CHICAGO, IL | Mississippi Valley State University football heads to Chicago this weekend to face Lincoln University (PA) in the Chicago Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 12, at historic Soldier Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Central.

The Delta Devils enter the neutral-site matchup seeking their first victory of the 2026 season after opening with road contests at Nicholls and Sacramento State. Saturday provides MVSU an opportunity to turn early-season experience into progress while representing the Valley on a prominent stage for HBCU football.

Establishing consistency offensively will be a priority for Mississippi Valley State, which is averaging 126.5 rushing yards per game through its first two outings. Dezmond Ray leads the ground attack with 85 yards on 13 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt with a long run of 30 yards. Josh Brown has added 79 rushing yards on 12 attempts, while Norman Taylor has contributed 57 yards on 12 carries.

Brown has completed 17 passes for 63 yards, while Jordon Davis has connected on four passes for 59 yards. The Delta Devils will look to build on those contributions by sustaining drives and creating more opportunities in the passing game.

Jaylen King leads MVSU with six receptions, totaling 32 yards. Nicholas Buggs has a team-high 37 receiving yards on two catches, including a 35-yard reception that stands as the Delta Devils' longest passing play of the season. Jackson Hampton has added an 18-yard reception, giving Valley another target capable of moving the chains.

Defensively, Mississippi Valley State has recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery through two games. Tyrell Johnson has delivered the unit's biggest scoring play with a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jamari Stokes and Joey Davis have also recorded interceptions.

Malek Jackson and Joel Queisser share the team lead with 12 tackles apiece, followed by Will Hawkins with 10. Stokes and Christ Kore have each registered nine tackles, while Douglas Franklin has contributed eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.

Javieane Stevens has been a disruptive presence up front, leading the Delta Devils with 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. His ability to create negative plays, combined with the secondary's takeaway production, gives MVSU defensive strengths to build upon entering Saturday's contest.

For the Delta Devils, the path to a breakthrough includes protecting the football, limiting penalties and improving third-down execution. Valley has converted five of 27 third-down opportunities through two games, making sustained possessions a key area for improvement against the Lions.

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