THE DELTA | Riding the momentum of back-to-back fourth-quarter comeback victories, the Mississippi Valley State University football team returns to Rice-Totten Stadium on Saturday, October 17, to host Bethune-Cookman University in a pivotal Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division matchup.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the contest airing live on SWAC TV. The matchup also serves as the centerpiece of Mississippi Valley State's Homecoming 2026 celebration, themed "Let the Good Times Roll."

Under second-year head coach Terrell Buckley, the Delta Devils (3-4, 2-1 SWAC) have found their rhythm at a crucial point in the season. Valley enters Saturday's contest riding a two-game winning streak, with both victories coming in dramatic fourth-quarter comeback fashion. The recent surge has propelled MVSU into a three-way tie for first place in the SWAC Eastern Division standings.

A Valley Team Finding Its Identity
The Delta Devils have demonstrated resilience and determination over their last two outings, beginning with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Prairie View A&M on October 3 at Rice-Totten Stadium.

Valley followed that performance with another statement victory on the road, rallying past Texas Southern, 38-34, on October 10 in Houston. The win marked MVSU's second consecutive conference victory and continued the program's upward momentum heading into Homecoming.

With two straight fourth-quarter comebacks, the Delta Devils have shown an ability to respond under pressure and finish games when the stakes are highest.

Now, Valley looks to turn that momentum into a third consecutive victory while strengthening its position in the conference championship race.

Brown Leading the Offensive Charge
Quarterback Josh Brown has emerged as a key catalyst for the Delta Devils' offensive success.

Through seven games, Brown has completed 89 of 162 passes for 931 yards and seven touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback also leads Valley's rushing attack with 343 yards and six touchdowns on 78 carries, accounting for 13 total touchdowns this season.

Brown's ability to extend plays and create opportunities through the air and on the ground has provided the Delta Devils with an explosive offensive dimension.

Wide receiver Dayvian Bluitt has established himself as Valley's leading receiving threat in yardage, hauling in 14 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Bluitt is averaging an impressive 23.0 yards per reception, giving the Delta Devils a dangerous downfield weapon.

Jaylen King leads the team with 26 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while Caleb Brownlow has contributed 189 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches. Brownlow has also added 124 rushing yards and a touchdown, providing versatility in the offensive attack.

Nicholas Buggs has contributed nine receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Norman Taylor and Dezmond Ray have combined for 305 rushing yards.
As a unit, the Delta Devils have accumulated 1,944 yards of total offense through seven games, including 1,042 passing yards and 902 rushing yards.

Defensive Playmakers Setting the Tone
On the defensive side of the ball, Mississippi Valley State continues to receive strong contributions from several key playmakers.

Defensive standout Javieane Stevens has been a disruptive force along the defensive front, leading the Delta Devils with seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Stevens has also registered 32 total tackles and five quarterback hurries through seven games.

Malek Jackson leads the defense with 37 total tackles, followed by Kamsi Arinze with 34 tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack.

Linebacker Douglas Franklin has recorded 26 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack, while Christ Kore has added 28 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.

In the secondary, Joey Davis leads the team with two interceptions, while Jamari Stokes has contributed 28 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups.

Tyrell Johnson has also delivered a game-changing defensive highlight this season, recording a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Delta Devils have collected five interceptions as a team and will look to create additional takeaways against Bethune-Cookman.

Homecoming 2026: Let the Good Times Roll
Saturday's contest carries significance beyond the conference standings as Mississippi Valley State welcomes alumni, former student-athletes, students and supporters back to The Valley for its annual Homecoming celebration.

With momentum building around the football program, the Delta Devils will have an opportunity to extend their winning streak in front of the Valley faithful at Rice-Totten Stadium.

The matchup against Bethune-Cookman presents another important test for Buckley's squad as the Delta Devils seek to maintain their momentum and remain among the leaders in the SWAC Eastern Division.

With two consecutive comeback victories already in hand, Valley will look to deliver another memorable performance on Homecoming Saturday.

Game Information
Matchup: Mississippi Valley State vs. Bethune-Cookman
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT
Location: Rice-Totten Stadium | Itta Bena, Mississippi
Broadcast: SWAC TV
Theme: Homecoming 2026 – "Let the Good Times Roll"
MVSU Record: 3-4 Overall | 2-1 SWAC

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