braylon Vinson carried the ball 15 times for 81 yards, including a 63-yard run. The Blazers will also need to prepare for redshirt junior wide out Calvin Parker, who had three catches for 38 yards against the Braves.
VSU head coach Graham Craig described the road game as a "really big challenge for us." He highlighted Fayetteville State’s defensive prowess, noting their strong pass rush and mentioning Osirus Rhodes, who is currently leading Division II in sacks with four. Craig also pointed to Fayetteville State’s offensive threats, including their skilled wide receivers and a quarterback capable of extending plays. Craig concluded that Fayetteville State is a strong team across all three phases of the game and has shown a variety of ways to win.
One area Coach Craig identified for improvement for the Blazers is their offensive starts. Despite their high-scoring wins, the offense has, at times, struggled to gain momentum in the first halves of games. Quarterback Champ Harris has completed 15 of 33 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns this season, while also leading the team in carries with 23 and ranking second in rushing yards with 100. He is tied with Kenai Grier for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns. The Blazers' running game has been a significant asset, averaging 324.5 yards per game and accounting for nine of the team’s 12 touchdowns, spread among eight different players. Craig noted the importance of continued strong tackling, especially in open field, defensively against Fayetteville State’s playmakers.
The Blazers might see the return of some key players today. Sophomore running back Shawn Paschall, who exited last week’s game with an undisclosed injury, is a game-time decision. Deep threat Jaheim Arnold, who was not in uniform last week, is also a game-time decision, according to Coach Craig. He stated that both players have participated in some practice activities and their availability will be determined on Saturday.
Fans unable to attend the game in person can watch the broadcast on FloCollege.com. The game will also be available on the radio on Talk 92.1 FM and talk921.com, with Coach Wade Beale and Mayor Scott James Matheson providing the call.
