Before each Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
Grambling State
Tigers
This week, we’re joined by Matt Belinson, who covers Grambling State football as part of his job as the sports editor for the Ruston Leader, Grambling’s local newspaper.
In this edition of Across The Field, Belinson tells us about Grambling’s rich football history, what people are expecting from the Tigers this season, their top players to watch and why Ohio State fans are in for a treat with the Tiger Marching Band coming to town.
This will be the first time Grambling State has ever played Ohio State. For Buckeye fans who may be unfamiliar with the program, what should they know about Grambling State's football tradition?
Belinson: Grambling State football is one of the most historic programs in the nation, regardless of division. Football has changed so much since the last time GSU was relevant, so a Grambling State won't gain the attention of an Ohio State anymore, but this program once had a championship pedigree just like the Buckeyes.
GSU is best known for its days under its Hall of Fame head coach Eddie Robinson. Robinson's 408 career wins are third all-time among Division I college coaches, and he is the only FCS head coach to reach 400 victories. He led GSU to 18 SWAC Championships, 9 Black College Football National Championships, and had 41 winning seasons.
Grambling has the most SWAC championships (28) of any school in the league, the most NFL Hall of Famers (4) of any SWAC program, and has 15 Black College National Championships.
Grambling State went 5-7 last year, but started this season with a 55-7 win (albeit against an NAIA opponent, Langston). What kind of season do you expect from the Tigers this year?
Belinson: Expectations are wide-ranging about Grambling. AD Trayvean Scott has said publicly he thinks the Tigers are good enough to win the SWAC this year but the league's coaches picked GSU to finish 5th in the SWAC West. This program hasn't had a winning season since 2019, so expectations are fairly low overall. But with Mickey Joseph calling plays this year and a veteran defense full of playmakers, I think getting to 7 wins is totally reasonable.
Who are some Grambling players to keep an eye on in this game?
Belinson: GSU's top players are on defense. Keep an eye on defensive end Bryce Cage (#4). He had 4 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and 2 QB hurries last week against Langston and is coming off a 2024 season that saw him amass 11 TFL and 4 sacks. Cornerback Blake Davis (#1) is great in coverage. He had 41 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 3 INT, and 4 PBU last year. Linebacker Brendan Barley had 39 tackles, 3 INT, and a sack last year.
Offensively, quarterback Czavian Teasett is this team's starter after a drawn-out fall camp battle with Ashton Frye. Teasett transferred in from Southern and did well against NAIA opponent Langston last week (20-25, 210 yards, 3 TD).
One thing Grambling State and Ohio State have in common is their internationally renowned marching bands. What should Ohio State fans expect to see as the “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band performs in Columbus this weekend?
Belinson: Expect an unforgettable performance. As someone who grew up unfamiliar with Grambling State's band, the last three years I've covered this program it's always a treat to watch the band at halftime. They have amazing choreography and dancing. They're going to put on a show.
What do you think would constitute a successful day for Grambling against Ohio State?
Belinson: Mickey Joseph was asked this exact question at his game week press conference on Monday and he said that he hopes GSU "plays clean and comes out healthy." I will add that I think if this new-look offense can put together 1-2 touchdown drives, you'll feel good coming out of this game if you're GSU. It would be a major confidence-booster.
