WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University football team (0-5, 0-3 CIAA) returns to Bowman Gray Stadium to host Bowie State University (2-3, 2-1 CIAA) on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Saturday's matchup will also serve as WSSU's 2026 Hall of Fame Game, with the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 recognized during halftime.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. (ET)
Where: Bowman Gray Stadium – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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The Hall of Fame Game
Winston-Salem State will celebrate the 2026 Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame Class during Hall of Fame Weekend. The class features seven individuals and two teams.
Individuals
- Carlos Fields — Football
- Terrence C. Graves — Football
- Juan Marcus Corders — Football
- Robert Lewis Mackey III — Football
- Dr. Charlie Spell III — Men's Basketball
- William Julius "Willy" Crandell — Men's Basketball
- L'Tona (Samuels) Lamonte — Softball/Women's Basketball
Teams
- 1978 Football Team
- 2000 Softball Team
The 2026 Hall of Fame Gala is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the McNeil Ballroom of the Anderson Center. The inductees will be recognized during halftime of Saturday's football game against Bowie State.
The Series
Saturday's matchup will mark another meeting between Winston-Salem State and Bowie State in CIAA play. The Rams will look to earn their first victory of the 2026 season when the Bulldogs visit Bowman Gray Stadium.
Scouting the Rams
Winston-Salem State enters Saturday's matchup with an 0-5 overall record and a 0-3 mark in CIAA play. The Rams return to action following a bye week and will look to regroup at home against Bowie State.
Defensively, WSSU has been led by several playmakers throughout the season. The Rams have recorded six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
Chancellor Smith leads the Rams with 43 total tackles, while
Maurice Odom has recorded 36 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman has added 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
Avir Johnson has recorded 22 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles.
In the kicking game,
Anthony Barrett has averaged 42.2 yards per punt, including a season-long 71-yard punt.
Scouting Bowie State
Bowie State enters the weekend with a 2-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in CIAA play. The Bulldogs have won their last two games, defeating Elizabeth City State 34-23 on Sept. 26 before earning a 34-29 victory over Shaw on Oct. 3.
Offensively, Bowie State has established one of the CIAA's top rushing attacks, ranking fourth in the conference. The Bulldogs have totaled 937 rushing yards through five games, averaging 187.4 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. Bowie State has accumulated 1,572 yards of total offense, with nearly 60% of its production coming on the ground.
Maximus Jones leads the Bulldogs with 352 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 70.4 yards per game. Daniel Coles Jr. has added 342 rushing yards while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Jones ranks fifth in the CIAA in rushing.
Through the air, Joshuah Keith leads Bowie State with 422 passing yards and three touchdowns. Makhy Acey leads the Bulldogs with 217 receiving yards and one touchdown, while Devean Byrd has recorded 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Chase Francis has been one of Bowie State's top playmakers. Francis has recorded 27 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He ranks fourth in the CIAA in tackles for loss.
As a team, Bowie State has recorded 30 tackles for loss and six sacks through five games.
Discipline will also be a factor in Saturday's matchup. Bowie State ranks first in the CIAA in penalties, with 25 penalties for 225 yards through five games.
Up Next
Winston-Salem State will continue CIAA play hosting the Big Blue of Bluefield State on Saturday, October 17th, at Bowman Gray Stadium.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
