#2 Landon Varnes giving his offense the play call, Nov. 7, 2026 at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. Photo by Jackson Louneoubonh
Kennesaw State football earned its second Conference USA win of the season, defeating the Delaware Blue Hens for a tight 42-40 victory on Saturday afternoon at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium on Homecoming.
“I think our guys did a heck of a job of making sure that when we had to come up with the big stops, we came up with the big stops,” Owls coach Jerry Mack said. “You saw offense, defense and special teams, all phases of the game come together and play.”
Wide receiver Davis Bryson quickly scored a 99-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff, building momentum early for KSU. Shortly after, Delaware responded with a touchdown of its own before taking advantage of a Rickie Collins interception, returning it for a touchdown to extend its lead to 15-6.
Collins helped the Owls respond with an eight-yard rushing touchdown, getting to the end zone after a drive supported by running back Boogie Woods III and wide receiver Dylan Gary. KSU cut the Blue Hens’ lead to 15-13 heading into the second quarter.
Woods III started the second quarter with a 26-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Owls a 20-15 lead. Delaware answered with another touchdown, but KSU regained the lead with a field goal by Daniel Kinney.
Woods III found the end zone again late in the first half with a one-yard touchdown run, extending the Owls’ lead to 30-22. The Blue Hens added a 54-yard field goal in the final seconds, leaving KSU ahead 30-25 at halftime.
Delaware opened the second half with a touchdown to regain the lead at 31-30. The Owls responded with another field goal from Kinney, but the Blue Hens added three points of their own to take a 34-33 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Landon Varnes connected with tight end Reed Jesiolowski for a 63-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth, giving KSU the lead back at 39-34. Kinney added his third field goal of the afternoon to extend the Owls’ advantage to 42-34 with 8:25 remaining.
The Blue Hens continued to push offensively, putting together a late drive that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Graves with 24 seconds remaining. Delaware attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game but failed, allowing KSU to hold on for the 42-40 win.
Woods III finished with 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Varnes recorded 254 passing yards and a touchdown. Bryson contributed 232 all-purpose yards, including his opening kickoff return.
Looking ahead, the Owls will travel to Huntsville, Texas, to take on Sam Houston on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
