The stage is set for the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Championship, as Benedict College prepares to host Kentucky State University on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Columbia, South Carolina.
The top two seeds will square off at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, with the SIAC championship trophy and an opportunity to strengthen their NCAA Division II postseason resumes on the line.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on ESPNU, giving the conference championship a national television audience.
Benedict Looks to Finish the Job
Benedict enters the championship game at 9-1 overall and 7-1 in SIAC play, earning its second consecutive appearance in the conference title contest.
The Tigers secured their championship berth with a hard-fought 45-38 victory over Central State. Benedict’s offense produced a season-high 517 total yards, including 290 passing yards.
Quarterback Jett Peddy delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, completing 24 of 32 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Benedict also has unfinished business after falling to Albany State, 22-16, in last year’s SIAC Championship Game. The Tigers now have an opportunity to capture the conference crown on their home field.
Kentucky State Seeks SIAC Championship
Kentucky State arrives in Columbia with an 8-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in conference play.
The Thorobreds closed their regular season with a convincing 34-10 victory over Morehouse, earning an opportunity to compete for their first SIAC championship in this matchup.
Kentucky State has been one of the conference’s most competitive programs throughout the season, and the Thorobreds will look to carry their regular-season momentum into Saturday’s championship showdown.
NCAA Division II Playoff Implications
Saturday’s championship carries additional significance beyond the conference trophy.
According to the NCAA Division II Football Power Index (NPI) rankings released Nov. 8, Benedict and Kentucky State occupied the top two positions in Super Region Two.
- Benedict: No. 1 in Super Region Two, 62.956 NPI.
- Kentucky State: No. 2 in Super Region Two, 62.150 NPI.
2026 SIAC Football Championship
9-1
7-1 SIAC · No. 1 seed
8-2
7-1 SIAC · No. 2 seed
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
- Kickoff :10:30 a.m. EST
- Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium
- City: Columbia, South Carolina
- Television: ESPNU
Saturday’s matchup promises to be a significant moment for SIAC football, with two of the region’s top Division II programs competing for conference supremacy.
For Benedict, the mission is to defend its home field and finish the season with a championship. For Kentucky State, the opportunity is to deliver a statement victory and bring the SIAC trophy back to Frankfort.
One game. Two championship contenders. One conference champion.
