Nicholls vs. Incarnate Word Football: Preview, Score Predictions
Nicholls Colonels will open its 2025 season against Southland Conference rival No. 4 Incarnate Word on Saturday at 12 p.m. in the John L. Guidry Stadium.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2. The broadcast is both historic for the Colonels and the Southland Conference. It marks the first in-conference Southland game and first home Nicholls contest ever aired on a national TV broadcast.
The contest will be the second official game of the 2025 college football season, following the Kansas State vs. Iowa State game earlier that day in Dublin. It also stands as the first FCS game of the year.
Bragging Rights at Stake
Nicholls and Incarnate Word enter Saturday’s matchup tied 6-6 in the all-time series. Last year, the Cardinals dominated, rolling to a 55-10 win in San Antonio. The Colonels will look not only to pull an upset but also to avenge last season’s lopsided defeat.
The rivalry has swung back and forth in recent years, with Nicholls winning five straight from 2016 to 2020 before Incarnate Word took the next two in 2021 and 2022. The teams then split the series over the past two seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Nicholls has added several Power 5 conference and FBS transfers through the portal who could make an immediate impact. Notable newcomers include redshirt junior wide receiver Landon Ibieta from LSU and graduating senior quarterback Deuce Hogan from New Mexico State. The list also features redshirt junior defensive tackle Gavin Nelson from Mississippi State and 6-foot-10 junior offensive linemen Jacob Hood from Nebraska.
Returning players will also play key roles for the Colonels. Sophomore running back Miequle Brock Jr. is expected to make a big impact on the ground game this season after a standout rookie season that earned him Southland Conference Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the FCS Freshman All-American Second Team. On defense, junior linebacker Jake Dalmado returns after a great season in which he recorded 41 tackles, including 24 solo, and led the Southland with nine sacks, earning first-team All-Southland recognition.
Coaching Spotlight
Saturday also marks the debut of Nicholls head coach Tommy Rybacki. Rybacki is in his 11th season with the NSU football program and looks to continue building upon what has been a dominating defense during his tenure.
Nicholls finished the 2024 regular season ranked 12th nationally in total defense and set a school single-season record by allowing just 83.9 rushing yards per game, which ranked fourth-best in the nation. The defense also forced 29 turnovers, the third-best mark in the FCS, including 19 interceptions, which ranked third as well.
Score Prediction
UIW 21, Nicholls 17: In the first season under coach Rybacki, I expect a tightly contested game where Nicholls defense shines. A motivated Colonel’s squad will come ready to play, but I still believe the Cardinals will win a close game in Thibodaux.
