WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Winston-Salem State University football (0-1) returns home Saturday, Sept. 5, for its 2026 home opener against the Mars Hill University Lions at Bowman Gray Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. (ET)
Where: Bowman Gray Stadium – Winston-Salem, N.C.
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Gameday Promotions
Winston-Salem State will open its home schedule with a special night at Bowman Gray Stadium, celebrating the Rams, and the Winston-Salem community. Fans are encouraged to wear black for Blackout Night as WSSU hosts the Lions, while Community Night will bring together families, alumni, students and supporters from across the area.
The Rams will also honor veterans and active-duty military members as part of Military Appreciation Night, with all military personnel receiving free admission with a valid military ID.
CIAA Week Zero
- Virginia State 44, Barton 17
- Benedict 32, Johnson C. Smith 10
- Fayetteville State 33, Shaw 20
- Allen 37, Livingstone 16
- Fort Valley State 17, Elizabeth City State 14
- Lenoir-Rhyne 45, Virginia Union 3
- Tusculum 42, Bluefield State 7
The Series
Saturday's matchup will mark the second meeting between Winston-Salem State University and Mars Hill University. The Rams hold a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series after earning a 28-25 road victory over the Lions on Sept. 6, 2025.
In last season's meeting, WSSU overcame a 10-7 first-quarter deficit by outscoring MHU 14-0 in the third quarter and 7-15 in the fourth to secure the three-point victory. The win marked the first matchup between the two programs and gave the Rams a 1-0 advantage in the series.
Scouting the Rams
The Rams are led by several players who currently rank among the CIAA's statistical leaders after week zero, including
Taron Biles-Walker,
Jayden Grimes and
Maurice Odom.
Offensively, Winston-Salem State is led by quarterback Kendall McKoy, who completed 14-of-24 passes for 88 yards in the season opener. Biles-Walker leads the Rams' receiving corps with five receptions for 69 yards, ranking third in the CIAA in receiving yards.
Defensively, the Rams are anchored by Odom, who leads the team with nine total tackles and two tackles for loss. Odom currently ranks fourth in the CIAA in tackles and third in tackles for loss.
Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman and
Chancellor Smith each added five tackles, while
Avir Johnson and
Kameron Langford recorded four tackles apiece. As a team, Winston-Salem State recorded 63 tackles and two tackles for loss in the opener.
On special teams, Grimes has emerged as a key return threat, ranking third in the CIAA in kickoff return yards. He totaled 73 yards on three kickoff returns, averaging 24.3 yards per return with a long of 29 yards. Punter
Anthony Barrett averaged 37.3 yards on seven punts, including a long of 48 yards.
Scouting Mars Hill
Mars Hill University will open its 2026 season Saturday night when the Lions travel to Bowman Gray Stadium to face WSSU. The Lions are led by second-year head coach Kevin Barnette, who brings extensive defensive experience to the program after serving as Mars Hill's longtime defensive coordinator.
Offensively, Mars Hill is expected to feature redshirt sophomore quarterback Lukas Kachilo, with sophomore Dax Varnadore listed as his backup. The Lions' backfield is led by redshirt sophomore Rayvon Durant, who is joined by junior Nate Crosby Jr. and sophomore JT Way. At the skill positions, sophomore Collyn Shokes, sophomore Charlie Guinade, sophomore Brayden Marvel and freshman CJ Morrison headline the projected starters.
Defensively, Mars Hill features a veteran presence across its front seven and secondary. Senior Samuel Rwibuka and junior Russell Barnett anchor the interior defensive line, while sophomore Wayne Austell, redshirt freshman Jamarion Farrior, senior Isaac Weaver and junior Donovan Thompson make up the projected linebacker group. In the secondary, senior Jayden Alberty, redshirt junior Caden Hilemon, senior Jah'Mere La'Sane and red shirt freshman LJ Berry are listed among the starters.
On special teams, redshirt sophomore Chad Giarrusso is listed as the Lions' punter, while redshirt freshman Matthias Newsome handles kicking duties. Senior Cash Watkins is the projected kickoff returner, with red-shirt freshman Ryder Bush-Ivanko listed as the primary punt returner.
Up Next
Winston-Salem State will return home to open CIAA play against Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Bowman Gray Stadium.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
