Kentucky State Thorobreds (9-2, 7-1 SIAC) at Newberry Wolves (9-1, 8-1 SAC)
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Where: Newberry, S.C.
Stadium: Setzler Field
Broadcast: ESPN+
Live Stats: Stats

NEWBERRY, S.C. – In their first playoff berth in program history, Kentucky State football will open the First Round of the 2025 NCAA DII Football Championship to the Newberry Wolves, Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. in Newberry, South Carolina.
 
Series at Glance
Although Saturday's matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, it will be Kentucky State's 32nd football contest played in South Carolina. The Thorobreds hold a slight edge in games played in the state, leading 16–15 all-time.
 
A Look at the Wolves
Newberry enters the postseason as the South Atlantic Conference champion after a 28-21 win over Carson-Newman. The Wolves went 8-1 in league play, finished the regular season 9-1, and carry a seven-game winning streak into the first round.
 
The Wolves average 109.4 rushing yards per game while allowing 171.6 on the ground, but they've been far more productive through the air, posting 272.9 passing yards per game and holding opponents to 171.6.
 
Quarterback Reed Charpia anchors the offense with 227 completions and a 70.08 completion percentage, totaling 2,682 yards and averaging 268.2 passing yards per game with 23 touchdowns. His top target, wide receiver Keith Desaussure, has hauled in 76 receptions for 864 yards, averaging 86.4 yards per game.
 
Defensively, Jamar Blandin leads the Wolves with 94 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss totaling 31 yards and seven quarterback hits.
 
From the Stable
Kentucky State enters the postseason riding the momentum of its best season since 1935, finishing 7-1 in SIAC play and 9-2 overall while extending its win streak to eight with a 35-7 victory over Shorter.
 
The Thorobreds also bring a slate of conference honors into the matchup. Four players earned All-SIAC recognition, and head coach Felton Huggins Jr. was named the 2025 SIAC Coach of the Year. Three Thorobreds secured First Team honors—offensive lineman Daniel Bostic, wide receiver Darius Cyprian and defensive back Navy Curry—while wide receiver Jon McCall was selected to the Second Team.
 
Kentucky State has held opponents to 20.64 points per game this season while averaging 35.27 points on offense. The Thorobreds have scored 22 rushing touchdowns and averaged 148 yards on the ground, complementing a passing attack that averages 244.91 yards per game with 26 touchdowns.
 
The Thorobreds also enters the postseason with several top-tier national and regional marks. The Thorobreds lead Super Region Two and rank No. 2 nationally with an 84.6 percent conversion rate on fourth down. They are fifth in the region with a 62.2 percent completion rate, while the defense—tied for second in the region—ranks fifth nationally with four defensive touchdowns. Kentucky State also ranks third in the region and 10th nationally with 15.31 yards per completion, and sits eighth nationally and third regionally with a 169.65 passing efficiency.
 
Special teams and skill positions continue to bolster KSU's profile. Punter Matt Bolanos leads the SIAC and ranks eighth nationally and second in the region with a 43.0-yard average. Jon McCall is 17th in the nation and second in the region with nine receiving touchdowns, while teammate Darius Cyprian sits tied for third in the region and 27th nationally with eight.
 
 
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