Nicholls Set for 2024 Debut at LA Tech - Nicholls State University Athletics (2024)

Jared Shanklin

• The Nicholls State University football team kicks off its 2024 campaign with an in-state trip to FBS Louisiana Tech, making the trip to Ruston for the first time since 2009. The Colonels will not only be aiming for their win over the Bulldogs but will be looking for their first FBS victory over an in-state program. Kickoff in Joe Aillet Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be listened to on ESPN Radio New Orleans 100.3 FM.

• Nicholls will be looking to snap its current nine-game losing streak against FBS opponents while claiming its fifth FBS win since 2000. The last victory for the Red and Gray came in an overtime win at Big 12 member Kansas to start the '18 season. The Colonels lost the following year at Kansas State and then went 0-2 in '21, '22 and '23, falling to Memphis, Louisiana, South Alabama, ULM, TCU and Tulane. Although Nicholls fell short against the Ragin' Cajuns in '21, they took UL down to the wire in a 27-24 loss. The Colonels also had close calls in 2016, dropping a 26-24 game at No. 9 Georgia before their 41-40 overtime loss at South Alabama. The other three victories were against Arkansas State ('01), Rice ('07) and Western Michigan ('13).

• For the first time since 2021, Nicholls will be begin the season ranked in the Preseason Top 25 Poll. After making their fourth playoff appearance since 2017, the Colonels rank No. 23 in the preseason media poll and No. 24 in the coaches' edition. Joining Nicholls in the polls from the Southland is UIW at No. 14/15. The two teams are set to open Southland play on Oct. 12 in San Antonio.

• The Colonels received nine first-place votes and 119 total points to take the top spot in the 2024 SLC Preseason Poll. UIW followed closely in second – with eight first-place votes – and 113 points. On the preseason all-conference side, Nicholls checked in with 15 selections to lead the way, while Lamar and UIW added 10 selections, respectively. The Colonels placed 12 players on first-team and three on second. First-Team selections on offense were running backs Jaylon Spears, who is the league's reigning Player of the Year, and Collin Guggenheim, offensive lineman Evan Roussel, tight end Lee Negrotto, wide receiver Quincy Brown, and punter Kylan Dupre. Making first team on defense were defensive linemen Rasheed Lovelace, Kershawn Fisher and Joe Mason, linebacker Hayden Shaheen, and defensive backs Tyler Morton and Kendarius Smith. Second-team honorees were quarterback Pat McQuaide, offensive lineman Reed Lambert, and linebacker Eli Ennis.

4 --Nicholls has four wins over FBS programs since 2000, with the last coming in 2018 with an overtime victory at Kansas. Under Coach Rebowe, the Colonels had close calls at No. 9 Georgia (26-24), Texas A&M (24-14) and Louisiana (27-24), and also fell in overtime to South Alabama (41-40). The other three victories were against Arkansas State ('01), Rice ('07) and Western Michigan ('13).

12--Running back Jaylon Spears registered 12 explosive plays last season (20-plus yards) en route to being named SLC Player of the Year. Included in those plays was a 69-yard touchdown against Lamar, an 88-yard catch-and-run vs. SEMO, and a 73-yard catch-and-run at Southeastern.

17 --Nicholls welcomes back a total of 17 starters on offense and defense from last year's championship squad. Eight are set to return on offense, not including the league's Player of the Year -- Jaylon Spears, who technically didn't start last season. Nine are back on defense including Tyler Morton who was named to the Buck Buchanan Watch List. Kylan Dupre also returns for his third season at punter.

32:09 --Nicholls finished the year ranked 14th in the FCS in time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 32 minutes and nine seconds. The Colonels held the advantage in TOP in five of their six wins with the lone exception being the victory at Commerce where the Lions were just +1:08.

93--The Nicholls roster features 93 Louisiana natives, which is the most of any Division I roster this season. The Colonels have held the distinction for most of Tim Rebowe's career, usually having atleast 90 players from the Pelican State.

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