Thibodaux, LA – In a dramatic kickoff to the 2025 FCS season, the Nicholls State Colonels, under first-year head coach Tommy Rybacki, toppled No. 5-ranked Incarnate Word (UIW) by a surprising 20–6 victory at John L. Guidry Stadium, broadcast nationally on ESPN2 as the first Southland Conference game ever to receive national coverage
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Early Defensive Dominance: UIW struck first with a field goal on their opening drive. Nicholls responded with a field goal of their own then capitalized on a sensational defensive play—Ty Marsh intercepted a pass and returned it 29 yards for a pick-six, shifting momentum firmly in the Colonels’ favor.
- Capitalizing on Turnovers: UIW’s offense, led by first-time starter Richard Torres, faltered—he threw three interceptions and UIW generated just 204 total yards, their lowest offensive output in eight years. Nicholls’ opportunistic defense and special teams effectively crushed UIW’s rhythm.
- Offensive Highlight: In the fourth quarter, Nicholls QB Deuce Hogan delivered the game’s defining moment with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Karaaz Johnson, extending the lead to 20–6
- Late-Game Closure: UIW threatened again late in the game, advancing deep into Nicholls territory, but Anthony Rogers intercepted Torres near the goal line, sealing the upset.
| Team | Total Yards | Passing (Comp-Att-Yds-TD INT) | Rushing (Yards) | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholls | 287 | Hogan: 21-35, 221 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT | — | 1 |
| UIW | 204 | Torres: 23-35, 175 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT | — | 4 (3 INT) (ESPN.com) |
After the Upset: What It Means
- UiW’s title dreams hit a snag: As a preseason favorite and defending Southland champion, UIW now faces an uphill climb to the FCS playoffs after this early blow.
- Nicholls on the rise: Coach Rybacki’s debut couldn’t have gone better. Nicholls not only avenged a lopsided 55–10 loss to UIW from October 2024 but also laid down a bold marker in the Southland Conference quest.
