WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Central State University opened the 2026 football season Saturday afternoon at McPherson Memorial Stadium, falling to rival Kentucky State University, 41-14, in the season-opening SIAC matchup.
The Marauders (0-1, 0-1 SIAC) started quickly and generated 389 yards of total offense, including 288 through the air, but Kentucky State (1-0, 1-0 SIAC) controlled the second half to pull away. The Thorobreds finished with 472 yards of offense and held the ball for 39:16.
Central State wasted little time finding the end zone. The Marauders marched 75 yards on seven plays on their opening possession, with freshman running back Isaiah Thompson finishing the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Kofi Adubofuor converted the extra point to give CSU a 7-0 advantage with 12:22 remaining in the first quarter.
Kentucky State answered with a 29-yard field goal from Leland Gantz, but Central State struck again early in the second quarter.
With 12:47 remaining before halftime, senior quarterback Jackson Wasik connected with junior wide receiver Jae-Lijah Cochran for a 53-yard touchdown. The two-play, 58-yard scoring drive extended the Marauders' advantage to 14-3.
Kentucky State responded with 14 unanswered points before halftime. Tristan Thomas scored on a one-yard run before Jaun Gainous connected with Jaden Hale for a nine-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining in the second quarter, sending the Thorobreds into the locker room with a 17-14 lead.
The Marauders were unable to regain their early momentum after the break.
Kentucky State opened the second half with a 14-play drive that consumed 8:23 before Gantz converted a 34-yard field goal. Gainous later connected with Aiyon Carter for a 48-yard touchdown to push the Thorobreds' advantage to 27-14.
Kentucky State added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to close out the 41-14 victory.
Despite the result, Central State showed its ability to create explosive plays offensively. Wasik completed 13 of 25 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown, while also leading the Marauders on the ground with 53 rushing yards on seven attempts.
Cochran turned in a strong performance in the receiving game, hauling in four receptions for a game-high 125 yards and a touchdown, including his 53-yard scoring reception. Avantae Burt added six catches for 118 yards and contributed 51 yards on two kickoff returns.
Thompson led the CSU backfield with 32 yards on 12 carries and scored the Marauders' first touchdown of the season.
Defensively, Travion Searcy and Jalen Johnson led Central State with eight tackles apiece. Searcy also forced a fumble, while Braylon West and Malik Murrell each finished with six tackles. Deon Rebers recorded a sack and contributed four total tackles.
Central State finished with 19 first downs and 389 total yards, averaging 7.3 yards per offensive play. The Marauders recorded 288 passing yards and 101 rushing yards while committing five penalties for 43 yards. CSU converted five of 11 third-down opportunities. The Marauder defense also forced two fumbles and recovered one.
The difference came in sustained possessions and finishing drives. Kentucky State recorded 25 first downs and went a perfect 6-for-6 in the red zone, producing 34 points on those opportunities while controlling possession for more than 39 minutes.
Central State will look to regroup as the Marauders continue their 2026 schedule following Saturday's season opener.
