Game Information
Kentucky State (0-0, 0-0 SIAC) vs Central State (0-0, 0-0 SIAC)
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Stadium: Ford Field 
Location: Detroit, Mich.  
Watch: SIAC Network
Tickets: Ticketmaster
 
DETROIT – Kentucky State and rival Central State will open the 2025 season Saturday at 1 p.m. when they meet for the 67th time in the return of the historic Detroit Football Classic.
 
67TH MEETING BETWEEN THE THOROBREDS AND MARAUDERS
Saturday's contest will be the 67th meeting between the two, with the Marauders leading the series 39-26-1. In the last meeting on Nov. 9, 2024, the Thorobreds rallied in the fourth quarter for an exciting 24-14 win over their rivals.
 
1 OF 15 SCHOOLS TO FINISH 2024 WITH THREE WINS
Kentucky State won five of their last six games wins to become one of only 15 schools to end the 2024 season with three consecutive wins. Coach Huggins finished his second season at the helm of the program 5-6 overall and 4-4 in conference play.
 
BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL WATCHLIST
Kentucky State's Lawrence McConnell and Torrence Bardell were both selected to the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List, honoring the top players in HBCU football.
 
MCCONNELL RACKS UP PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Kentucky State junior Lawrence McConnell has been named to the 2025 HBCU Sports Division II Preseason All-American Team. The recognition adds to his growing list of accolades, which already includes a spot on the SIAC Preseason All-Conference First Team. McConnell recorded 56 tackles last season and has appeared in every game since arriving at KSU, including a career-best nine stops against Benedict as a freshman.
 
IMPROVING PRODUCTION
The team showed significant growth last season, climbing the national rankings in six key offensive categories: Total Offense (+17), Rushing Offense (+22), Passing Offense (+14), Scoring Offense (+9), First Down Offense (+44), and Time of Possession (+52). In the 2024 season finale, the offense powered its way to 324 rushing yards, capping off the year on a high note. The Thorobreds also ranked among the nation's top 20 in kickoff returns.
 
Follow KSU Sports
For complete coverage of Kentucky State Athletics, follow the Thorobreds on social media @KYSUAthletics (Twitter), @ KYSUAthletics (Instagram), Kentucky State Athletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Kentucky State Athletics at ksuthorobreds.com. 
 
###