The Nicholls State football team defeated No. 4 Incarnate Word 20-6 in the first Southland Conference matchup of the 2025-26 season at John L. Guidry Stadium Aug. 23.

Incarnate Word looked to set the tone early with its no huddle offense. However, Nicholls was able to hold the Cardinals to just a 24-yard field goal by kicker Will Faris.

On the first Nicholls possession, sophomore running back Miequle Brock Jr. set the tone early with a hard-hitting truck. The possession unfortunately would not lead to points for the Colonels, but it proved to make a difference in team morale.

On the ensuing UIW drive, Nicholls linebacker Jake Dalmado forced a fumble for a loss of 16 yards which set the tone defensively and led to a UIW punt.

New Mexico State transfers, quarterback Deuce Hogan and wide receiver Jordan Smith, connected on back-to-back receptions which led to the Colonels first points of the game in the form of a 38-yard Gabe Showalter field goal.

After the game, Hogan explained the confidence he had in himself and his teammates leading up to game and the magnitude of hosting a top five team.

“What about the ranking? Everybody’s going to talk about the magnitude of the win, but we focused on us,” Hogan said. “We know that if we execute, we can play with anybody in the country.”

The following defensive possession for Nicholls would change the course of the game. Senior defensive back Ty Marsh intercepted a pass from UIW quarterback Richard Torres. Marsh returned the pick 29 yards to the end zone to put the Colonels up 10-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Nicholls defensive lineman Joe Mason recorded his first of two sacks to start the second quarter, which set up Showalter for a 43-yard field goal. Mason’s second sack of the game would come halfway through the quarter via strip sack and a loss of 31 for UIW.

Unfortunately, the Colonel’s offense and special teams failed to capitalize on the opportunities, with Showalter missing two field goals at the end of the first half.

In the third quarter, Nicholls would fumble a punt on the Colonels 9-yard line, which would lead to Faris making his second 24-yard field goal. This shrunk the Colonels lead to seven points at a score of 13-6.

At the start of the fourth quarter, redshirt freshman defensive back Anthony Rogers snagged the second Nicholls interception of the game. This awakened the Colonels offense and Hogan, who connected with Karaaz Johnson for a 55-yard pass and the only offensive touchdown of the game.

The Colonels would hold onto the 20-6 lead for the rest of the game and add two more turnovers, bringing their total to five. Coach Tommy Rybacki secured his first win as a head coach and leaves fans optimistic for the rest of the season. Rybacki expressed how proud he was of his players and the work they’ve put in.

“You see how they come to work every day, how they’re selfless, how they buy into the team model and I’m just so proud of them.”

Nicholls and coach Rybacki look to carry this momentum when they head to Alabama next Saturday to play FBS opponent Troy.