Written by: Justin “J.B.” Baines
Saturday, October 4, 2025, was a great day for Hornet fans, alumni, and players. Big Bama State celebrated its homecoming with lots of festivities surrounding the game between the Alabama State Hornets and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats out of Daytona Beach, FL. The Hornets improved to 4-1 with a 52-35 dominated victory over the Wildcats, who fall to 2-4.
The game wasn’t as close as the score may seem; Alabama State led by 31 midway through the fourth quarter. The offense put up 560 yards with only 26 minutes of time of possession. 389 of those yards came from the ground game on 39 total attempts, averaging 10 yards per carry. Jahbari Kuykendall led the team with 8 carries for 106 yards and 1 TD. Karl Ligon accounted for 2 rushing TDs, along with 59 yards. Andrew Body also chimed in with 95 yards on the ground, as he continued to be one of the most dynamic dual-threat QBs in college football. Wide receiver Jalen Jones also added to his spectacular season with another touchdown reception. This offense seems to be unstoppable, but most of the players and coaches would agree that it hasn’t even reached its peak yet.
Defensively, Bama State played well in crucial moments and made stops when needed. A pair of safeties collected a couple of turnovers as well. An interception by Deontre Morris and a fumble recovery by Ta’Shaun Sims. Although the defense is still a work in progress. Giving up 569 total yards and 35 points is never a positive thing. Improvement will be the focal point heading into the next big matchup, and quite possibly the most important SWAC game of the season when Alabama State travels to Jackson, Mississippi, to battle the Tigers of Jackson State on Saturday, October 11th.
Watch the “Bama State Recap Show” Game 5: 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/live/Lq0BHRccPtQ?si=VhspdLVWKlh22gXL