image via Albany State Athletics
Courtesy Albany State Football
The Albany State Golden Rams are set to open the 2025 football season this Saturday, August 30, on the road against the Shaw University Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Game Information:
- Who: Albany State Golden Rams at Shaw University Bears
- When: Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Durham County Memorial Stadium | Durham, N.C.
- Live Stats: Click Here
- Live Video: Click Here
Led by Head Coach Quinn Fordham Gray, Sr., entering his third season, the Golden Rams start the 2025 season aiming to take the series lead back and set an early tone for a season filled with high expectations. Albany State has a strong core of returning talent, including Quarterback Isaiah Knowles, the SIAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year; Running Back Tiant Wyche, the reigning SIAC Freshman of the Year; and Wide Receiver Jamil Jones, a Second-Team All-SIAC pick. With a balanced defense and the addition of 52 newcomers, the Golden Rams are eager to make an early statement on the road.
The Bears, led by first-year Head Coach Lamar Manigo, will look to build on their momentum from the last game and start a new chapter for their program. With a new coaching staff and renewed energy, Shaw aims to defend its home turf in what promises to be another competitive matchup. Saturday’s game not only opens the 2025 season but also acts as a crucial contest for both teams as they attempt to find rhythm, establish identity, and build momentum for the weeks ahead.
This weekend’s matchup will mark the third time the Golden Rams and Bears have faced off in a season opener, and the second time they’ve opened the season on August 30. The all-time series is currently tied at 2-2, with both programs earning decisive wins over the history of the matchup.
The first encounter dates back to 1968, when Shaw narrowly defeated Albany State 15-13 in Albany to spoil the Golden Rams’ season debut. Albany State responded with back-to-back victories, including a dominant 45-6 win in 1977 on the road and a 27-10 victory in 2008, both played on August 30. After more than ten years away from the series, the Bears returned to Albany for the most recent meeting and pulled off an exciting upset, beating the Golden Rams 43-40 in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
