GRAMBLING, LA. – The Grambling State Tigers kicked off the 2026 football season with a decisive 49-7 win over the Clark Atlanta Panthers on Saturday night at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. A crowd of 11,337 witnessed the Tigers roll to a 28-0 halftime lead and never look back.

Offensive fireworks

Quarterback Reginald Johnson was efficient in his debut, completing 15 of 17 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers amassed 487 total yards, splitting the effort between a 223‑yard rushing attack and 264 passing yards. Johnson’s 26‑of‑35 passing performance produced two touchdowns without an interception.

Special teams set the tone early when Tony Phillips Jr. returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. Phillips later added a 20‑yard rushing score, and wide receiver Tyson George contributed an 11‑yard touchdown reception.

Dominant fourth quarter

After a brief Clark Atlanta response in the third quarter, Grambling pulled away in the fourth, scoring three unanswered touchdowns. Clyde McClendon Jr., Zerrick Jones, and D’Shaun Ford each found the end zone on the ground, sealing a 21‑0 quarter.

Running back Andre Crews led the ground game with 50 yards on six carries, including a 37‑yard burst. Ford added 41 yards and a touchdown on six attempts, while McClendon Jr. contributed 24 yards and a score.

Defensive strength

The Tigers’ defense limited the Panthers to 224 total yards, just 94 on the ground, and forced a turnover. Jalen Guillard topped the defensive stat sheet with five tackles and a forced fumble, and Markeis Sykes recorded a sack.

Grambling also controlled the clock, holding possession for 34:03 compared with Clark Atlanta’s 25:57. Punter Alexander Davis averaged 44.8 yards on five punts, with a long of 54 yards.

Looking ahead

Grambling State will host Central State next weekend at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. The game will be streamed via SWAC TV.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.