Benedict will try for its third SIAC football title in five years when it hosts Kentucky State in the conference championship game Saturday.
The Tigers took back-to-back trophies in 2022 and 2023 before falling to Albany State in last year’s title game, but they have come back strong in 2026 and are ranked 17th nationally in Division II.
Benedict (9-1) has won six in a row since its lone loss this season, a 20-17 heartbreaker at Tuskegee on Sept. 24. The Tigers have a balanced attack led by running backs David Smith (83.6 ypg), Christopher Johnson (52.8 ypg) and A’chean Durant (42.7 ypg), each of whom is averaging better than 6.3 yards per carry.
Kentucky State (8-2) punched its ticket to the final with an emphatic win over Morehouse last week, reaching the title game for the second time 10 years after a double-overtime loss to Fort Valley State in their lone previous appearance. The Thorobreds rely more on the passing game behind quarterback Juan Gainous, who threw for 405 yards last week and has 20 touchdowns to three interceptions this season.
Will Benedict cement its place atop the list of SIAC’s modern-day powers, or will Kentucky State take the title for the first time after 30 years in the conference? Here’s all you need to know to tune in.
Where to watch SIAC Championship Game 2026
Benedict vs. Kentucky state will air nationally on ESPNU with AJ Ricketts and Marcus Ray on the call. Fans can stream the game live on Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Additional streaming options include DIRECTV, which also offers a free trial, and the ESPN app.
Benedict vs. Kentucky State start time
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 14
- Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
The SIAC Championship Game is set to kick off Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET. The game will be played at Benedict’s Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
These teams last played during the 2024 regular season, when the Thorobreds took a 23-21 win in Columbia.
SIAC football champions history
Here are the SIAC championship winners from the last 10 years:
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Albany State |
| 2024 | Miles |
| 2023 | Benedict |
| 2022 | Benedict |
| 2021 | Albany State |
| 2020 | Canceled (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Miles |
| 2018 | Miles |
| 2017 | Tuskegee |
| 2016 | Fort Valley State |
