Colonels Secure Historic Win in Coach Rybacki's Debut
In a remarkable head coaching debut, Tommy Rybacki led Nicholls State University to a 20-6 victory over the highly-ranked UIW in a Southland Conference matchup at home. This win not only marked Rybacki's first triumph as a head coach but also saw the Colonels (1-0, 1-0 SLC) defeating a top-five opponent for the second time in three years, handing the defending champions their first conference loss since 2023.
The game featured a dominant defensive performance, with Nicholls limiting UIW's offense to just six points and 204 total yards, the lowest for the Cardinals since 2017. Key plays included a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Ty Marsh and a 55-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Deuce Hogan to Karaaz Johnson. The defense also recorded multiple turnovers, including three interceptions. As the Colonels prepare for their next match against Troy, the team looks to build on this successful start to the season.
