Nicholls State kicks off its 2025 football campaign against Southland Conference rival Incarnate Word, ranked No. 4 nationally. The matchup is part of opening weekend and follows the Kansas State–Iowa State clash in Dublin, making it the second official game of the season and the first at the FCS level.
Saturday also marks the debut of new Colonels head coach Tommy Rybacki. Entering his 11th year with the program, Rybacki takes over the top role and looks to extend the defensive standard that has been a hallmark of Nicholls during his time on staff.
How To Watch Nicholls State vs. No. 4 Incarnate Word
Game Details
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: Noon CT
Location: John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, La.
How to Watch
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN app
Radio: Local affiliates for Nicholls and Incarnate Word
The matchup carries historical significance for both programs and the league, as it marks the first Southland Conference game broadcast nationally and the first Nicholls home contest shown on ESPN2.
COLONEL NATION: BRING THE NOISE! #4 UIW vs. Nicholls, Sat. 12 noon. Purchase Tickets: https://t.co/p6MmTwsSiT pic.twitter.com/mYEIr452eM
— Shane M. Kliebert (@skliebert) August 21, 2025
Incarnate Word closed the 2024 season with a 3-2 record in its final five games. The Cardinals notched victories against Villanova (13-6), Texas A&M-Commerce (38-24), Stephen F. Austin (27-20), and Lamar (41-20) before their season ended with a 55-14 loss at South Dakota State in the FCS playoffs.
Nicholls finished 1-4 down the stretch a year ago. The Colonels picked up a 24-19 win over McNeese on Oct. 27 but then fell to Stephen F. Austin (28-12), Houston Christian (24-21), Lamar (24-7), and Southeastern Louisiana (19-16).
Nicholls Seeks Payback Against No. 4 Incarnate Word in Season Opener
Nicholls State and Incarnate Word meet Saturday with the all-time series tied 6-6. The Cardinals controlled last year’s contest, defeating the Colonels 55-10 in San Antonio. Nicholls now aims to deliver an upset and erase the memory of that decisive loss.
The rivalry has swung multiple times. Nicholls won five straight between 2016 and 2020, while UIW answered with back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022.
“We’re incredibly excited to open the college football season at home on ESPN2,” Rybacki said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Nicholls State University and our team to showcase what makes this place so special on a national stage. The Southland Conference plays an exciting brand of football, and we can’t wait for the country to see it on Aug. 23. Geaux Colonels!”
Nicholls ranked 12th nationally in total defense in 2024, allowing just 83.9 rushing yards per game, fourth-best in the FCS. The defense generated 29 turnovers, including 19 interceptions, both of which ranked third nationally.
