WHEN: September 05, 2026 (Sat.) 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Nacogdoches, Texas (Homer Bryce Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
East Texas Tough Night

The battle lines are drawn for one of the oldest, rivalries in Texas football! (60th Meeting)

This Saturday, #13 Stephen F. Austin State (1-0, 1-0) opens its home slate at Homer Bryce Stadium, welcoming long-time foe East Texas A&M (0-1, 0-0) for a high-stakes, under-the-lights showdown.

While East Texas A&M holds the historical 44-14-1 series lead dating back to 1924, SFA has dominated recently, winning three of the last four meetings. As SFA continues celebrating 100 years of football, they are looking to extend a massive 9-game conference win streak following their historic, perfect conference run in 2025.

The Lions are battle-tested, entering their second straight week against Top 20 competition. After a heartbreaking 23-15 loss at #17 Mercer where a final-play pass into the end zone fell just short of forcing overtime, the Lions are hungry for an upset.

• Stingy Defense: After giving up 44 points per game last season, the overhauled Lion defense looks dangerous. They completely shut out Mercer in the second half last week. Big junior defensive back #0 Tramar Gilbert (6'2", 226 lbs) anchors the unit, coming off a ferocious 10-tackle performance.
• 6th-year senior quarterback #11 Eric Rodriguez (235 yards, 1 TD at Mercer) triggers the offense alongside dynamic running back #6 EJ Oakmon, who gashed Mercer for 87 yards on a 6.0-yard average.
• The X-Factor: Keep your eyes on electric senior wideout #4 Micah Simpson. He tore up the secondary last week with 10 catches for 168 yards, including a thrilling 48-yard bomb to the end zone.

The last two meetings in Commerce were absolute dogfights. SFA suffered a playoff-crushing 19-14 loss in 2024 before escaping with a tight 31-21 victory last season. Now, the venue shifts back to "The Nac" for a highly anticipated home opener. SFA is riding unprecedented momentum, but the Lions have proven they have the muscle to disrupt the Lumberjacks' historic run. The purple-and-white faithful are out in full force, and the expectation is clear: protect home turf, the title, and the winning streak.

Axe'Em!

Saturday, Sept. 5 vs. East Texas A&M East Texas Tough Night Kickoff: 7 p.m.
"The Lumberjacks open their home schedule by celebrating the toughness and pride that define East Texas. Fans can receive a commemorative 100 Seasons pennant while supplies last. The evening will also recognize the SFA Marching Band's centennial and welcome band alumni back to Homer Bryce Stadium." SFA