WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Kentucky State football opened the 2026 season with a rivalry victory Saturday, scoring 38 unanswered points to defeat Central State, 41-14, at McPherson Memorial Stadium.
The Thorobreds improved to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in SIAC play after producing 472 yards of total offense, including 282 through the air and 190 on the ground. Kentucky State recorded 25 first downs, converted 5-of-10 third-down attempts and scored on all six trips inside the red zone. Kentucky State also controlled possession for 39 minutes, 16 seconds.
Central State struck first on its opening possession when Isaiah Thompson scored on a 12-yard run with 12:22 remaining in the first quarter, capping a seven-play, 75-yard drive.
Kentucky State answered on its ensuing possession as Leland Gantz connected on a 29-yard field goal with 6:59 remaining in the opening quarter, cutting the Central State lead to 7-3.
The Marauders extended their advantage early in the second quarter when Jackson Wasik connected with Jae-Lijah Cochran for a 53-yard touchdown with 12:47 remaining, giving Central State a 14-3 lead.
From there, the Thorobreds took control.
Kentucky State responded with an 11-play, 65-yard scoring drive that consumed 5:32 off the clock. Tristan Thomas finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 7:15 mark of the second quarter, bringing KSU within 14-10.
After a missed Central State field goal, the Thorobreds put together another sustained scoring drive. Kentucky State marched 61 yards in 10 plays before Jaun Gainous connected with Jaden Hale for a 9-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining before halftime.
The score gave Kentucky State its first lead of the afternoon at 17-14 heading into the locker room.
Kentucky State carried the momentum into the second half, opening the third quarter with a 14-play, 58-yard drive that took 8:23 off the clock. Gantz capped the possession with a 34-yard field goal with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter, extending the Thorobreds' lead to 20-14.
Less than three minutes later, Kentucky State struck again.
Gainous connected with Aiyon Carter for a 48-yard touchdown with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter, pushing the Thorobreds advantage to 27-14.
The Thorobreds continued to separate themselves in the fourth quarter. Denim Johnson found Darius Cyprian for an 18-yard touchdown with 13:13 remaining, extending the lead to 34-14.
Kentucky State closed the scoring after another lengthy possession late in the fourth. Thomas finished a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run at the 4:18 mark, giving the Thorobreds the final 41-14 margin.
Kentucky State scored 38 consecutive points after falling behind 14-3 and outscored Central State 24-0 in the second half.
The Thorobreds' passing attack was efficient throughout the afternoon. Gainous completed 13 of 16 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, while Johnson finished 11 of 13 for 124 yards and one score. Combined, Kentucky State quarterbacks completed 24 of 29 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Cyprian led the receiving corps with eight catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Hale added six receptions for 85 yards and a score, while Carter finished with five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Thomas led the scoring effort on the ground, carrying 13 times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Cox provided Kentucky State's longest rush of the afternoon with a 40-yard run as the Thorobreds finished with 190 rushing yards on 39 attempts.
Defensively, Elijah Henderson led Kentucky State with eight tackles, including one tackle for loss. Carlos Bazert Jr. finished with two sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble, while Roman Hernandez recorded an interception and returned it 35 yards.
The Kentucky State defense held Central State scoreless in the second half and finished with five tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups and one interception.
Gantz was perfect in the kicking game, converting both field-goal attempts from 29 and 34 yards and all five extra-point attempts. He also averaged 49.5 yards on two punts, including a long of 53 yards.
Kentucky State also proved efficient in scoring territory, finishing 6-for-6 in the red zone with four touchdowns and two field goals.
Up Next
Kentucky State will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to face NCAA Division I opponent Southern University on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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