FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Fort Valley State University Wildcats closed out their 2026 football campaign Thursday evening, displaying offensive explosiveness and resilience before falling 24-13 to the Clark Atlanta University Panthers in their season finale at Wildcat Stadium.
In front of 813 fans on Senior Night, the Wildcats delivered a competitive performance, finishing with 381 total yards of offense compared to Clark Atlanta's 302. Fort Valley State also controlled possession for 32:10 and generated 19 first downs while continuing to fight throughout the contest.
After falling behind 10-0 in the first half, the Wildcats found their rhythm just before halftime. Quarterback Saadiq Teel capped an impressive 91-yard scoring drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown with just 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Kyle Keese added the extra point, sending the Wildcats into the locker room trailing 10-7.
The two teams battled through a scoreless third quarter before Fort Valley State delivered another explosive scoring drive in the fourth. Starting from its own 16-yard line, the Wildcats marched 84 yards on seven plays. Teel provided the highlight, breaking loose for a 28-yard rushing touchdown with 9:33 remaining to give Fort Valley State its first lead of the night at 13-10.
TEEL LEADS WILDCAT OFFENSIVE ATTACK
Teel delivered an impressive dual-threat performance in the season finale, completing 20 of 30 passes for 214 yards while adding 50 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He accounted for both of Fort Valley State's touchdowns and provided the Wildcats with a consistent offensive presence.
The Wildcats finished with 262 passing yards and 119 rushing yards, averaging 6.1 yards per play. Fort Valley State completed 23 of 36 passing attempts, with contributions from multiple receivers.
J.T. Pendleton led the receiving corps with seven receptions for 58 yards. Taye-Jon Johnson-Cook added two catches for 41 yards, while Malik Mullins contributed three receptions for 38 yards. Jaylin Linder hauled in a 25-yard reception, and Solomon Burney added a 24-yard catch.
On the ground, Rodrick Payne contributed 36 yards on seven carries, while Justin Tita added 22 yards on three attempts. Teel's 28-yard touchdown run was the Wildcats' longest rushing play of the evening.
DEFENSE MAKES ITS PRESENCE FELT
Defensively, Fort Valley State continued to battle against a Clark Atlanta offense that produced 184 rushing yards and 118 passing yards.
DeZavion Holman and Lacedric Foster led the Wildcats with eight tackles apiece. Holman recorded a tackle for loss and added a quarterback hurry, while Foster finished with a sack and two tackles for loss.
Andrew Dixon delivered a strong performance in the defensive front, recording six tackles, including a six-yard sack and a tackle for loss. Malachi Kemp and Keontay Kidd each contributed five tackles, while Belardi Thomas and Artellious Edmond added four tackles apiece.
The Wildcats also received a turnover contribution from their defensive unit, as Semaj Hicks recovered a fumble. Fort Valley State recorded four tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries while limiting Clark Atlanta to 15 first downs.
BUILDING TOWARD 2027
Although the Wildcats came up short in the season finale, the performance provided several positives to carry into the offseason. Fort Valley State demonstrated its offensive potential with 381 total yards, a pair of rushing touchdowns, and several explosive plays on both sides of the football.
The 2026 campaign concludes with the Wildcats holding a 2-8 overall record and a 1-7 mark in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. As the program turns its attention toward 2027, the focus shifts to continued development, strengthening the foundation, and preparing for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Fort Valley State thanks Wildcat Nation, its alumni, supporters, and the university community for their continued commitment throughout the season. While the 2026 chapter has come to a close, the work toward a stronger 2027 campaign begins now.
