In one of the most improbable victories of the college football season, Southern University pulled off a stunning 28-27 upset over Grambling State in the 52nd annual Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The win was particularly remarkable given that Southern entered the game with just a single victory on the season and the longest losing streak in school history.
The Jaguars' triumph showcased the unpredictable magic that surrounds this historic rivalry, where tradition and pride often transcend regular season records. Despite their dismal 2-10 overall record and 1-7 conference mark, Southern refused to be defined by their struggles when it mattered most.
A Fourth Straight Victory in the Bayou Classic
Southern has now won four consecutive Bayou Classic matchups against their in-state rivals, cementing their dominance in this annual showdown regardless of their regular season performance. The rivalry game carries cultural significance far beyond typical college football contests, with both universities' marching bands and student bodies bringing intense energy to the Superdome.
The victory marks a bright spot in what has been one of the darkest seasons in Southern University football history. Coming into the game with an interim head coach and facing a Grambling team that boasted a 7-5 record, Southern's chances appeared slim on paper.
The Winning Drive
The decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when
quarterback Cam'Ron McCoy connected with Khalil Harris on a go-ahead touchdown pass that proved to be the game-winner. This clutch throw exemplified the kind of execution that separates champions from also-rans, even in a season filled with disappointment.
Running back Trey Holly was the offensive catalyst for Southern, scoring two rushing touchdowns despite dealing with an injury that forced him to miss multiple games earlier in the season. Holly's performance demonstrated the resilience and determination that defined Southern's upset bid.
Grambling's Valiant Effort Falls Short
Grambling State entered the contest as the clear favorite with their superior record, but the Tigers couldn't quite seal the victory when it counted most. The final score of 28-27 reflected how closely matched these teams were on the field, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the contest.
The Tigers' defense showed flashes of brilliance, including a defensive touchdown that kept them in the game, but ultimately couldn't generate the final stop needed to preserve the victory.
What This Means for Both Programs
For Southern, this victory provides a glimmer of hope and pride after an otherwise forgettable season. The Jaguars' ability to perform under pressure in the Bayou Classic demonstrates that their program still possesses the competitive fire necessary to compete, even when the regular season tells a different story.
For Grambling, the loss stings but doesn't diminish what has been a solid season overall. The Tigers still finished with a winning record and will look to build on their success heading into the offseason.
The 2025 Bayou Classic will be remembered as a testament to the power of rivalry football and the unpredictability that makes college sports compelling. When these two universities meet in New Orleans, records become secondary to pride, tradition, and the desire to claim bragging rights for another year.
1.
Southern defeats Grambling 28-27 in Bayou Classic - ESPN2.
Southern University vs. Grambling State Highlights - NBC Sports3.
Southern University Athletics - Box Score
Sources
1. Southern 28-27 Grambling (Nov 29, 2025) Final Score - ESPN
2. Southern University vs. Grambling State | 11/29/2025 | NBC Sports
3. Grambling State, Southern University face off in 2025 Bayou Classic ...
4. Football vs Grambling State University on 11/29/2025 - Box Score
