JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University will open its 2026 football season at home when the Tigers welcome longtime rival Florida Memorial University to Nathaniel Glover Community Stadium for the Second Annual Unity Classic on Saturday, August 29, at 6 p.m.
The highly anticipated matchup will mark the 11th all-time meeting between the two historic HBCU programs, with Edward Waters looking to reclaim the bragging rights in a rivalry that dates back more than 80 years.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets must be purchased online at:
Purchase Edward Waters Football Tickets
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Network: SIAC Network / Black College Sports Network
Broadcasters: Charles McNiel and Bobby Bethea
Broadcast: SIAC Network – Edward Waters Tigers
Live Stats: Edward Waters Football Live Stats
WEATHER REPORT
The projected game-time forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the low 70s and a 70% chance of rain. Fans attending Saturday night's contest are encouraged to monitor the latest forecast and prepare accordingly for an exciting night of HBCU football under the lights.
2025 SEASON IN REVIEW
Edward Waters enters the 2026 campaign under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Jenkins, who returns to the sidelines looking to build on a promising first season at the helm.
Jenkins guided the Tigers to a 5-5 overall record in 2025, including a historic 3-0 start—the program's first undefeated start through three games since 1964.
Now entering his second season, Jenkins and his coaching staff will look to continue the program's upward trajectory against a familiar rival in the season opener.
COACHING RECORDS
Brian Jenkins (EWU): 5-5, 2nd season
Michael Jones (FMU): 4-6, 2nd season
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's contest will mark the 11th all-time meeting between Edward Waters and Florida Memorial. The Lions currently hold a 7-3 advantage in the all-time series and have won the last three meetings.
EDWARD WATERS TIGERS PREVIEW
The Tigers enter the 2026 season with high expectations after being selected to finish first in the SIAC Football Predicted Order of Finish. Edward Waters also received its first-ever preseason ranking in the BOXTOROW HBCU Division II Coaches Poll, entering the 2026 poll at No. 8.
Leading the Tigers' offensive attack will be SIAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Johntarrious Thomas. The senior running back eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark during the 2025 season while rewriting several Edward Waters rushing records.
At quarterback, Tavion Faulk and Demetrius Boney will lead an offense operating under first-year offensive coordinator Eric Dooley, who brings an impressive offensive pedigree to the Edward Waters program.
The Tigers return several talented pass catchers, including Torey Morrison, Izaiah Jean-Baptiste, Fatoma Paulk, Davari Morris and Antonio Russell. Paulk enters the season as an All-SIAC Second-Team selection.
The returning receivers will be joined by newcomers Xavier Irvin, Jayden Pressey, Tylon Williams and Neico Sandifer, giving the Tigers a deep and talented group of playmakers on the outside.
Up front, a revamped offensive line led by center Jimmy Lubin will look to provide protection and open running lanes for Thomas and the rest of the Tiger offense.
Defensively, Edward Waters will be led by SIAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Trevon French. The redshirt sophomore linebacker finished among the SIAC's top five in total tackles and forced fumbles during the 2025 season.
French will be joined by All-SIAC Second-Team selections Aykenon Rodgers and Jaevin Jenkins, both of whom turned in standout performances during the 2025 campaign.
The Tigers also return key contributors Lemar Harris, Davari Williams, Javon Miller, Tyreese Williams and D'Juan Grant.
That veteran core will be supplemented by newcomers Jordan Allen, Za'Quwon Moss, Amari Birth, Tamarr Fairman, Mark Bramble, Mataye Youman and Michael McGee, giving Edward Waters a defensive unit with plenty of experience and new talent.
Thomas and French have also earned national recognition entering the season after being named to the 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List. The Deacon Jones Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College or University.
Under Jenkins' leadership, the Tigers will look to establish a physical and disciplined identity on both sides of the ball. With high expectations surrounding the program, Saturday's Unity Classic will provide Edward Waters with its first opportunity to showcase the progress made during the offseason.
FLORIDA MEMORIAL LIONS PREVIEW
Florida Memorial enters the 2026 season after posting a 4-6 record in 2025. The Lions were selected to finish fifth in the 2026 Sun Conference Football Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Quarterback Tedric Wilson returns after leading the Lions with 932 passing yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
In the running game, Nygel Osborne enters the season as Florida Memorial's returning rushing leader after totaling 645 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.
The Lions' receiving corps will be led by Jalen Holly, who finished last season with 37 receptions for 684 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, Florida Memorial will look to Fernando Jeanty to anchor the unit. Jeanty, the Sun Conference Freshman of the Year, led the Lions with 59 total tackles and five sacks during the 2025 campaign.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following the Unity Classic, Edward Waters will hit the road for a challenging matchup against Division I opponent Jackson State on Saturday, September 5.
The Tigers and Tigers will meet at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. local time. The contest will be nationally televised on the HBCU Go Network.
THE COUNTDOWN IS OVER.
The Tigers are ready to open the 2026 campaign under the lights at Nathaniel Glover Community Stadium.
Edward Waters vs. Florida Memorial.
The Unity Classic.
Saturday, August 29.
6 p.m.
Tiger Nation, it's time to pack The Jungle.
Follow The Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (Twitter), /EWUTigers (Facebook) and @EWU_Athletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
