Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to what’s happening in Frankfort, you’re missing one of the best turnaround stories in college football. The kentucky state football schedule used to be something fans approached with a bit of "hope for the best" energy. Not anymore. Under Felton Huggins Jr., this team has turned into a legitimate powerhouse in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
They just finished a 9-3 run in 2025. Think about that for a second. This is a program that was fighting to stay above water just a few years ago. Now, they're making NCAA Division II playoff appearances and scaring the life out of Division I FCS schools like Grambling State.
Breaking Down the Recent Kentucky State Football Schedule
When you look at the schedule from this past season, it’s clear the Thorobreds aren't ducking anybody. They started the year in Detroit at the Football Classic against Central State and walked away with a 34-24 win. That set the tone.
But it wasn't all sunshine. The loss to Albany State (49-21) early on was a wake-up call. Most teams would have folded. Instead, KSU went on a tear. They nearly pulled off a massive upset against Grambling in Louisiana, losing a 37-31 heartbreaker that went down to the wire. If a few bounces go their way in Eddie Robinson Stadium, we’re talking about an undefeated regular season.
Look at this mid-season stretch:
- A 35-17 win over Morehouse in Atlanta.
- Dominating Savannah State on the road (37-20).
- Smothering Miles College 38-17.
- A Homecoming blowout against Edward Waters (42-14).
By the time they hit November, they were a machine. The 55-0 shutout against Lane was basically a statement to the rest of the SIAC that the Thorobreds had arrived. Even their playoff loss to Newberry (45-24) showed they belong on the national stage. They were the #3 team in the conference for a reason.
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What to Expect for the 2026 Season
If you're looking for the 2026 kentucky state football schedule, expect the usual SIAC rivalries to stay front and center. While the official dates for the 2026 campaign usually drop in the spring, the conference structure means you can bet on seeing familiar faces.
Central State is the game everyone circles. The "Classic" atmosphere is unbeatable. Then there’s the revenge factor. After the 2025 playoff exit, Huggins is going to have these guys hungry. Most of the offensive production is coming back, including some serious talent in the backfield.
The Huggins Effect
Felton Huggins Jr. was named the 2025 SIAC Coach of the Year, and honestly, it wasn't even close. He’s a wide receiver at heart—played for the Jaguars and Bills—and you can see it in the way the Thorobreds move the ball. They put up huge numbers.
The offense averaged nearly 400 yards a game last year. They have this "basketball on grass" vibe that makes them incredibly hard to scheme against. If you’re a fan, you’ve gotta love the aggressive play-calling. They don't play to not lose; they play to crush you.
Key Players Making the Schedule Must-Watch TV
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about who's actually on the field. Denim Johnson has been a revelation at quarterback. He’s got that dual-threat capability that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. In 2025, he threw for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns while remaining a threat on the ground.
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Then there’s Chad Elzy. The kid is a monster. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season and found the end zone 13 times. When Elzy is rolling, the entire kentucky state football schedule looks a lot easier.
On the defensive side, look out for names like Chris Price and the rest of Earl Chambers' unit. They specialize in creating havoc. The 55-0 win over Lane wasn't just about the offense; it was about a defense that refused to give an inch.
Why Frankfort is the Place to Be
There’s something special about Alumni Stadium on a Saturday. It’s small, it’s loud, and the energy is authentic. It’s not like the corporate feel of a massive SEC stadium. It feels like community.
People think HBCU football is just about the halftime show. And look, the band is incredible—don't get me wrong. But the product on the field at KSU right now is high-level. They are playing a modern, fast-paced brand of football that is genuinely fun to watch.
Important Details for Fans
- Homecoming: Always the biggest date. If you haven't booked a hotel in Frankfort by July, you're probably staying in Lexington.
- Tickets: They usually go on sale through the KSU Athletics site in the summer.
- Tailgating: It’s a whole lifestyle. Get there early.
The Long Road Ahead
Winning 9 games is great, but the expectation has shifted. The kentucky state football schedule for 2026 isn't just about winning the SIAC anymore. It’s about making a deep run in the NCAA DII playoffs.
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They’ve proven they can beat the teams they’re "supposed" to beat. Now, can they jump that next hurdle? Can they beat the Albany States and the Newberrys of the world when the pressure is highest?
Huggins has the recruiting trail on fire. He’s bringing in guys who were overlooked by bigger programs and giving them a chip on their shoulder. That’s a dangerous combination for the rest of the league.
Your Next Steps for the 2026 Season
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official KSU Thorobreds athletics portal around April. That’s usually when the full 2026 kentucky state football schedule with exact times and locations gets locked in. If you're planning to travel for the away games—especially the Detroit or Atlanta matchups—start looking at travel arrangements as soon as the dates are confirmed, as those "Classic" games sell out fast.
Make sure to follow Coach Huggins on social media for transfer portal updates; the roster for 2026 is being built right now, and a couple of key additions in the secondary could be the difference between a conference title and another first-round playoff exit.