Kentucky State Thorobreds (8-2, 7-1 SIAC) at Benedict Tigers (9-1, 7-1 SIAC)
Game: 2026 SIAC Football Championship
Kickoff: 10:30 a.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium — Columbia, South Carolina
Tickets: BenedictTickets.com
Watch: ESPNU
Live Stats: Benedict College Athletics
NCAA NPI: Benedict No. 1; Kentucky State No. 2 in Super Region Two
National NPI: Benedict No. 7; Kentucky State No. 12
National Rankings: Benedict No. 17 in AFCA Coaches Poll; No. 17 in D2football.com. Kentucky State received votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll
 
COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the fourth time in five years, the Benedict College Tigers are playing for a SIAC football championship.
 
Saturday's game will match up the 17^th-ranked Tigers (9-1 overall, 7-1 SIAC) against the Kentucky State Thorobreds (8-2 overall, 7-1 SIAC) in a "Breakfast of Champions" contest. The game will kick off at 10:30 a.m. from Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The game will also be nationally televised on ESPNU.
 
The Tigers are making their second straight championship appearance and are aiming for their third conference title overall, and first since 2023. Kentucky State is making its second appearance in the championship game, and their first since losing to Tuskegee 33-30 in double overtime in the 2016 title contest.
 
Benedict enters Saturday following one of its most productive offensive performances of the season, generating 523 total yards and 30 first downs in a 45-38 victory over Central State. The Tigers demonstrated a balanced attack with 227 rushing yards and 296 passing yards, while converting eight of 14 third-down opportunities and controlling possession for 35 minutes and 38 seconds. Peddy directed the passing game with 24 completions on 32 attempts for 271 yards and two touchdowns, while David Smith led the rushing attack with 86 yards on 17 carries. A'chean Durant added 50 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Christopher Johnson contributed another rushing score.
 
Kentucky State counters with a dangerous passing attack that produced 405 yards and five touchdowns against Morehouse. Quarterback Juan Gainous completed 21 of 31 passes without an interception, and connected with five different receivers for touchdown passes. Darius Cyprian led the Thorobreds with eight receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown, while Cameron Tucker caught two touchdown passes, including a 54-yard scoring reception.
 
Defensively, Benedict will look to build on its ability to force turnovers and generate pressure against opposing quarterbacks. The Tigers intercepted three Central State passes and recovered a fumble, including a 28-yard fumble recovery touchdown by Joshua Stephens. Ryan Perry recorded five tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack, while Ty'Metrius Patterson added five tackles and a sack.
 
Kentucky State enters Saturday averaging 293.6 passing yards per game, one of the highest marks in the SIAC. The Thorobreds have accumulated 2,936 passing yards through 10 games. Against Morehouse, Kentucky State generated 405 passing yards and five touchdowns.
 
His top target is Cyprian, who leads the conference with 980 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Jaden Hale has contributed 610 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
 
Benedict enters the championship allowing 187 passing yards per game, second best in the SIAC. Benedict did give up 329 passing yards and two touchdowns against Central State last week, but intercepted three Marauder passes, while constantly putting pressure on the quarterback, registering five quarterback hurries.
 
The Tigers lead the SIAC in rushing offense, averaging 201.5 yards per contest and accumulating 2,015 rushing yards through 10 games. Smith leads the conference with 836 rushing yards, while freshman sensation Christopher Johnson has contributed 475 yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
 
Against Central State, Benedict rushed for 227 yards on 41 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. Smith led the way with 86 yards, while Durant contributed 50 yards and a touchdown. Peddy added 46 rushing yards, and Johnson scored on a four-yard run. The balanced rushing effort allowed Benedict to record 30 first downs and control possession for more than 35 minutes.
 
Kentucky State counters with a defense allowing 128.5 rushing yards per game, one of the conference's stronger marks. The Thorobreds held Morehouse to just 78 rushing yards on 27 attempts while recording seven tackles for loss.
 
Regardless of Saturday's outcome, both teams are expected to be locks for the NCAA Championship playoff field, which will be announced at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Benedict is currently the No. 1 team in the region, while Kentucky State is No. 2. Eight teams from Super Region 2 will be selected for postseason action.