Tuskegee Golden Tigers wide receiver Jermaine Hardy, Jr. (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as West Alabama face off with Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Image via Jake Crandall/ Montgomery Advertiser
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — West Alabama opened its 2026 football season with a 27-17 victory over Tuskegee in the sixth annual Red Tails Classic on Sunday night at historic Cramton Bowl.
The Tigers used a strong fourth-quarter performance to pull away from the Golden Tigers after the teams entered the final period with West Alabama holding a 14-7 advantage. The victory gives West Alabama a 1-0 start to the season, while Tuskegee falls to 0-1.
West Alabama finished with 411 total yards, including 215 passing yards and 196 rushing yards. The Tigers also forced and recovered three Tuskegee fumbles, helping them control the game down the stretch.
Richesson shines in West Alabama debut
Quarterback Luther Richesson made an immediate impact in his West Alabama debut, earning Red Tails Classic MVP honors.
Richesson completed 16 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 93 rushing yards on the ground. His 93 rushing yards set a Red Tails Classic record for a quarterback.
West Alabama opened the scoring when Brayden Jenkins capped a 13-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Tuskegee answered later in the first quarter when quarterback Bryson McGrew connected with Jermaine Hardy Jr. for an 18-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.
Richesson put West Alabama back in front in the second quarter, using his legs to help set up the Tigers before connecting with Madixx Morris on a 30-yard touchdown pass. West Alabama carried a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Fourth quarter decides the game
Neither team scored in the third quarter, setting up a decisive fourth period.
Richesson connected with Kaden Cupp for a 37-yard touchdown with 7:34 remaining, extending West Alabama’s lead to 20-7.
Tuskegee answered with two points when Denard Johnson returned a blocked extra-point attempt for a score, cutting the deficit to 20-9.
West Alabama quickly regained control after Chrissean Jones forced a fumble recovered by Jamil Peterson. Richesson then found Cupp again, this time for a 13-yard touchdown, pushing the Tigers ahead 27-9 with 5:59 remaining.
Tuskegee refused to go quietly. McGrew broke loose for a 9-yard touchdown run with 4:54 left, and the Golden Tigers converted a two-point pass to make it 27-17.
But West Alabama’s defense slammed the door from there. Anthony Oatis recorded a sack and forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the Tigers’ season-opening victory.
By the numbers
- West Alabama: 411 total yards
- Tuskegee: 363 total yards
- Luther Richesson: 215 passing yards, 93 rushing yards, 3 TDs
- Kaden Cupp: 2 receptions, 50 yards, 2 TDs
- Brayden Jenkins: 43 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Bryson McGrew: 215 passing yards, 85 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
- Turnovers: West Alabama 2, Tuskegee 3
The matchup marked the first meeting between the two in-state programs since 2022 and the first time West Alabama played in the Red Tails Classic. Tuskegee had previously appeared in every edition of the event.
Tuskegee looks to bounce back when the Golden Tigers return to action against Fort Valley State in next week in the Port City Classic. The Wildcats defeated the Golden Tigers 27-20 in their most recent meeting, September 27, 2025.
West Alabama will look to move to 2-0 when it travels to face Lenoir-Rhyne on Sept. 5
