LORMAN, Miss. – Under the direction of second-year head coach Cedric Thomas, Alcorn Football held the 2026 Spring Showcase on Saturday, as the Defense defeated the Offense 36-25 at Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi.
 
With the game featuring a modified scoring system with the defensive unit going against the offensive unit, the game was exciting for all in attendance as the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and local DJs were all in attendance. The game featured a running clock through four (4) 15-minute quarters.
 
From the opening series, the defensive unit made it clear this spring has been productive.
 
Linebackers were active and physical against the run, while the secondary showcased tight coverage and forced several incompletions and a turnover off an interception in the fourth quarter. The defensive line consistently generated pressure up front with the likes of rising junior Eric Thomas Jr. (Columbus, Miss.), disrupting the offense's rhythm and preventing the unit from finding any sustained momentum.
 
"I'm really pleased with how our guys competed today," expressed Thomas afterwards. "The defense has been the story of our spring, and they showed why. They flew to the ball, they were physical, and they made it tough on the offense all day. That's exactly the kind of competition we want in this program."
 
In all, the defense forced six quarterback sacks and five additional tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
 
Another defensive lineman highlighting the afternoon was rising senior Kenneth Andrews (Clinton, Miss.).
 
Despite falling short on the scoreboard, the offense had its moments throughout the contest as well.
 
Skill position players showed athleticism and playmaking ability in space, and the receiving corps flashed potential with several contested catches downfield. Quarterbacks Raheim Jeter (Spartanburg, S.C.), a transfer from East Carolina, and Achilles Ringo (Pine Bluff, Ark.) rotated throughout the scrimmage, giving coaches a chance to evaluate depth and competition heading into the summer.
 
"The offseason is where teams are built, and I feel good about where we are heading into the summer," continued Thomas. "Our guys now know what they need to work on individually. We'll let them go home after the semester, rest, train, and come back hungry. The foundation we laid this spring gives us a lot to build on."
 
The lone touchdown of the afternoon came off a pass from Jeter to wide receiver Tyree Kelly (Cairo, Ga.), a spring signee for the Braves arriving from UMass. Not to be outdone was Jamar Kaho Jr. with a 22-yard diving one-handed catch on the sidelines in the third quarter.
 
With spring practice officially in the books, the Braves will now transition into the summer conditioning period before reconvening for fall camp ahead of the 2026 season.
 
"We're not where we want to be yet – we never are at this stage – but the effort and the attitude have been outstanding," said Thomas to the group before breaking following the game. "If [our guys] carry that same mindset into fall camp, I really like our chances. The work starts now."
 
Alcorn opens the 2026 season away to Southern Miss on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
 
Tickets for the 37th Southern Heritage Classic set to take place Saturday, Sept. 12, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, are on sale now as well. For more information on the Southern Heritage Classic, please visit the official website by clicking here.
 
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