Battle of the Lions: No. 16 Southeastern Hosts East Texas A&M

Drake LeBlanc • October 31, 2025

The Game

The Southeastern Louisiana Lions return home to Strawberry Stadium this Thursday night for another great Southland Conference matchup against the East Texas A&M Lions. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Hammond, America. This week also marks Military Night, where all military members with identification receive free admission as the university honors those who serve.


Southeastern enters the contest at 6-2 overall and 4-0 in Southland Conference play, ranked No. 16 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 21 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25. The Lions are undefeated against FCS opponents this season and have outscored them by an average of 33.2 points per game, according to @LionUpFootball on X, tied with No. 1 North Dakota State for the best point differential in the FCS.



The Southeastern Lions are also 3-1 all time against East Texas A&M, winning the last two meetings. While Southeastern is in the middle of a title race with Lamar and Stephen F. Austin, this week’s opponent cannot be overlooked. The Lions of Commerce, Texas may have a 2-6 record, but their level of play has been far stronger than the numbers suggest.

The Season So Far

Southeastern is coming off a 38-14 win over Houston Christian, improving to 6-2 and extending its win streak to four. The Lions’ offense has remained balanced and consistent, averaging 393.8 total yards per game with 1725 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns on the year. Quarterbacks Carson Camp and Kyle Lowe continue to split time effectively under center, keeping defenses off balance with a mix of tempo and play design.


In the receiving corps, Jaylon Domingeaux has been a steady and reliable presence, averaging 59.1 yards per game while leading the team in receptions and yardage. The backfield trio of Deantre Jackson, Calvin Smith Jr., and Jaedon Henry has powered the rushing attack to over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, giving Southeastern one of the most well-rounded offenses in the Southland.


Defensively, Southeastern continues to set the tone across the conference, allowing just 288.9 yards per game. Linebacker KK Reno leads the team in total tackles and has been a key factor in run containment. Defensive back Khamron Ford continues to be a dependable playmaker on the back end, while Ian Conerly-Goodly and Kaleb Proctor have been disruptive forces as well. Proctor has garnered national attention as one of the Top 10 FCS Prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, ranked No. 5 on that list.


Southeastern has recorded 24 sacks and 54 tackles for loss, while holding opponents to just 19 points per game. Their ability to wear teams down has been a key factor in sustaining success throughout the season.


Special Teams has remained a major weapon for Southeastern. Brandon Hayes, fresh off back-to-back weeks with kickoff return touchdowns, continues to give the Lions momentum-shifting plays on special teams and ranks among the most dangerous return men in the FCS. Dkhai Joseph is right there with him, at 237 punt return yards and a TD on the year. Cade Collier also recovered a fumbled punt, leading to a score in the game versus HCU.

The East Texas A&M Story

East Texas A&M enters this matchup at 2-6 overall and 2-2 in Southland play, but their record does not reflect how competitive they’ve been. The Lions from Commerce, Texas have played several of the Southland’s best down to the wire. They led Lamar for most of the game before losing a heartbreaker late in the fourth quarter, and they were tied with Stephen F. Austin until just over seven minutes remained before falling to the Lumberjacks. Each of their four FCS losses has come by fewer than ten points.

This is a team that knows how to compete, they just haven’t found the stamina to finish. Despite that, East Texas A&M has proven capable of hanging with top-tier programs, showing the same resilience that earned them the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship before moving to the FCS.


ETAMU averages 379.6 yards per game on offense, with quarterbacks Ron Peace and Eric Rodriguez combining for 2,141 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Wideouts Devin Matthews (535 yards, 5 TDs) and Christian Jourdain (486 yards, 2 TDs) headline a passing attack capable of striking quickly, while running back EJ Oakmon adds balance with 7 rushing touchdowns.


Defensively, East Texas A&M allows 423.6 yards per game but has shown flashes of disruption, led by linebacker Koby-Sebasyen King, who has recorded 68 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. ETAMU's defense has totaled 17 sacks on the season and will bring consistent pressure off the edges, something Southeastern’s offensive line, which has surrendered 16 sacks this year, will need to handle early.

Predictions

This game has all the makings of a classic “don’t overlook them” matchup. East Texas A&M has proven time and again that they can compete with the top teams in the Southland, and their record doesn’t reflect how close they’ve been to major wins. Still, Southeastern comes into this one with momentum, depth, and confidence as well as a defense that wears opponents down over four quarters.


Expect Southeastern to return with a chip on their shoulder after last week’s three-turnover outing and play with renewed focus. The Lions’ defense should outlast ETAMU’s offense in stamina, while the special teams unit could once again make a major impact in front of the Home Crowd.


Final Prediction:

Southeastern 38, East Texas A&M 17.

The Lions of Hammond extend their winning streak to five, remain unbeaten in Southland play, and continue their march toward an FCS playoff berth.

Where to find me?

 X: @LionUpLeBlanc

You can also see me on the weekly Louisiana Gameday show, previewing all the College Football in Louisiana!

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Camp Season football poster at Tulane Green Wave stadium, New Orleans, with a lit field and crowd at dusk

Tulane Green Wave Football Camp Recap: Four Standout Prospects Earn Scholarship Offers at Yulman Stadium

By Patrick Harkness • June 4, 2026
Yesterday, June 3, 2026, the Tulane Green Wave hosted one of their key summer Football Camps (June 7, 10, 17) at the Indoor Facility and Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Dozens of high school prospects from Louisiana and surrounding areas participated in position-specific drills, one-on-one competitions, and 7-on-7 sessions led by Head Coach Will Hall and the Green Wave coaching staff. The camp environment looked electric, with prospects getting valuable exposure to college-level coaching and facilities. Several players stood out, but four prospects in particular left a strong impression and were extended scholarship offers from Tulane. Here’s a closer look at the four players who earned offers. 1. Shaun Phillips | Class of 2029 | OL | The Dunham School (Houma, LA area) @phillips1shaun 6’5”, 285 lbs The massive offensive tackle earned his first collegiate scholarship offer from Tulane. A former Houma Christian standout now at The Dunham School, Phillips turned heads with his rare size-length combination for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Size & Power: Ideal OT frame with long arms and natural power; he engulfs defenders and creates movement in the run game. • Movement Skills: Surprisingly light on his feet with good balance and agility for his size in pass-pro and pull drills. • Hand Technique & Leverage: Showed strong hand placement and the ability to sustain blocks, traits that translate well to college. • Projection & Fit: High-upside developmental tackle with All-Conference potential. Fits perfectly in Tulane’s modern spread offense that demands athletic, long offensive linemen who can handle both zone and power concepts. 2. James Tyson | Class of 2027 | DB | St. Charles Catholic HS (LaPlace, LA) @Jetyson28 6’0”, 180 lbs athletic build An emerging prospect in Louisiana’s talented 2027 class, Tyson flashed the coverage skills and physicality that college defensive backs need. Competed well throughout the day and earned a scholarship offer. • Coverage & Athleticism: Fluid hips, good transition ability, and the speed to stay on top of routes in man or zone. • Ball Skills & Instincts: Showed natural hands and ability to make plays on the football in 7-on-7 and individual drills. • Physicality & Run Support: Willing tackler who contributes in the box and on the perimeter, not just a coverage specialist. • Projection & Fit: Versatile DB who can play corner, nickel, or develop into a safety role. Tulane’s secondary values length, athleticism, and multi-positional flexibility; Tyson checks those boxes and has starter upside. 3. Jayden Taylor | Class of 2028 | OL | St. Augustine HS (New Orleans, LA) @the_jtaylor72 6’4”, 255 lbs The St. Augustine Purple Knights left tackle brought his physical “bully” style to camp and dominated in the trenches. A proven camp performer, Taylor earned a scholarship offer from the Green Wave. • Power & Run Blocking: Strong base, heavy hands, and the ability to move defenders off the ball, a true mauler in the run game. • Pass Protection: Good feet and punch timing; held up well against camp competition in one-on-ones. • Leadership & Character: High-character player and leader on the field, the exact profile Tulane targets in the trenches. • Projection & Fit: Versatile offensive lineman who can stay at tackle or slide inside. Adds size, strength, and nastiness. 4. Jaden Turner | Class of 2029 | DB | John Curtis | New Orleans, LA 6’0”, 165 lbs @jaden_1of1 A young defensive back who flashed significant upside throughout camp drills and earned a scholarship offer from Tulane. • Athletic Tools & Range: Excellent change of direction, burst, and range in coverage and pursuit, traits that stand out for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Ball Production & Playmaking: Natural hands and instincts; made several plays on the ball in 7-on-7 sessions. • Tackling & Physicality: Good form and finishing ability in run support despite his age and frame. • Projection & Fit: High-ceiling developmental DB with room to grow physically and technically. Tulane’s defensive backfield is building depth with speed and playmakers; Turner has the traits to and potentially develop into a long-term contributor. These four offers highlight Tulane’s aggressive and smart approach to regional recruiting, identifying high-upside Louisiana talent early and building relationships through camps and evaluations. With the Green Wave coming off strong seasons and looking to sustain success in the American Conference, adding physical, athletic, and high-character prospects like Shaun Phillips, James Tyson, Jayden Taylor, and Jaden Turner strengthens both the present and future of the program. Tulane has additional camp dates coming up (June 7, 10, and 17). Expect more offers and evaluations as the staff continues to build the 2027–2030 classes. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave #RMFW

Tulane Green Wave Recruiting

By Patrick Harkness • June 4, 2026
Tulane Green Wave Recruiting  Tulane Green Wave Football is hosting official visits for Class of 2027 recruits this weekend (June 5-7) (June 12-14) (June 19-21) (June 26-28) Under head coach Will Hall, the program is aggressively building its 2027 class following a strong start that already includes six commitments. Official visits represent a key phase for rising high school juniors (Class of 2027). Prospects can evaluate campus life, coaching staff, facilities, academics, and team culture in a more structured setting. Tulane’s unique location in New Orleans adds a major draw, world-class academics, vibrant culture, food, and entertainment combined with competitive football at Yulman Stadium in the American Athletic Conference. Current Momentum in the 2027 Class As of early June 2026, Tulane has grown its 2027 class significantly. The Green Wave have secured around six commitments, a solid foundation for the program competing against Power conference schools and other AAC programs. Notable early pledges include QB Kingston Johnson, OL Sharontae Bailey, Owen Reineck, DB TJ Stinson, Devin Lavalais and De’Shawn Wylie. These commitments reflect Tulane’s ability to close on in-region and out-of-region talent. Official Visits This Weekend and in June Recruiting services like On3, Rivals, and their X account list official visits scheduled for early June at Tulane and beyond. They’re also hosting a wave of athletes in a range of recruiting classes for their official Camp, June 3, 7, 10, and 17. These camps will give recruits a chance for hands on Tulane coaching and maybe even a scholarship. Past camps; Bandit Warren Roberts Jr and RB Jake Randle attended camp and received a full ride and are currently on the team. Rashad Bobo a LB also received one as well and just committed to Western Kentucky. Back to Official Visits Tulane’s staff continues to pursue a balanced class with emphasis on skill positions, trenches, and athleticism. These visits typically feature stadium tours, position meetings, academic sessions, interactions with current players, and exposure to New Orleans. For many prospects, the combination of on-field development under Will Hall’s staff and the off-field experience proves very compelling. Will Hall’s Vision and Program Appeal Will Hall, promoted to head coach in December 2025 after prior roles at Tulane (including passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach) and head coaching experience at Southern Miss, brings continuity and deep local knowledge. He has emphasized Tulane as “a football school” with top-tier academics and a passionate fanbase that. The program benefits from recent on-field success, transfer portal activity that bolstered the 2026 roster, and a reputation for developing talent. Hosting official visits in June allows the staff to build personal relationships and showcase the vision for sustained AAC contention and beyond. Why This Matters for Tulane Fans and Recruits Early momentum in the 2027 class positions Tulane well for future roster building. Summer official visits often accelerate decisions, and Tulane’s staff has shown it can compete for and land talent across the Southeast and beyond. The New Orleans setting differentiates the Green Wave from many peers, recruits get a preview of college life in one of America’s most exciting cities while receiving a quality education and playing in a pro-style environment. As the weekend approaches, expect updates from the program, analysts, myself, Tulane fan content on x, and prospects themselves on social media. These visits are a critical step in what promises to be an active summer on the recruiting trail for the Green Wave. Tulane fans should stay tuned, the Wave is rolling in the 2027 cycle, and this weekend marks another important chapter. For the latest on specific visitors or commitments, follow official Tulane athletics channels and trusted recruiting analysts, myself and passionate Tulane fan creators. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave
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