#13 Stephen F. Austin State vs. (RV) McNeese State
WHEN: August 29, 2026 (Sat.) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Lake Chuck, Louisiana (Navarre Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
Hall of Fame Game
Welcome to the start of the 2026 season, Lumberjack Nation! As we begin our journey to defend the SLC Crown, we head on the road to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to take on the McNeese State Cowboys.
McNeese State leads the overall series 18-14-2 (including a 5-2 record in the last seven matchups) and holds an 8-9-1 all-time record at home against the Lumberjacks.
Head Coach Matt Viator is back for the second year of his second stint at McNeese State. He looks to build upon the Cowboys' 5-7 overall (4-4 SLC) record from the 2025 season.
The 2026 McNeese State roster features 22 seniors, anchoring a veteran-heavy lineup. The defense returns key impact players, including safety Javon Davis, linebacker Jermaine Hargraves, and defensive back Mason Edwards. Analysts are calling this rotation the program's deepest defensive unit in years.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys welcome back Texas Tech transfer quarterback Jake Strong. He is joined by two high-profile newcomers: senior running back Omiri Wiggins (Louisiana Tech) and sophomore Hutch Swilley (University of Louisiana), alongside a healthy offensive line that returns two starters.
Last season, Strong completed 164 passes (59%) for 2,008 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He was also a dual-threat weapon, finishing third on the team in rushing with 469 yards and 7 scores.
Transfer running back Omiri Wiggins (5'10", 210 lbs) is a former 3-star recruit who was ranked the #5 JUCO running back in 2024 out of Coffeyville CC. A former preseason All-CUSA selection, he appeared in 13 games for the Bulldogs and made 9 starts. He finished his time there with 527 yards and 4 touchdowns (averaging 5.0 yards per carry), while adding 20 receptions for 126 yards and 2 additional scores.
The Lumberjacks have not won in The Hole since a 31-28 victory in 2016. SFA looks to break that streak and avoid the Louisiana voodoo they experienced back in 2024.
Axe'Em!
