Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff opened its 2026 football season in strong fashion Saturday night, defeating Morehouse College 35-15 in the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium.
The Golden Lions used a balanced offensive attack and several big plays to pull away from Morehouse after a competitive start. UAPB took control in the second quarter and carried a 21-7 advantage into the later stages of the game.
Quarterback Garrison Davis played an important role in the victory, completing 10 of 15 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest play came on a 94-yard touchdown pass to Demetric Whitlock, giving the Golden Lions a major spark.
Whitlock was the standout receiver of the night. He caught five passes for 160 yards and scored three touchdowns, helping UAPB consistently threaten the Morehouse defense with explosive plays.
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The Golden Lions also found success on the ground. Jaylen Jennings carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, while Jalen Williams added 76 rushing yards. Williams provided another highlight with a 70-yard touchdown run that helped UAPB maintain its momentum.
Morehouse did not go quietly. After falling behind 21-7 in the second quarter, the team responded with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, cutting the Golden Lions’ lead to 21-15.
That comeback attempt, however, was short-lived. UAPB answered with two touchdown passes in the third quarter, quickly restoring control and creating enough separation to put the game out of reach.
The victory gives the Golden Lions a 1-0 start to the new season and provides an early boost as they prepare for a much different challenge on the road.
UAPB will return to action Sept. 3, when the Golden Lions travel to face Missouri. The team will then return to Little Rock for its home debut Sept. 19 against Central State.
For UAPB, the opening-night victory was also part of a new event for Arkansas college football. The inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic gave the Golden Lions an opportunity to begin the season at War Memorial Stadium, and they made the most of it with an impressive offensive performance and a convincing 35-15 win.
