TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Fort Valley State University Football (1-3, 1-1 SIAC) picked up its first victory of the 2025 season with a 27-20 road win over Tuskegee University (2-3, 1-2 SIAC) on Saturday evening.

The Wildcats struck quickly on their opening possession. On the first play of the drive, quarterback Jai'Que Hart connected with J.T. Pendleton for an 84-yard touchdown to give FVSU an early 7-0 lead. The Golden Tigers answered with a drive of their own but were held to a field goal by the Wildcat defense, making it 7-3 after the first quarter.

Tuskegee cut the deficit to one early in the second quarter with another field goal, 7-6. FVSU responded on its next drive as Alexander Wilson powered in from two yards out to push the lead to 13-6 after a missed extra point. The Wildcats carried that advantage into halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter start, FVSU extended its lead with a 63-yard drive capped by a four-yard rushing touchdown from Wilson, 19-6. Tuskegee finally broke through late in the quarter with a short touchdown pass to pull within 19-13.

The momentum quickly swung back to the Wildcats as Braelen Morgan returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards to the house. A successful two-point conversion from Hart to Alex Henton stretched the lead to 27-13. The Golden Tigers kept fighting, connecting on a 27-yard touchdown pass to make it 27-20, but FVSU's Paul Burkly secured the onside kick attempt to seal the win.

Hart had an efficient night under center, completing 14-of-16 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown. Pendleton led the receiving corps with 137 yards and a score on five catches. Wilson finished with two rushing touchdowns on 26 yards, while Micheal Cabellero paced the ground attack with 52 yards on eight carries.

Defensively, Jadyn Walker and David Moncrief paced the Wildcats with eight tackles apiece, while DeAndre Boykins added seven. Joey Samples tallied 1.5 tackles for loss – both sacks – for 13 yards. Daymon Polite and K.J. Spence each hauled in interceptions, while Darnell Stephens and Kion Threalkill recorded pass breakups.

FVSU will look to carry its momentum into Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 4, when the Wildcats host Central State University at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on HBCUGo.