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TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Tuskegee didn’t play a clean football game Thursday night.
It didn’t need to.
The Golden Tigers overcame five turnovers and a pair of second-half lead changes to knock off No. 15 Benedict, 20-17, handing the Tigers their first loss of the 2026 season.
Benedict entered the nationally televised matchup 3-0 overall and 1-0 in SIAC play, while Tuskegee was 1-2 overall. By the end of the night, Tuskegee had one of the biggest HBCU football wins of the young season.
The Golden Tigers improved to 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the SIAC, while Benedict dropped to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Tuskegee Strikes First
Tuskegee wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
With 12:04 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Bryson McGrew broke loose for a 12-yard touchdown run to cap an 80-yard opening drive.
The extra point was unsuccessful, leaving the Golden Tigers with a 6-0 lead.
Benedict answered in the second quarter when Logan Karwacki connected on a 31-yard field goal with 12:30 remaining, cutting the deficit to 6-3.
That remained the score heading into halftime.
The Turnovers Started Piling Up
Tuskegee’s offense struggled to protect the football.
The Golden Tigers committed five turnovers, including interceptions and lost fumbles, but Benedict was unable to consistently capitalize on the extra possessions.
According to the game recap, Tuskegee committed four turnovers in the first half alone, including an interception on a Hail Mary at the end of the second quarter.
Instead of allowing the mistakes to decide the game, Tuskegee’s defense repeatedly kept Benedict from turning takeaways into points.
That proved critical.
Benedict Takes the Lead
Benedict came out of halftime with momentum.
Jett Peddy helped lead an 87-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jayson Salkey with 10:24 remaining in the third quarter.
Karwacki’s extra point put Benedict ahead 10-6.
Tuskegee responded immediately.
McGrew orchestrated a 65-yard drive and found Nasir Powell for a 15-yard touchdown pass with 5:21 left in the third quarter.
Lorcan Ryans converted the extra point, putting Tuskegee back in front 13-10.
Benedict Answers Again
The lead changed hands once again early in the fourth quarter.
With 14:56 remaining, Christopher Johnson powered into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run.
Karwacki’s extra point gave Benedict a 17-13 advantage.
Tuskegee now had less than 15 minutes to save its night.
And that’s when the Golden Tigers delivered.
The Game-Winning Touchdown
With Khalib Johnson taking over at quarterback, Tuskegee put together the decisive drive.
The Golden Tigers converted a crucial fourth-and-1 before Johnson connected with Preston Parker for a 31-yard touchdown with 5:53 remaining.
Ryans’ extra point put Tuskegee ahead 20-17.
It would be the final score of the night.
Benedict Gets One Last Chance
The Tigers weren’t finished.
Benedict marched 65 yards on its final possession and reached the Tuskegee 10-yard line with less than two minutes remaining.
But on third-and-7, Peddy’s pass was intercepted by Tuskegee defensive back Keenan Libecca in the end zone with 1:45 remaining.
That was the play that sealed the upset.
Tuskegee then converted a critical fourth-and-1 on the ground before running out the clock.
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Time | Team | Scoring Play | Score |
| 1st | 12:04 | Tuskegee | Bryson McGrew 12-yard TD run | TUS 6-0 |
| 2nd | 12:30 | Benedict | Logan Karwacki 31-yard FG | TUS 6-3 |
| 3rd | 10:24 | Benedict | Jayson Salkey 3-yard TD reception from Jett Peddy | BEN 10-6 |
| 3rd | 5:21 | Tuskegee | Nasir Powell 15-yard TD reception from Bryson McGrew | TUS 13-10 |
| 4th | 14:56 | Benedict | Christopher Johnson 2-yard TD run | BEN 17-13 |
| 4th | 5:53 | Tuskegee | Preston Parker 31-yard TD reception from Khalib Johnson |
Final Score
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| No. 15 Benedict | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Tuskegee | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
By the Numbers
Tuskegee
- 20 points
- 2-2 overall
- 2-0 SIAC
- Five turnovers committed
- Bryson McGrew: 142 total rushing yards
- Ja’Khael Rowser: 124 rushing yards
- Preston Parker: 59 receiving yards
Benedict
- 17 points
- 3-1 overall
- 1-1 SIAC
- First loss of the season
- Jett Peddy: 211 passing yards
- Christopher Johnson: 76 rushing yards
- T.J. Hatch: 95 receiving yards
Five Turnovers. One Huge Win.
Tuskegee’s five turnovers could have easily turned this game into a different story.
Instead, the Golden Tigers’ defense repeatedly answered the call.
After Benedict took a 17-13 lead, Tuskegee responded with the game’s final touchdown, and Libecca’s end-zone interception prevented Benedict from answering.
Five turnovers. Three lead changes. One nationally ranked opponent. One massive Tuskegee victory.
Final: Tuskegee 20, No. 15 Benedict 17.
The Golden Tigers now turn their attention to Morehouse in the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic on Oct. 3.Benedict will look to bounce back against Clark Atlanta on October 3.
